Spanish Coalition for Housing

What Spanish Coalition for Housing does

Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1966 in Chicago, Illinois, operating as a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency — the first organization to receive that federal certification in 1973. The organization delivers a portfolio of integrated service programs aimed at low-to-moderate income households across the Chicagoland area, with a particular focus on Latino and underserved communities. Core programs include pre-purchase and post-purchase homebuyer education, financial coaching, foreclosure prevention counseling, rental and mortgage assistance, utility/weatherization assistance, the Chicago Bilingual Landlord Association (CBLA), the 3C (Connecting Capital and Community) loan program, and the West Side Health Equity Collaborative. In 2025, SCH served over 5,000 families, supported 399 small landlords and 1,197+ rental units, and helped 780+ families purchase homes between 2020 and 2025.

SCH does not operate a proprietary technology platform. Service delivery relies on HUD-certified housing counseling methodology, eHome America coursework for buyer education, and third-party SaaS tools (Qgiv for donations and CBLA payments, Jotform for workshop registration, Constant Contact for email, Wix for the website). Distribution occurs through three Chicago offices (North, Southeast, and Southwest regions), a tri-mode delivery model (in-person, virtual, telephonic), monthly workshops, an annual 25-year-old homebuyer expo, a fall fundraising gala, and referrals from government agencies (311, CHA, HUD) and community partners.

The revenue model is a nonprofit blended-funding structure anchored by federal, state, and city government grants (HUD, CHA, Chicago Department of Housing, IHDA, IDHS), foundation grants (Polk Bros. Foundation with 20+ year history), and corporate contributions from a broad roster of banks and utilities (PNC, Chase, Bank of America, US Bank, Fifth Third, BMO, Associated Bank, Baird & Warner, Nicor Gas). Earned revenue comes from individual donations, the CBLA annual membership (fee not publicly disclosed), and a $50 per-person Landlord Certification Workshop fee. Most core client services are delivered at no cost to qualifying households.

Name

Spanish Coalition for Housing

Legal name

Spanish Coalition for Housing

Website

https://sc4housing.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Spanish Coalition for Housing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the first HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency (1973), serving over 5,000 low-to-moderate income Chicagoland families annually with homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, financial coaching, rental assistance, and landlord support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Housing Counseling Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) & Homebuyer Subsidy Programs (FSALAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans) (FSALAKAF), Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ)

Keywords

• Housing counseling services
• Homebuyer education
• Foreclosure prevention
• Financial coaching
• Rental assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: SCH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on individual and corporate donations to sustain operations. The Take Action page and annual fundraising gala (Making Dreams Come True) are primary vehicles for soliciting contributions from supporters and the general public.
2. Government Grants: SCH receives government funding from city of Chicago, State of Illinois, HUD, and related agencies to support housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, and rental/mortgage assistance programs.
3. CBLA Membership Fees: The Chicago Bilingual Landlord Association (CBLA) charges an annual membership fee providing landlords with access to resources, counseling, tenant screenings, notices and lease assistance, and exclusive seminars. Landlord workshops also carry a $50 per-person fee.
4. Foundation and Corporate Grants: SCH receives multi-year support from foundations such as Polk Bros. Foundation (35-year history of funding Chicago nonprofits), as well as corporate funders including PNC, Associated Bank, Chase, Bank of America, US Bank, Fifth Third, BMO, and Nicor Gas.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Spanish Coalition for Housing is a 501(c)(3) HUD-certified housing counseling agency that delivers free pre-purchase and post-purchase homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention counseling, financial coaching, rental and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and landlord certification to low-to-moderate income households across Chicagoland. It also operates the Chicago Bilingual Landlord Association (CBLA) membership program and the Connecting Capital and Community (3C) collaborative loan program offering 3.5% interest mortgages with up to $100,000 in down payment assistance.

Product overview

Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) is a non-profit HUD-certified housing counseling agency offering a portfolio of service programs focused on advancing economic mobility through affordable housing, homeownership, and preservation. The organization operates as a unified service platform with multiple interconnected programs: core counseling services including Pre-Purchase Education + Counseling and Post-Purchase Education + Counseling guide first-time homebuyers through the entire ownership journey; Financial Education + Coaching and Foreclosure Education + Counseling provide ongoing financial stability support; Rental + Mortgage Assistance and Utility Assistance offer emergency housing relief; and the Chicago Bilingual Landlord Association (CBLA) with Landlord Certification supports the landlord ecosystem. Specialized initiatives include the West Side Health Equity Collaborative connecting residents to healthcare, and the Connecting Capital and Community (3C) loan program providing favorable mortgage products with downpayment assistance. SCH also hosts signature events including the annual Making Dreams Come True fundraiser and the Camino a Su Casa Homebuyer Expo.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Chicago Bilingual Landlord Association (CBLA): A network of education and services for landlords, providing education for small landlords to better manage their properties and communicate with their tenants.
• Connecting Capital and Community (3C)

Products and services

• Pre-Purchase Education + Counseling HUD-certified pre-purchase education and counseling that prepares first-time homebuyers to become mortgage-ready through credit evaluation, loan packaging, home selection guidance, and financing support.
• Post-Purchase Education + Counseling Post-purchase workshops for new homeowners covering responsibilities, avoiding predatory lending, credit management, property taxes, insurance, escrow, and home maintenance.
• Financial Education + Coaching One-on-one financial counseling and group workshops focused on building credit scores, assessing financial health, increasing savings, decreasing debt, and credit counseling for low-to-moderate income households.
• Foreclosure Education + Counseling Foreclosure prevention counseling that helps struggling homeowners review finances, create action plans, and negotiate with lenders to find solutions.
• Rental + Mortgage Assistance Rental and mortgage assistance that helps at-risk renters prevent eviction and connects clients to affordable housing and financial assistance grants.
• Utility Assistance Utility assistance helping eligible low-income households pay for home energy services, primarily heating during winter months, through city and state-wide programs.
• Chicago Bilingual Landlord Association (CBLA) Network of education and services for landlords, including education for small landlords to better manage properties, conflict resolution, tenant/landlord rights, and rental payment assistance to prevent foreclosure of multi-unit buildings.
• Landlord Certification Paid ($50 per person) landlord certification course covering the advantages and obligations of being a landlord, leases, contracts, notices, background checks, and relevant laws.
• West Side Health Equity Collaborative Program where community health workers advocate and connect Chicago's West Side residents with medical conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, mental illness, substance abuse, adverse childhood experiences) to healthcare and housing resources.
• Connecting Capital and Community (3C) Loan Program Collaborative loan program offering 3.5% interest rate mortgages, no PMI, down payment assistance up to $100,000, and closing cost assistance for homebuyers in East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park on Chicago's West Side.

Quantifiable outcome

• 780+ families purchased homes between 2020–2025; 161 families purchased their first home; 2,031 households counseled to maintain safe, affordable housing; 1,197 rental units stabilized through landlord support.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUD certified SCH as the first Housing Counseling Agency in 1973. In 1992, HUD hand-selected SCH to pilot a new housing counseling program. SCH continues as a HUD-certified housing counseling organization delivering pre/post purchase education, foreclosure prevention, and financial counseling. HUD's Minority Serving Institutions Initiative has recognized SCH as a national leader in housing counseling.
• The Chicago Community Trust (CCT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCT is a key partner in the 3C Buyer Pipeline Collaborative, a hyperlocal homeownership initiative targeting East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park. The collaboration brings together lenders, developers, community navigators, and housing counselors to streamline the path to homeownership for West Side Chicago residents.
• NHS (Neighborhood Housing Services) ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCH partners with NHS Chicago in the 3C Buyer Pipeline Collaborative. Both organizations provide HUD-certified housing counseling and homebuyer education as part of the collaborative's coordinated service delivery model.
• Breakthrough Urban MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 3C Buyer Pipeline Collaborative, contributing community expertise and housing resources for West Side Chicago residents seeking homeownership in East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park.
• Citizens Building a Better CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner in the 3C collaborative with new homes for sale on Chicago's West Side as part of the initiative to increase affordable housing supply in East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park.
• KMW CommunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner in the 3C collaborative, contributing affordable housing units to the homeownership initiative targeting East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park communities.
• Inherent HomescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner in the 3C collaborative with new homes for sale on Chicago's West Side, facilitating the homeownership goals of the collaborative initiative.
• UnidosUScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCH is an affiliated member of the UnidosUS network and has partnered with UnidosUS and HUD to train housing counseling organizations nationwide. SCH coaches organizations from cities including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Miami, Brooklyn, and San Juan, Puerto Rico in housing counseling best practices.
• Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCH has been the Chicago Housing Authority's Latino offices administrator since 1996, providing housing counseling and support services to CHA residents and Latino communities.
• National Housing Resource Center (NHRC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCH displays the NHRC logo on its website footer, indicating membership and alignment with the national housing counseling resource network.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• UnidosUS: UnidosUS is the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., serving as SCH's national affiliate network partner and training collaborator—a strategic ecosystem partner rather than direct competitor, with national scale SCH leverages for capacity building.

Direct peers

• The Resurrection Project: The Resurrection Project is a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on community development, affordable housing, and immigrant integration in Latino neighborhoods—comparable in target population, geography, and service mix (housing counseling, financial empowerment, community organizing).
• LUCHA (Latin United Community Housing Association): LUCHA is a Chicago-based nonprofit providing affordable housing development, housing counseling, and community organizing in Latino neighborhoods—directly comparable to SCH in mission, geography, and target demographic, though with a stronger development focus.
• Bickerdike Apartments Corporation: Bickerdike is a Chicago-based affordable housing developer and service provider serving West and Northwest side neighborhoods—comparable to SCH in geography, target population, and affordable housing focus, with stronger emphasis on rental development.
• NHS Chicago (Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago): NHS Chicago is a HUD-certified housing counseling agency serving Chicago's communities with homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and homeowner support—directly comparable to SCH's core service lines and a co-partner in the 3C Buyer Pipeline Collaborative.
• Neighborhood Housing Services of New York: NHS NYC is a HUD-certified housing counseling and community development organization serving low-income New Yorkers with comparable pre/post purchase education, foreclosure prevention, and financial counseling—directly comparable in service model to SCH though serving a different metro.

Broad incumbents

• NeighborWorks America: NeighborWorks America is the national umbrella network of HUD-certified housing counseling and community development organizations—a SCH funder and affiliation partner that competes for the same federal grant pool while operating at a national scale SCH cannot match.
• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation): LISC is a national community development financial institution supporting affordable housing and economic development through lending, grants, and capacity building—overlapping with SCH in affordable housing focus and Chicago footprint but operating far more broadly across community development.
• Enterprise Community Partners: Enterprise is a national nonprofit that develops affordable housing, provides counseling, and deploys capital across the U.S.—overlapping with SCH in mission and counseling offerings but operating at a much larger scale with deeper investment in real estate development.

Emerging players

• PNC Bank Community Development: PNC is a SCH corporate funder that also operates its own community development banking, financial education, and homebuyer programs—comparable in serving low-to-moderate income consumers with homeownership resources and counseling referrals, though PNC's programs are bank-led rather than community-led.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sc4housing
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC7UUQgj2Vcy__DcIx8PhB6w
• Facebookfacebook.com/sc4housing
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sc4housing
• Instagraminstagram.com/sc4housing

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Spanish Coalition for Housing