Open Communities, the leader in Fair Housing Advocacy for Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs, is hosting a series of free workshops in January for landlords, tenants, homeowners and potential homeowners. These programs are ideal for educating people working in the housing, banking and rental industries. All programs are free and will be held via Zoom. 

AVOID FORECLOSURE – Wednesday, Jan. 5, 10 a.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. The Jan. 18 workshop is presented in partnership with Schaumburg Township.

This workshop educates homeowners about the various options available to avoid foreclosure. It will cover information on the foreclosure process, how to adapt financially, adjust/restructure a budget, and keep the lines of communication open with your lender to protect your home and prevent foreclosure. This workshop also provides current homeowners with the education and guidance to rebuild their credit and prepare for life after foreclosure.     

Jan. 5 Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/avoid-foreclosure-tickets-227969903117

Jan. 18 Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/avoid-foreclosure-presented-by-open-communities-township-of-schaumburg-tickets-215856611937

 FAIR HOUSING 101 – Tuesday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.

Knowing your rights is the first step to defending yourself from housing discrimination. This online workshop will cover the protected classes under the federal, state and local fair housing laws. It will also explain reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, dealing with tenants who require service animals, who is liable under the Fair Housing Act, and how fair housing laws are enforced.      

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fair-housing-101-presented-by-open-communities-township-of-schaumburg-tickets-215835649237 

RENTAL COUNSELING/TENANT TRAINING – Tuesday, Jan. 25, 10 A.M. This workshop is presented in partnership with Schaumburg Township.

This workshop educates tenants on self-advocacy tips, lease options, rental selection and financial sustainability. This workshop will focus on overcoming potential renting barriers and helping participants prepare for sustainable housing. It will educate tenants going through an eviction on their rights and remedies, teach tenants how to develop a positive rental relationship with their landlord and provide financial education to tenants preparing for homeownership.

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rental-counseling-presented-by-open-communities-township-of-schaumburg-tickets-215870714117