Find answers to common questions about shared living, referrals, property partnerships, and our operator network.
Shared living is a housing arrangement where residents rent a room in a fully furnished home and share common areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms with other housemates. Harmony Homes provides structured shared living with clear house rules, on-site management, and a supportive environment designed to promote stability and independence.
Yes. All Harmony Homes rooms come fully furnished with a bed, dresser, and closet or storage space. Common areas including the living room, dining area, and kitchen are also fully furnished and equipped.
Utilities — including water, electricity, gas, and heat — are typically included in monthly rent. This means one predictable payment covers your housing costs without surprise bills. Specific inclusions may vary by location.
Yes. High-speed Wi-Fi internet is included at all Harmony Homes locations at no additional cost.
Yes. Private rooms are available at select locations. Private rooms typically cost more than shared rooms. Availability varies by location and changes frequently. Contact our placement team for current private room availability.
Yes. Shared rooms are the most affordable option and are available at most locations. In a shared room, you will have a roommate assigned by Harmony Homes. All shared rooms are same-gender within their designated household.
Yes. Applicants with employment income are welcome to apply. Verifiable income helps demonstrate the ability to pay monthly rent consistently.
Yes. Applicants receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible to apply. Verifiable benefit income can be used to demonstrate the ability to pay rent.
Yes. Applicants receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are eligible to apply. Verifiable benefit income can be used to demonstrate the ability to pay rent.
Yes. Harmony Homes proudly welcomes veterans. As a veteran-owned organization, we understand the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Veterans with VA benefits, employment income, or other verifiable income are encouraged to apply.
Applicants are typically asked to provide a valid photo ID, proof of income (such as benefit award letters, pay stubs, or bank statements), and contact information for verification purposes. Please do not submit your Social Security card, medical records, or banking passwords through standard website forms.
An application fee may be required during the application process. The fee covers administrative processing and background screening. Our team will inform you of any applicable fees before processing your application.
No. Paying an application fee does not guarantee approval or reserve a specific room. Room placement is confirmed only after your application is approved and any required move-in payments are completed.
Move-in timelines vary based on application completion, verification processing, and room availability. In some cases, approved applicants may be able to move in within a few days. Our placement team works to make the process as fast as possible while ensuring a proper fit.
Guest policies vary by location. Generally, brief daytime visits from approved guests are permitted. Overnight guests are typically not allowed or require prior approval from management. All guests must follow house rules and respect the privacy of other residents.
Smoking is not permitted inside any Harmony Homes residence. Designated outdoor smoking areas may be available at some locations and must be used in accordance with house rules.
Pets are generally not permitted. Service animals or emotional support animals may be accommodated in accordance with applicable laws. Please discuss any animal-related needs with our placement team before applying.
Couples may apply, but availability of accommodations suitable for couples is limited. Most locations are designed for single-occupancy rooms. Contact our placement team to discuss your specific situation.
Harmony Homes locations are designed for individual adult residents. We do not currently offer family housing or accommodations for children. Contact our team if you need a referral to family housing resources in the Chicagoland area.
No. Harmony Homes provides non-clinical shared-living housing. We do not provide medical care, nursing services, or clinical treatment. Residents are responsible for managing their own medical needs and coordinating with their healthcare providers.
Harmony Homes does not operate a dedicated transportation service, but transportation assistance may be available on a limited basis at some locations. Many locations are near public transit including CTA bus and train lines and Metra stations. Contact our team to discuss transportation options at a specific property.
After submitting your application, our placement team will review your information, verify documents, and conduct any necessary screenings. You may be contacted for additional information or a brief interview. Once approved, we will discuss available rooms that match your needs and coordinate your move-in date.
Referrals are accepted from case managers, social workers, housing navigators, discharge planners, and other professionals working with qualified adults seeking shared housing. Referral organizations may include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare facilities, and community-based programs.
Referral submissions should include the referring professional's name and organization, contact information, the referred individual's name and basic housing needs, and any relevant placement preferences. Detailed personal documents are not required at the initial referral stage.
Yes. Agencies and organizations may sponsor or subsidize housing costs for referred individuals. Sponsorship arrangements vary and should be discussed directly with our partnership team to establish terms and billing procedures.
Organizations may inquire about reserving multiple beds or establishing an ongoing placement pipeline. Availability for bulk reservations depends on current capacity. Contact our partnership team to discuss organizational housing agreements.
Availability is confirmed directly by our placement team after a referral is submitted. Current openings change frequently, and we provide real-time availability updates to referral partners upon request.
No. Harmony Homes does not provide case management services. We provide housing and can coordinate with the resident's case manager or support team. Residents are encouraged to maintain relationships with their existing case management providers.
No. Harmony Homes is a non-clinical housing provider. We do not offer medical, psychiatric, or therapeutic clinical services. Residents who require clinical support should coordinate those services through their referring agency or healthcare provider.
Yes. Referring professionals are welcome to schedule a property tour. Tours help referral partners understand the living environment and better determine if a Harmony Homes location is a good fit for the individuals they serve.
Referral sources can receive placement updates upon request and with appropriate consent from the resident. Communication frequency and content should be established with our team at the time of referral.
Organizations can request a vendor packet by contacting our partnership team through the Agency Referral Center page or by calling (708) 466-7322. Vendor packets include necessary documentation for establishing an organizational partnership and referral pathway.
Harmony Homes considers single-family homes, multi-unit buildings, and properties suitable for shared living. Properties must be located within our service area throughout Chicagoland, meet safety and habitability standards, and be appropriate for shared-living arrangements.
Yes. Harmony Homes may enter into master lease agreements with property owners. Under a master lease, Harmony Homes leases the entire property and manages resident placement and day-to-day operations. Terms are negotiated on a per-property basis.
Harmony Homes handles all resident intake, screening, placement, and ongoing house management. Property owners are not responsible for finding, screening, or managing individual residents.
Utility responsibility depends on the lease agreement. Under a typical master lease, Harmony Homes handles all utility payments. Specific arrangements for water, electricity, gas, internet, and other services are negotiated as part of the property agreement.
Maintenance responsibilities are defined in the property agreement. Day-to-day minor maintenance and upkeep is typically handled by Harmony Homes management. Major repairs and capital improvements are generally the property owner's responsibility unless otherwise negotiated.
Under a master lease agreement, Harmony Homes pays consistent monthly rent to the property owner regardless of occupancy. This provides predictable, guaranteed income for property owners without the risk of vacancy loss.
Properties are reviewed based on location, condition, layout suitability for shared living, safety features, and proximity to public transit and community resources. Harmony Homes conducts an in-person walkthrough as part of the review process.
Yes. Harmony Homes can manage properties under a management or master lease arrangement. This includes resident placement, ongoing house management, maintenance coordination, and compliance with Harmony Homes operational standards.
Harmony Homes may consider purchasing properties on a case-by-case basis. Property owners interested in selling should contact our team to discuss whether their property aligns with our acquisition criteria.
Initial property review typically takes one to two weeks from submission of complete property information. The timeline can vary based on scheduling the in-person walkthrough and the completeness of the information provided. Our team works to move through the review process efficiently.
The Harmony Housing Partner Network is a curated network of independent housing operators who share Harmony Homes' commitment to quality, structure, and resident dignity. Network members may receive placement opportunities, operational guidance, and access to shared standards.
No. Membership in the Harmony Housing Partner Network does not guarantee resident placements. Placement opportunities are distributed based on availability, location match, operator capacity, and quality standards. Network membership provides access to placement opportunities but not guaranteed volume.
Yes. New operators who share Harmony Homes' values and meet baseline operational standards are welcome to apply for network membership. The application includes a review of your housing model, property conditions, operational practices, and alignment with our core values.
Operators are typically asked to provide proof of property ownership or valid lease agreement, certificates of insurance, documentation of habitability and safety compliance, and information about current operational practices. Specific requirements are provided during the application process.
Placement opportunities are distributed based on a combination of factors including geographic match with the referred individual's needs, operator capacity and availability, and demonstrated quality and reliability. Operators with consistent performance and availability may receive more placement opportunities.
Placement fee structures vary. Some network relationships may include placement or referral fees. All fee arrangements are clearly documented in the operator agreement before any placements occur. Contact our team for current fee structure information.
Yes. Harmony Homes can take on full management of a property through a master lease or management agreement. This arrangement allows property owners or operators to transfer day-to-day management responsibilities while ensuring the property operates under Harmony Homes standards.
No. Operators in the Harmony Housing Partner Network remain independent businesses. Harmony Homes does not control or own member operators' companies. Network membership provides access to standards, placement opportunities, and collaboration — not ownership or operational control.
Operators who violate network standards may face consequences up to and including removal from the network and suspension of placement opportunities. Harmony Homes prioritizes resident safety, housing quality, and operational integrity. Violations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in corrective action requirements or termination of the partnership.
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