SCH Executive Director Joseph Lopez Talks Housing

By: Ashmar Mandou

In the height of COVID-19 several organizations across the city were reeling with the affects the pandemic had on families, including the Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH), a non-profit that provides counseling, education, and housing resources necessary for Latinos and low-income families in the Chicagoland area. “We definitely had to pivot quickly and build an infrastructure that was able to adhere to the needs of our clients,” said Joseph Lopez, executive director of Spanish Coalition for Housing. “Suffice it to say we hit the ground running. Right when the lockdown occurred in late March, we used that time to create new avenues to be able to connect with our families, which included remote appointments. Our services and programs never wavered.”

Lopez, alongside the SCH team worked tirelessly to disseminate information about its plethora of programs including the Foreclosure Prevention, which reviews your financial situation and creates a plan based on each individual’s need through counselling; the Homebuyer Education, a program that closely works with prospective homebuyers to discuss every option available to them; as well as the Landlords and Renters Program that is designed to reduce the difficultly of back rent and evictions.

“We have seen and heard so many stories of families facing unfair circumstances due to the pandemic,” said Lopez. “We want to make sure Latinos are able to stay in their homes. Our programs are here to ensure that families do not have to worry, that there is assistance available to them and our counselors are here for them.” Recently, the Spanish Coalition for Housing received funding from the Illinois Housing Development Authority that will allow for the organization to expand its reach. “In our first round of funding we were able to help over 300 families. Our goal is to pass that number,” said Lopez. Lopez encourages those who are in dire need of assistance to make an appointment with SCH. “You are not in this alone. SCH is here to help.”

Before you visit, you should know:

1. At this time, SCH is not taking walk-ins. Please make sure you have an appointment.

2. SCH will continue to provide some of our services remotely, but you are welcome to make an appointment to be seen in person.

3. Please limit your visit to 1 guest if needed.

4. SCH asks you to be mindful of others and wear a face covering or mask for entry and during your appointment.

5. Please follow CDC social distancing guidelines and follow the directional signage placed throughout our facilities.

6. Wash your hands regularly – hand sanitizing stations can be found throughout our offices

7. If you are feeling ill or running a fever please call to reschedule your appointment.

Schedule an appointment over the phone

North/West Region: (773) 342-7575
South/West Region: (312) 850-2660
South Chicago Region: (773) 933-7575