About Us

About

The Housing Authority of Cook County is the second largest public housing authority in Illinois. Established in 1946, the Housing Authority of Cook County is a municipal corporation whose jurisdiction spans 108 communities. We believe that when residents have access to affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination, people thrive.

Our Values

The Housing Authority of Cook County is an agency that you can rely on to service your needs with compassion, consistency and professionalism. Each of our CORE VALUES come together to establish TRUST: Truth, Respect, Unity, Security and Transparency.

Respect

We place a priority on respect for all our residents and landlords.

Truth

Honesty and candor are critical for us to maintain trust with all of the people we serve.

Unity

We believe that we are stronger when we act together, with unified purpose and vision.

Security

The safety and well-being of all our residents and landlords is of utmost priority.

Transparency

We commit to honesty and open communication with our residents and landlords.

Our Reach

Our jurisdiction spans 108 communities from the northernmost reaches of Cook County to the southernmost. We serve all Cook County municipalities except for the following, which have their own public housing agencies: Cicero, Chicago, Elgin, Maywood, Oak Park, and Park Forest.

Affordable Housing Programs

The Housing Authority of Cook County administers several rental assistance programs to meet the housing needs of those who need it most in Suburban Cook County. The Housing Authority of Cook County’s conventional public housing program consists of over 2,100 owned units of low-income housing. The Rental Assistance Division services over 13,000 families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Other programs such as the Community Choice Program, Family Self-Sufficiency Program, and Homeownership Program are designed to help clients reach their goals and move toward independence.

Vulnerable Populations

9,282

Individuals with Disabilities

13,557

Children

5,447

Seniors

734

Individuals from Families Homeless at Admission

Demographics

Board of Directors

Richard J. Monocchio

Executive Director

Richard J. Monocchio has dedicated his nearly 25-year long professional career to public service. He began his housing career under the Clinton administration, serving in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2011, Monocchio was appointed Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Cook County. To this day he continues to be an advocate for safe, affordable housing. Under Mr. Monocchio’s leadership, dozens of recreational, educational and vocational programs have been implemented to connect people with their communities and those communities with opportunities, ultimately helping residents achieve a better quality of life. Monocchio serves on The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and was most recently appointed as a board member to the non-profit Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA).