Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Program
Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) are developers who complete new projects using funding from the federally-funded HOME program. In comparison to other contractors, CHDOs are community-based and design homes with the interests of pre-determined homeowners in mind.
Interested in becoming a Community Housing Development Organization? Get started with a training course run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To learn more, please call us at 832-394-6200 or refer to other resources published by HUD .
To learn more
call 832-394-6257
If you are a potential homebuyer looking to purchase, there are some early steps you can take:
- Take a first-time homebuyer education course (even if it isn’t your first time buying a home). You can find a qualifying class online .
- Qualify for a fixed-rate (not adjustable-rate or seller-financed) mortgage. We ask for a pre-approval letter from a lender.
- Make sure you meet other qualifications:
- Household income is less than 80% of Area Median Income .
- The home must be your primary residence for at least five years
- Be prepared to live in the home for at least five years.
The City of Houston only funds home development and does not sell the homes directly. To learn more, contact the groups directly.
Currently Certified CHDOs:
A Caring Safe Place
A Caring Safe Place was founded in 1997 and is located in Fifth Ward. Their work focuses on crisis intervention and bringing services and programs to HIV-affected individuals. A Caring Safe Place offers both immediate services and oversees both transitional and permanent housing.
CHDO Contact: Reverend Stanley E. Phill, Executive Director
Phone: 713-225-5441
Change Happens
Change Happens! was founded in 1989 to promote healthy and high-quality living for children and families. They have experience in providing a wide range of social services, including childcare, skill training, education, healthcare, and case management..
CHDO contact: Leslie Smith, CEO and Founder
Phone: 713-374-1200
Avenue CDC
Avenue CDC creates affordable home communities across Houston that are locally and nationally recognized. The organization creates residential communities with wrap-around social services to give support to people according to community needs.
CHDO contact: Mary Lawler, Executive Director
Phone: 713-864-8099
New Hope Housing
New Hope Housing was founded in 1993 specifically to assist people experiencing homelessness or who are vulnerable to becoming homeless. Their work has led to the creation of nearly 1200 units of safe and high-quality homes, along with social services for people across Houston.
CHDO contact: Joy Horak-Brown, President and CEO
Phone: 713-222-0290
Temenos CDC
Temenos CDC has overseen the creation of several residential communities aimed at providing supportive housing for those who are chronically homeless or struggling with addiction.
CHDO contact: Eva Thibaudeau-Graczyk, CEO
Phone: 713-882-8274
Frequently Asked Questions - For Organizations
Q: Are there formal guidelines for the CHDO Program?
A: Yes, you can download the Program Guidelines .
Q: What are the Federal Regulations required to work with the HOME Program and become a CHDO?
A: The work of CHDOs is set by the U.S. Housing & Urban Development Department (HUD). You can find information on these regulations at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Part 92: Subpart G)
Q: Can I get tax-exempt status for my organization?
A: Yes. We suggest using resources at the IRS to find more information.
Q: Do I need to be recertified as a CHDO?
A: Yes, Community Housing Development Organizations must be recertified every two years. Also, developers are only designated as CHDOs while they are working on funded projects through HOME funding. For recertification documents, please contact us directly.
Key Documents
| Name | Description | View |
|---|---|---|
| CHDO Program Guidelines | Overview and qualifications for the CHDO program | Program Guidelines |
| T28889 -- CHDO Request for Proposals, Single-Family Construction | Official documents relating to the CHDO Request for Proposals | Main RFP Letter of Clarification 1 Letter of Clarification 2 Letter of Clarification 3 |
| Requirements for CHDOs | Requirements to see if your organization may qualify as a CHDO | CHDO Requirements Checklist |
