Open Communities

08/27/2026

We won!

We are celebrating this ruling! It means fair housing organizations like Open Communities can continue serving people who need help challenging housing discrimination.

08/23/2026

Thinking of buying a home?

Join Open Communities' HUD-Certified Housing Counselor for a virtual event where we'll guide you through the exciting journey of becoming a homeowner!

Learn about the pros and cons of homeownership as well as how to prepare to apply for a mortgage, and the homebuying process. Homebuyer education classes help the you have a realistic view of owning a home.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-become-a-homeowner-virtual-workshop-tickets-1995937891964?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Please note: After you register for the workshop, you will be sent an intake form to the email provided that must be completed in order to receive the link to the workshop.

08/18/2026

We'll be at the The Salvation Army Des Plaines Corps Community Center again on August 20 from 9:30am to 12:00pm! Come visit our table for help, resources, and questions about housing.

08/15/2026

Witnessing Connections' groundbreaking for the new Hilda's Place at Lake Street Church will forever be in our memories. Thank you to the community members, colleagues and local leaders who made this possible. We are truly lucky to know so many people who care about all of our neighbors.

08/11/2026

For more than 55 years, Open Communities has worked alongside individuals and families to address housing challenges, prevent displacement, fight housing discrimination, and expand access to housing opportunities. Together, we have helped thousands of people navigate housing barriers and build more inclusive communities throughout northern Cook County.

Yet the need continues to grow. Rising housing costs, limited affordable housing options, and persistent barriers to fair housing leave many individuals and families struggling to find and maintain stable housing. More people than ever need support, advocacy, and access to resources that can help them remain safely housed.

That's why, after providing for your loved ones, we invite you to consider including Open Communities in your estate plans.

​With a gift in your will to Open Communities, you're helping create a future where every person has the right to choose where they live, to live with dignity, and to feel like they belong in their community. It's a powerful expression of your values and your belief that every person deserves the opportunity to live in a welcoming community.

Your commitment to housing justice and community can help ensure that future generations have access to the opportunities, stability, and sense of belonging that a safe home provides. Together, we can create communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.

More info: https://www.open-communities.org/legacy

08/07/2026

Thank you to the 32 Senators who stood up for fair housing and the people who rely on local organizations like ours.

Lawmakers urge HUD to reverse changes that threaten funding for local fair housing organizations serving communities nationwide FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) today commended 32 U.S. Senators for issuing a letter demanding that HUD Secretary Scott...

07/30/2026

As Disability Pride Month comes to an end, we continue to celebrate everything that the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) means for our communities.

The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, which is also a protected class under the Fair Housing Act. This includes people's rights to assistance animals, which are not classified as pets and therefore do not require a pet fee to landlords.

07/29/2026

We'll be at the The Salvation Army Des Plaines Corps Community Center on August 20 to share resources and answer your questions about housing.

No registration is required. If you prefer to make a reservation, please call 847-501-5760 or email [email protected]

07/28/2026

When your team matches the office art, you take a cute pic.

Cuando tu equipo coincide con el arte de la oficina, tomas una foto linda.

🎨: Bernhardt Fine Art

07/27/2026

We celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that helped ensure equal access and opportunity for all.

Celebramos el 36º aniversario de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA, por sus siglas en inglés), una ley histórica que ayuda a garantizar la igualdad de acceso y oportunidades para todas las personas.