Oak Park Regional Housing Center

"Very nice people helping my wife and I get out of a toxic rental situation. They are well connected to the city of Oak Park and run their company with heart. They have helped alleviate so much stress by hearing our story and helping us find a place to live. They are an invaluable resource to our community."

"I participated in a required class this time last year. I was assigned meeting with Program Coordinator to go over my materials sent in. The materials were requested multiple times and I was sent someone else's information to sign which really concerned me as it relates to highly sensitive information being shared via email. I was promised an action plan after my credit was pulled and we met via Zoom, but never received it. I requested multiple times via email. I recently called (almost a year to date)and requested action plan and information related to a new down payment grant. I never received action plan and I was told to first to look for a home on the MLS. No information was shared about the process or specifics on what's required for the homes/areas where the purchase needs to take place for grant etc. It was like pulling teeth to get information that they are supposed to be spearheading. I've never heard a Program Coordinator for homeownership program direct a person directly to a MLS before doing anything else or providing guidelines. It simply didn't make sense. I reached out and left a message for the Executive Director back in April and have yet to receive a call back. Update (July 22,2022)Over the last week I've been trying to teach the Executive Director and anyone who could possibly assist me. I reached out to the Board President last week as well as a Program Director(only Sarah M. responded). Shortly after my email to Sarah today the Executive Director calls me after never acknowledging my email sent following up on call she was supposed to make to me last week. She literally just told me that she called from her cell and she does not leave voicemails. I've never heard anything like that in my life from a nonprofit leader. Even if she does not leave voicemails she could have followed via email to confirm that she called and that I received action plan promised a year ago that her Director said she sent, but I never received. The unprofessionalism has been very evident, but that really took the cake for me. Having worked in the nonprofit sector over 13 years I'm well aware of the challenges that come with social services, but at no point is it ok for: 1.) Another person's form be sent to a different client on accident. 2.)It take a year to get follow up on a down payment assistance program action plan. 3.) A person be required to stop in, keep sending emails/calls after the Executive Director says that she will pull file/review, but never do so then say "Deborah said she sent it to you, so I moved on" without verifying the plan was received by client. I lived and worked in Oak Park for years and I've NEVER seen them allow such unprofessional programs to exist without correction. I've worked directly with nonprofit leadership and Boards - if anything has ever needed to get to the point where someone reaches out to an ED/CEO or Board President that matter is taken seriously and at minimum, acknowledged. The ED has promised to review my file(again) this weekend and call me Monday, but at this point I may just need to have my file shredded and look elsewhere. I understand that everyone is dealing with staffing shortages and there are a host of constraints with programs like these, but I find this to be unacceptable. I would not recommend based on the experience I've been having within the last year. There are enough challenges for minorities in the home buying process as it is, having to deal with this on top of the stress associated with the usual process is unnecessary and disappointing."

"Very disappointed. Went to this location several times seems they are only interested in dealing with certain ethnicities. I've applied ready to rent and nothing. Can't get a hold of anyone unless I physically go and then they're to busy and act like they do not want to deal with you. I must be the wrong kind of minority and only say this because this is the only business that helps people find apartments that literally asks on their application what race and ethnicity are you. Why is my race or ethnicity even a question? I would avoid this place."

"Art from Oak Park Regional Housing Center found an apartment for me in my 1st meeting with him!!! I found the apartment I wanted, but all 3 apartments he showed me were really nice – and very affordable, I was so surprised! When it comes to the apartment’s details Art REALLY knows his stuff, too. Jennifer and Mike were also very wonderful, as well!! Their whole office was so nice, and First Class!!! All the way. Thank you, Art!!"

"If you are looking to find a good place to live and for a good bargain, this is the place to go. Everyone there was really helpful, and I was able to find my ideal apartment the first time I was there. Meanie was very delightful and was able to find an apartment for me very quickly. Don't bother going to most of the real estate agents in the area, as the apartments they sent information on were overpriced. I will definitely use them in the future if I want to find a larger apartment or relocate somewhere else in Oak Park!"