Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to use Direct2Housing?
There is NO COST to use Direct2Housing. Direct2Housing is a FREE online tool for the community. Supportive Housing programs can register for a FREE username and password that will allow them to enter their program information. The general public can go to any computer with internet and do a FREE search for supportive housing options at the main page. Direct2Housing was developed with generous support from the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Chicago Continuum of Care, and the Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship program.
How do I add my housing program to the Housing Directory?
Adding your program to the Housing Directory is a two-step, simple process. From the Direct2Housing main page, click on the either the link that says "Register now" or "Register". Complete the requested information about your agency's housing program and click submit. Within days (usually even less!) someone from Direct2Housing will contact you to confirm this information, and to activate your account. Once your account is active you must log in with your new username and password. (Upon activation, you will receive a confirmation email that contains your username, which is your email address, and your password.)
Do I need separate usernames and passwords for the various housing programs that I want to enter into the directory?
No. You only need one username and password, and with it you can add and keep track of as many program listings as you need. Sometimes it is best to look at your agency staffing to determine what will work best for your programs. If your agency has multiple programs at different locations, you may decide that it is best to have a specific staff member at each program have his or her own username and password. Direct2Housing gives you the flexibility to decide what will work best for you.
How often should I update the information regarding my housing program?
We hope that you will update your listings whenever there is a change in vacancies or other program information. Hundreds of individuals interested in housing use this site, so it is to your advantage to keep program information as up-to-date as possible. Doing so will lessen the number of inquiry calls that could be answered via accurate information on your program info page.
I have tried to edit my page and it didn't seem to work. What might the problem be?
You may need to clear your web browser's cache, especially if you are using an older browser like Netscape, Opera, Safari for Macs or older versions of Internet Explorer. Use this link to learn more: https://kb.iu.edu/data/ahic.html
Also, be careful not to add too much information about your program in the text boxes (required documents, additional information). These boxes have a limit to the number of characters you can add. You should keep your text to below 100 characters including all letters, punctuation and spaces.
I'm leaving my post and will no longer be the Program Contact for my program listing. Should I pass on my username and password for the Housing Directory to my replacement?
Yes. That will be the easiest way to maintain continuity. The new program contact will very easily be able to log in with your old username and password and modify it to any new username and password of his or her choice. This will prevent the new program contact from needing to start from scratch and create an entirely new page.
How often are the Housing Directory listings updated?
Housing program information is updated on a regular basis by the Program Contacts at each agency. You can tell how recently the listing has been updated by checking the bottom of the page for the "Date last modified" section. If the date listed is older than two months, please call the Program Contact, inquire about vacancies and ask them to update their page. Tell them you found the information at Direct2Housing!
I tried searching the Housing Directory, but found no listings. What happened?
It may be that your search criteria were very specific, and that there are no housing programs that match all of the requirements you were looking for. For example: if you chose to search for Interim Housing with no sobriety requirement for Men 18+ in Will County and received no results, try changing or broadening one or more of your search requirements. Perhaps, instead of Will County, you could choose ALL for the location. Keep changing your query in this manner until you come up with matches.
Why are there multiple listings in the Housing Directory for the same agency?
Some agencies, like Chicago House, have multiple housing programs that serve populations with different types of needs. The Housing Directory is organized to provide detailed information about each program and its requirements, rather than about the agency itself. If you would like to learn about the agency, you may either click on the agency's website or call the Program Contact for more information.
