Join a Workshop!
AVOID FORECLOSURE
In this workshop, homeowners learn about the various options available to assist them in avoiding foreclosure.
It covers information on the foreclosure process, how to adapt financially, adjust/restructure your budget, and keep the lines of communication open with your lender to protect your home and prevent foreclosure. This workshop also provides current homeowners with the education and guidance to rebuild their credit and prepare for life after foreclosure.
EVICTION PREVENTION
Geared toward both landlords and tenants, this workshop provides communication strategies to mitigate evictions.
Discussion topics include steps to take if you think you might be evicted, legal protections, and resources and services for eviction prevention.
FAIR HOUSING 101
Knowing your rights is the first step to defending yourself from housing discrimination.
This workshop covers the protected classes under the federal, state, and local fair housing laws. It also explains reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, dealing with tenants who require service animals, who is liable under the Fair Housing Act, and how fair housing laws are enforced.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
Learn the financial steps to reach your financial goal.
This workshop educates people about achieving their short and long-term goals, maximizing income, budgeting, emergency funds, investment types, banking options, and retirement. It teaches single families and married couples financial planning, goal setting, and income maximization.
HOUSING FOR 55+
This workshop explains housing options and industry updates to allow those 55 and older to age in place.
This workshop explains housing options and industry updates to allow those 55 and older to age in place. It covers reverse mortgages and refinance options, rental education, property tax exemptions, and delinquency prevention.
LANDLORD 101 TRAINING
This workshop educates current and future landlords, including management companies, about common...
... Fair Housing issues, landlord protections, and legal versus non-legal matters. It covers Fair Housing laws and working with the Chicago Housing Authority and Housing Authority of Cook County. Landlords will also learn about appropriate communication with tenants and conflict resolution strategies.
LANDLORD EDUCATION
This workshop for landlords of one-unit or multi-unit buildings teaches landlords about the fair housing rules and regulations they must follow.
The workshop covers federal, state, and local laws. It will also discuss landlord rights, tenant mediation, and retention strategies and explain Housing Choice Vouchers and the benefits of accepting them.
MEDIATION
This workshop is for both landlords and tenants to understand the process and why mediation instead of litigation is a preferred solution to housing problems.
This workshop explains housing options and industry updates to allow those 55 and older to age in place. It covers reverse mortgages and refinance options, rental education, property tax exemptions, and delinquency prevention.
PRE-PURCHASE HOME SERIES
A four-part, 8-hour series. Note: Participants must register for all four sessions.
This course provides prospective homebuyers with an understanding of housing affordability, the home purchase process, credit readiness, and how lenders determine financing. It will cover budgeting tips, debt management, and setting financial goals. Participants will also learn about loan types, financing products, the closing process, and the homebuying process.
POST-PURCHASE HOME SERIES
Owning a home can be overwhelming – especially financially.
Open Communities' Post Purchase Program provides homeowners with information on preventive maintenance, sustaining homeownership, taxes (both property and income), foreclosure, financial pitfalls, working with a contractor, and creating an emergency plan.
RENTAL COUNSELING
This workshop educates tenants on self-advocacy tips, lease options, selecting a rental, and financial sustainability.
We will focus on overcoming potential renting barriers and helping participants prepare for sustainable housing. It will educate tenants going through an eviction on their rights and remedies, teach tenants how to develop a positive rental relationship with their landlord, and provide financial education to tenants preparing for homeownership.
TENANTS & RACIAL EQUITY
This program opens up a dialogue about renting in their communities.
Aimed at BIPOC tenants living in the North Suburbs of Cook County, this program opens up a dialogue about renting in their communities. There will be a discussion about shared experiences, fair housing rules and ordinances, and tenant rights.
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