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February 2023 by Saf A
This place left a very bad taste in my mouth. So, I already completed the online application weeks before and decided to stop in person. I get to the office entry door ( Saturday afternoon) around 12 pm but the door is locked and there is a older (white) woman sitting at a desk with wide open curtains in the window to the left of the entrance door, just sitting, watching me while I'm ringing the bell wondering if she or anyone is going to let me in. After about 2 minutes she finally gets up and lets me in but immediately asked me to put on a mask and instead of simply saying "We're just still taking covid precautions" she instead says "I don't want to get covid" as if she just KNEW that I had covid. Which I DID NOT. This was an extremely xenophobic thing to say. It's as if she assumed because of my ethnicity that I would automatically give her covid. Unbelievable! She had me sit in the wait area while she went back to her desk on the computer for 5 minutes and came back to tell me that although I qualify, she couldn't find any listings, which didn't make any sense considering there are tons of listings in oak park and forest park online. I thought they could help because OPRH has helped me in the past find a place in Oak Park, but its obvious that those people no longer work here because I never experienced that kind of energy before. It was a totally different place, and I don't for one second believe it's "black owned." They need to take that sign off of the google description.
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February 2023 by MDS S
They have a great variety of local apartments for rent.Great to us an apartment finder with over 50 years of experience in the area.
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January 2023 by Jared Olson
Very nice people helping my wife and I get out of a toxic rental situation. They are well connected to the city of Oak Park and run their company with heart. They have helped alleviate so much stress by hearing our story and helping us find a place to live. They are an invaluable resource to our community.
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August 2022 by Patrick Budge
Excellent service helped me with my apartment hunting and found housing for me.
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July 2022 by Vau've Davis
I participated in a required class this time last year. I was assigned meeting with Program Coordinator to go over my materials sent in. The materials were requested multiple times and I was sent someone else's information to sign which really concerned me as it relates to highly sensitive information being shared via email. I was promised an action plan after my credit was pulled and we met via Zoom, but never received it. I requested multiple times via email. I recently called (almost a year to date)and requested action plan and information related to a new down payment grant. I never received action plan and I was told to first to look for a home on the MLS. No information was shared about the process or specifics on what's required for the homes/areas where the purchase needs to take place for grant etc. It was like pulling teeth to get information that they are supposed to be spearheading. I've never heard a Program Coordinator for homeownership program direct a person directly to a MLS before doing anything else or providing guidelines. It simply didn't make sense. I reached out and left a message for the Executive Director back in April and have yet to receive a call back. Update (July 22,2022)Over the last week I've been trying to teach the Executive Director and anyone who could possibly assist me.I reached out to the Board President last week as well as a Program Director(only Sarah M. responded). Shortly after my email to Sarah today the Executive Director calls me after never acknowledging my email sent following up on call she was supposed to make to me last week. She literally just told me that she called from her cell and she does not leave voicemails. I've never heard anything like that in my life from a nonprofit leader. Even if she does not leave voicemails she could have followed via email to confirm that she called and that I received action plan promised a year ago that her Director said she sent, but I never received. The unprofessionalism has been very evident, but that really took the cake for me. Having worked in the nonprofit sector over 13 years I'm well aware of the challenges that come with social services, but at no point is it ok for: 1.) Another person's form be sent to a different client on accident. 2.)It take a year to get follow up on a down payment assistance program action plan. 3.) A person be required to stop in, keep sending emails/calls after the Executive Director says that she will pull file/review, but never do so then say "Deborah said she sent it to you, so I moved on" without verifying the plan was received by client. I lived and worked in Oak Park for years and I've NEVER seen them allow such unprofessional programs to exist without correction. I've worked directly with nonprofit leadership and Boards - if anything has ever needed to get to the point where someone reaches out to an ED/CEO or Board President that matter is taken seriously and at minimum, acknowledged.The ED has promised to review my file(again) this weekend and call me Monday, but at this point I may just need to have my file shredded and look elsewhere.I understand that everyone is dealing with staffing shortages and there are a host of constraints with programs like these, but I find this to be unacceptable. I would not recommend based on the experience I've been having within the last year. There are enough challenges for minorities in the home buying process as it is, having to deal with this on top of the stress associated with the usual process is unnecessary and disappointing.
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June 2022 by Da i
Very disappointed. Went to this location several times seems they are only interested in dealing with certain ethnicities. I've applied ready to rent and nothing. Can't get a hold of anyone unless I physically go and then they're to busy and act like they do not want to deal with you. I must be the wrong kind of minority and only say this because this is the only business that helps people find apartments that literally asks on their application what race and ethnicity are you. Why is my race or ethnicity even a question? I would avoid this place.
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April 2022 by Vina
Would love to rent from this place but for some odd reason it's hard to get in touch with anyone... Shame... I emailed someone twice and called and left messages and filled out a registration twice... What more do I need to do to get in contact with someone and rent a apartment out? And on top of that whoever does the phone calling really needs more training.. The way they speak on the phone is very unprofessional.
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August 2021 by Eric Spann
Extremely helpful staff. Went above and beyond for me and was wonderful. Would very much like to recommend them to anyone looking for a place.
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October 2019 by Iana L.
I've got a lot of help from Oak Park Regional Housing Center, who helped me to find accommodation in Oak Park. Thank you very much!
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July 2019 by Ellen Chavez
I have been a client at the center through three moves over a 20 year period. The Center has never failed to provide quick service and great advice on what to disclose on applications. This was especially helpful now as I'm entering the gig economy and self - employed. A non profit and well respected in the community, it provides a valuable service no matter what age or circumstances you are. A great place! Donate to keep the work going!
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June 2019 by Jesse Webb
Juan was very helpful (as well as the rest of the staff) in looking for an apartment in Oak Park. He was very knowledgeable of the area and did a good job of keeping my must-haves and best interest in mind, while also finding an affordable place. They were very helpful for me being a student moving to the area and not being familiar at all with Chicago!
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May 2019 by Matthew Freeman
Art from Oak Park Regional Housing Center found an apartment for me in my 1st meeting with him!!!
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May 2019 by Trent Johnson
The wonderful people at the Oak Park Regional Housing Center made my move from Kansas to the big city a breeze!
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May 2019 by Joel Crevier
Very helpful. You can walk in, someone will listen to what your interests are for apartments and you can quickly go out that day and look at a number of options. Definitely recommend using this service if your looking for an apartment in oak park.
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May 2019 by Guitar Jim Bourke
Very hospitable and good at finding apt listings..A very good Apt hunting experience..
