History

CHAI'S MISSION

CHAI: Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.'s mission is to develop and support thriving, stable communities in neighborhoods with a substantial Jewish population.

It accomplishes this mission by:

Developing and managing affordable housing
Rehabilitating housing and providing supporting repair services
Supporting neighborhood organizing and neighborhood development
Providing services to seniors
Promoting homeownership and providing loans for the purchase and upgrade of homes

Since 1983, CHAI has increased home ownership and economic stability in northwest Baltimore, increased neighborhood safety and strengthened community associations and public schools through community organizing. It has served the needs of low-income senior adults through the Senior Home Repair program and Senior Friendly Neighborhoods. CHAI has assisted hundreds of people to become homeowners and to renovate and upgrade their homes through its Housing Services program. CHAI has also produced or renovated over 1,484 units of multi-family housing for low-income senior adults and has enabled hundreds of low-income senior adults to stay in their homes.

CHAI believes that the mix of strategies and organizations needed to strengthen a neighborhood is informed by location, history and needs. Housing development and housing related services are two strategies needed to stabilize and strengthen neighborhoods. Quality affordable housing and homeownership are bedrocks of strong neighborhoods. In addition, seeking local institutions to be active stakeholders can strengthen neighborhoods.

In addition to its own expertise, CHAI's success has been supported by collaborations with other agencies of The Associated, including the Baltimore Jewish Council, Jewish Community Services, Jewish Community Center, Lifebridge Health, Hebrew Free Loan, and Jewish Volunteer Connection. CHAI also works closely with public agencies at the Federal, State and local levels and numerous private organizations and institutions in the northwest area of Baltimore and throughout the State.