Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí.

P.S. Going Places will be delivered exclusively via email moving forward. You are receiving this e-newsletter because your email address is on file for your account. If you know of an HCV participant family who is not receiving Going Places, it's most likely because they don't have an email address on file. We hope you'll encourage them to contact CHA and add a personal email to their account. Just remember, if possible, any email on file should belong to the voucher holder, since CHA also uses it for sensitive account-related information.

The Department of Buildings enforces the Chicago Building Code. This includes the Chicago Heat Ordinance, which mandates that during cold weather months property owners and managers must supply heat to rental units or to any unit where occupants do not have individual control of heat.

From September 15 – June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.

A property owner/manager can face fines up to $500 per day, per violation for each day they do not supply adequate heat. The reason for the lack of heat does not matter ... property owners/managers must follow the law and residences must be heated regardless.

If you don’t have adequate heat in your unit or no heat at all, you may file a complaint using 3-1-1. The Department of Buildings will investigate and take appropriate action. As always, to report an immediate danger to yourself or others, call 9-1-1.

RENTCafé Tips: Troubleshooting Your Account      

RENTCafé is a key tool when it comes to managing your voucher online. You can use it to complete your Re-Examination (when it’s time), request an Interim (should you experience a change in your household), view inspection information, access HCV resources, and read important news and announcements from CHA. However, what if you run into issues with registering for an account, logging in to your account or even timing out while trying to complete your Re-Examination? Below are some tips to help troubleshoot your account and get you back on track.

Check your internet connection. RENTCafé processes a lot of data so you’ll need a strong connection to complete your Re-Examination or Interim. Check the bottom left of your screen to see if the page is loading. You can also check your Wi-Fi strength in your computer settings or by using an internet speed test website.

Make sure you have a valid email address on file with CHA. You must use the same email address that is on file with your CHA account when creating a new RENTCafé account or logging in to your existing one! Any other email address will not work. If you need to add or change your email address, please call the CHA Customer Call Center at 312-935-2600.

Need to create a personal email address? It only takes a few steps. You can create one for free with a number of providers, including Google, Yahoo! and Outlook.

Make sure you’re using the correct password. If you forgot your password, you can easily reset it by clicking the ‘Forgot password?’ link on the RENTCafé Login page. Then, enter your User Name and a temporary password will be sent to your email on file.

You will be prompted to change your password as soon as you log in with the temporary password. Just make sure your new password is strong, at least eight (8) characters long and a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols.

Consider using a password manager to securely store your password. A password manager can automatically fill in your User Name and password, so you don't have to remember or type them in.

Still running into issues? We're here to help! Send an email to hcv@thecha.org and provide as much information as possible, including any screenshots so we can identify the issue and get you back up and running.

Did you know you can now request a reasonable accommodation from CHA online? Introducing CHA's Reasonable Accommodation Portal, an easy-to-use platform that not only allows you to submit requests but also ask CHA staff questions and get status updates.

The process is simple. To get started, visit reasonableaccommodation.thecha.org, enter your CHA account information to log in and complete all the required fields. Then, once you have submitted your request, CHA staff will review it, contact your knowledgeable professional to verify your need for a reasonable accommodation, and issue a decision. 

What is a Reasonable Accommodation? A reasonable accommodation is a change CHA can make to policies, procedures or properties to help people with disabilities use its programs. Examples include voucher extensions, approving a live-in aide or allowing an extra bedroom.

As with CHA's other online tools, you must have an email address to request a reasonable accommodation through the portal. However, if you do not have an email address, you can still complete a paper Reasonable Accommodation Request Form, available for download on CHA's website at thecha.org/hcvresources, and drop it off at one of the HCV Regional Offices.

If you have any questions regarding CHA's Reasonable Accommodation Portal or the process, please contact the Fair Housing Department at fairhousing@thecha.org or 312-913-7062.

If a unit or property was built before 1978, chances are the tenant will be exposed to lead-based paint. When the paint deteriorates (i.e., peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking), it makes lead dust, which is a serious hazard and needs immediate attention, especially when found on surfaces that children can chew or in areas that get a lot of wear and tear, such as:

• Windows and window sills
• Doors and door frames
• Stairs, railings, banisters and porches

Lead poisoning can be extremely dangerous for children under the age of six because they are particularly susceptible to the potential neurological problems caused by lead-based paint due to developing nervous systems. Lead poisoning can cause serve learning disabilities, hearing loss, brain and nerve damage, and even death.

CHA recently announced the addition of its Healthy Homes Division, dedicated to taking a comprehensive approach to addressing lead-based paint hazards identified during inspections and supporting families throughout the abatement process, including arranging for temporary relocation or other necessary services.

To learn more about the Healthy Homes Division or to report a health hazard such as lead-based paint, visit thecha.org/healthy-homes.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness, recognizing the warning signs of suicide and promoting help-seeking when it comes to mental health. This year’s theme is ‘Start a Conversation. Be the Difference,’ recognizing how harmful silence is and how having just one conversation can help save a life. Each year, 1 in 20 adults experience suicidal thoughts.

There are many warning signs that may indicate someone is at risk of suicide, including:

• Dramatic mood swings
• Withdrawal from friends, family or community
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Increase in alcohol or drug use

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call, text, or chat 988 to reach NAMI’s crisis line.

Lincoln Square Apple Fest
October 3-5
Check out apple-inspired dishes, live bands and family fun events.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival
September 27-28
Check out an exciting lineup of jazz artists and local organizations.

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
September 26 – October 26
This family-friendly event will feature a pumpkin patch, s’mores and musical entertainment. Plus, you’ll be able to see zoo animals throughout the event.

HCV Participant Webinar: Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation from CHA
Tuesday, October 14, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Click Here to Register

Did you know CHA offers accommodations for individuals who are facing temporary or permanent disability, financial hardship, or domestic violence / sexual assault / stalking? Join us to learn about the different modifications or changes CHA can make to its policies, procedures or properties to help ensure equal access to the HCV Program. This session will also demonstrate CHA's Reasonable Accommodation Portal ... a new tool that gives CHA residents and HCV participants access to submit their reasonable accommodation requests online.

HCV Participant Webinar: Home Safety — How to Improve the Quality of Your Home
Tuesday, November 4, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Click Here to Register

Are you looking to improve the level of safety in your home? Join us to learn how to promote a healthy home and eliminate hazardous materials such as lead, pests, mold and more. This session will also cover how to make sure your home is prepared when it comes to any damaging effects of weather.

HCV Participant Webinar: Chicago City Services
Tuesday, December 9, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Click Here to Register

Did you know rodent control, forestry and graffiti removal are some of the services provided by the city of Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS)? Join us to learn more about all the critical services the Department provides and how their team of over 2,000 can help improve your community. 

To view the full list of upcoming events, visit thecha.org/hcvparticipantevents.

Webinar topics include:

• How to Search for Housing
• Education & Employment
• Moving with Your Voucher
• Homeownership
• And more!

Click here to take advantage of all the educational resources that are available in the HCV Webinar Library.

If you liked this newsletter, or have topic suggestions for newsletter articles or webinars, reply to this email and let us know.

Looking for past editions of Going Places? Find them under the HCV Resources menu on your RENTCafé dashboard at res-par.thecha.org.

Chicago Housing Authority | 60 E. Van Buren Street | Chicago, IL 60605