Chicago Housing Program Reached 1,000th Homeowner

A Chicago resident became the milestone participant in a long-running initiative to assist with the move to homeownership.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Residential

Chicago Housing Program Reached 1,000th Homeowner

Derenda Bradley has become the 1,000th participant to complete the Chicago Housing Authority Choose to Own program. The milestone was celebrated in September 2026, marking a significant threshold for the initiative.

Why it matters

The program is designed to facilitate the transition from housing assistance to homeownership, specifically aiming to help address the generational wealth gap in communities of color. Through the initiative, eligible households receive structured support as they navigate the path to buying a home.

Since the program began in 2002, 1,000 households have completed the Choose to Own program. Participants are selected based on agency requirements to help them transition into stable homeownership.

The players

Chicago Housing Authority

A government agency that provides subsidized housing options and manages programs aimed at assisting residents with the transition to homeownership.

Derenda Bradley

The participant who became the 1,000th person to successfully complete the homeownership program.

The details

The Choose to Own program functions by providing a pathway for individuals currently receiving housing assistance to transition into owning property. By completing the program requirements, participants like Derenda Bradley gain the tools necessary to move into homeownership. As part of this specific milestone achievement, the participant received a set of new kitchen appliances provided by the housing agency.

The Choose to Own program began in 2002.
The 1,000th program participant was celebrated in September 2026.

Money Landscape

The Chicago Housing Authority Choose to Own program remains a primary local vehicle for supporting the transition from public housing to private homeownership. The achievement of 1,000 successful completions underscores the long-term nature of these efforts to mitigate the generational wealth gap.

Households currently receiving housing assistance may be eligible to review their options for transitioning into homeownership through agency-sponsored programs. Consult with a qualified housing counselor to understand if you meet the specific requirements for such programs.

The takeaway

Reaching 1,000 graduates demonstrates the ongoing impact of targeted assistance programs in supporting household wealth accumulation. Households interested in homeownership paths should reach out to their housing authority to confirm if they qualify for local support programs.