Rental Transition Program

Preamble’s first initiative is our Rental Transition Program

This program aims to help individuals who have been impacted by gun violence and are who experiencing housing instability by facilitating their transition into safe, secure, and stable housing

When people are in stable housing, they can lead better lives

We believe that housing is a basic human right.

We provide support to help navigate the often complicated, expensive process of identifying and securing appropriate housing. While there are many existing programs designed to address housing instability and homelessness in Chicago, we have identified a specific need for additional transitional services for individuals who are disabled as a result of gun violence and violent crime. By working to address housing needs as quickly as possible after individuals are injured, we aim to help break cycles of violence and improve long-term health and social outcomes for victims and their communities.

How it works

Preamble’s Rental Transition Program operates in partnership with civil legal service providers, private housing providers, social service programs, and government entities in the Chicagoland area to facilitate the transition into secure housing. Preamble also provides transitional support services aimed at ensuring that individuals accepted into the program can remain successfully housed.

Our Process

  • Preamble receives a referral from a participating civil legal service provider who has identified an eligible client.

    To participate in Preamble’s Rental Transition Program, individuals must be referred through their participating civil legal service provider. At this time, all participating individuals must also be eligible for Illinois Department of Human Services’ Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) Cash Assistance Program.

  • Preamble reviews the referral and determines client eligibility.

  • Once clients are accepted to the program. Preamble works to identify appropriate private housing options. Preamble covers the transitional costs into housing for accepted clients (this can include application fees, first months’ rent, and other transitional expenses) and coordinates to secure basic furnishings and necessary accommodations for the clients’ new residence.

  • Once housed, clients continue to work with their civil legal service provider to enroll in any relevant rental assistance programs, and Preamble provides additional support to clients as they transition into housing to help ensure a successful transition.