The Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund

For too many families, the cost of market rate rent is too expensive and the gross rent cost is higher than the household’s gross income. Nationally, more than three-quarters of the households earning less than $35,000 per year pay more than one-third of their monthly income towards rent. Without the benefit of a rent subsidy, these families would likely be homeless. With the assistance of the Trust Fund subsidy, families are able to work toward economic self-sufficiency through opportunities that are obtainable when they have a place to call home. The Trust Fund has also developed targeted initiatives to assist special needs groups with strategic services that link social services to housing subsidies. Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund is the largest City-funded rental assistance program in the nation and provides rental subsidies in 55 of Chicago’s 77 community areas. Our Mission: To meet the permanent housing needs of Chicago’s very low-income residents. The Trust Fund assists residents living in poverty, with incomes not exceeding 30 percent of area median income, by providing well-maintained and affordable housing. Our History: Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund (Trust Fund) was created by City Council ordinance on June 28, 1989, to provide rental assistance to residents most in need of affordable housing. Incorporated in February 1990 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, the Trust Fund is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Looking Ahead: Over the years, the Trust Fund has stayed true to its mission to provide affordable housing to Chicago’s low-income citizens. It strives to develop new partnerships and opportunities to create opportunities for affordable housing for those at-risk of homelessness.