Language Assistance

Overview

In compliance with federal, state, and local laws, CHA is committed to ensuring meaningful access to its programs and activities for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), LEP individuals are those whose primary language is not English (as determined by national origin) and who have limited ability to speak, read, write or understand English.

To facilitate language access, CHA provides free language assistance while minimizing undue financial burden. Key measures include:

• Delivering LEP services through a four-factor analysis.
• Offering appropriate language assistance, including translation and interpretation, tailored to the size of the language group.
• Developing, implementing, and enforcing a comprehensive Language Access Policy.

To learn more see CHA’s Language Access Plan at a Glance and 2019 Language Access Plan Progress Report. You can email CHA’s Office of Diversity at officeofdiversity@thecha.org.

Reporting LEP Violations

If a person believes that a federally assisted, HUD program recipient (i.e. CHA), is not taking reasonable steps to ensure meaningful service and/or program access to LEP persons, that individual may file a complaint with:

• Office of Diversity and Inclusion at chala@thecha.org.
• CHA’s Housing Rights and Nondiscrimination Department - Contact (312) 913-7062.
• HUD's local Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) - For contact information of your local HUD office, go to the HUD website or call the toll free Housing Discrimination Hotline at 800-669-9777 (voice) or 800 927-9275 (TTY).

Language Assistance FAQ

What are Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons? 
For persons who, as a result of national origin, do not speak English as their primary language and who have limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand. For purposes of Title VI and the LEP guidance, persons may be entitled to language assistance with respect to a particular CHA service or encounter.

What are examples of language assistance?
Language assistance that CHA may provide to LEP persons includes, but is not limited to:

• Oral interpretation services
• Bilingual staff
• Telephonic interpretation line
• Written translation services

What is the Language Access Plan (LAP)? 
A plan that identifies the needs of the LEP population that CHA serves. Some elements of CHA’s plan include but are not limited to:

• Identifying LEP person who need language assistance
• Identifying the points of contact CHA and staff may have with LEP persons
• Training staff
• Determining which documents and informational materials are vital

What is the Language Access Policy? 
A policy approved by CHA’s Board of Commissioners on April 21, 2015, which outlines CHA’s responsibilities to appropriately serve LEP persons and maintain compliance with HUD regulations.

What are Language Access Liaisons? 
CHA staff designated to oversee the creation and implementation of department-specific internal language procedures. When applicable, the Language Access Liaisons are also responsible for collecting language data for their department and monitoring compliance. For general inquiries e-mail CHA’s Language Assistance inbox at chala@thecha.org.

How does a person file a complaint if he/she believes CHA is not meeting LEP Obligations? 
By reporting it to CHA’s Housing Rights and Nondiscrimination department. For contact information, call CHA at (312) 913-7062, or the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) at 800-669-9777.