Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a cost for working with CSO?
We provide our initial services at no cost during the first two years of engagement. These efforts are funded by donors and partnerships, ensuring equitable access for communities in need.
What types of properties does CSO work with?
We work with a wide range of shared ownership communities including housing cooperatives, HOAs, and other common-interest properties. Whether your property is well-established or newly formed, we can provide the support you need.
About CSO and Getting Started
What does the Center for Shared Ownership (CSO) do?
CSO supports shared ownership communities such as HOAs and cooperatives by providing guidance, training, and strategies to enhance stability. We focus on areas like governance, asset management, and community engagement to build compliance solutions.
What does CSO mean by “shared ownership housing”?
Shared ownership housing includes models like housing cooperatives, HOAs, and other community-driven ownership structures where individuals own units and share common areas. These models emphasize democratic governance, affordability, and long-term sustainability.
How do I begin working with CSO?
All stakeholders, regardless of their role or affiliation, must complete the Request for Assistance form. This form allows us to understand your community’s needs and goals, ensuring our approach is tailored to your specific challenges.
Support and Guidance
What types of support or training does CSO offer?
We provide learning sessions and tailored guidance on topics like: governance best practices, effective meetings, asset management, sustainability planning, and community engagement. Training is designed to meet the unique needs of your shared ownership community.
Can CSO assist with governance and leadership issues?
Yes! We help communities strengthen governance structures, facilitate leadership transitions, and improve engagement among board members and stakeholders. Our guidance ensures a strong foundation for decision-making and accountability.
Can CSO help us find the right professionals to meet our needs?
Yes! CSO emphasizes the importance of working with qualified professionals, such as legal counsel, financial advisors, property managers, and contractors. While we do not provide these services directly, we can assist in identifying and connecting with appropriate professionals to support your property’s goals.
How does CSO approach asset management?
CSO works with communities to assess their financial and physical health, identify areas for improvement, and explore potential solutions such as securing funding or partnerships. Our role is to guide and support, ensuring properties can meet their goals without compromising long-term stability.
Protecting Your Information
How does CSO protect the privacy of information shared with them?
CSO treats all collected information with the utmost confidentiality. Data is only shared with explicit consent from the board and reports are presented in a way that protects individual privacy while promoting transparency.
What is Shared Ownership Housing?
Shared Ownership Housing is a democratically controlled, jointly owned housing model including where members work together to meet their economic, social, and cultural needs while ensuring long-term affordability for the community.
These models include
Townhome
Housing Cooperative
Condominium
Mutual Housing
Tenants in common
Why Shared Ownership?
Shared ownership is a sustainable, affordable alternative to renting or traditional homeownership, offering households a pathway to build wealth while reducing living expenses. With over 14,000 shared equity units in Chicago and a housing shortage exceeding 120,000 units, this model provides a critical solution to affordability challenges.
By combining democratic governance with long-term affordability, shared ownership fosters vibrant, resilient communities. Housing types include market-rate cooperatives, HUD-assisted coops, and independent coops blending common interests with sustainable affordability.
The Center for Shared Ownership (CSO) supports these communities with tailored technical assistance, governance training, and planning resources, ensuring shared ownership remains a powerful tool for economic equity and sustainable housing.