CHA wins three Awards of Merit from NAHRO


CHA wins three Awards of Merit from NAHRO

HOME program, “Our House” pod and PeacePlayers Chicago will be recognized at Denver convention this fall.


Three Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) programs were awarded 2026 Award of Merit trophies by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).


All three winners were from CHA’s Resident Services department.


“CHA is about more than just housing,” said Mary Howard, CHA’s Chief Administrative and Resident Services Officer. “Each of these three programs reflects our commitment to meeting residents where they’re at and supporting them as they pursue their goals. Whether it’s helping families build long-term financial stability, providing clear and accessible information through a podcast, or creating spaces where young people feel safe and supported, our work is rooted in helping residents thrive.”


The three winners are:


  • Home Ownership Made Easy (HOME) program: A voucher-to-homeownership pathway that transitions low-income households from rental assistance to asset ownership within the City of Chicago. Through the integration of the Choose to Own (CTO) initiative and the Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program, the agency has significantly expanded access to homeownership for income-qualified families through HOME. The program demonstrates how rental subsidy can serve as a structured bridge to long-term wealth creation within Chicago neighborhoods.


  • “Our House” Podcast: CHA launched an innovative, resident-centered podcast, ‘Our House,’ in 2025, designed to deliver essential information in an accessible, digital format. The podcast provides an on-demand platform that serves to enhance transparency and empowers residents with a clear understanding of CHA policies, procedures, and available services. Episodes address topics such as pet policies, lease compliance, ADA accommodations, and community expectations.


  • PeacePlayers Chicago: In partnership with CHA and Intentional Sports, PeacePlayers Chicago is a six-week, Monday–Friday paid camp for male youth ages 13–15. The program offers a unique blend of basketball, leadership development, career readiness and peace building, using basketball as a tool for experiential learning. The program creates a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where youth strengthen basketball skills, develop leadership and life skills, build new friendships, and gain career exposure.


The Award of Merit recipients will be honored at the Community Innovation Awards Program Reception during NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Oct. 15-17, 2026

For more information, see the NAHRO website.

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