A Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) is a private nonprofit, community-based service organization that has capacity, and whose primary purpose includes the development of affordable housing for the community it serves. The HOME Program definition of a CHDO is found at 24 CFR Part 92.2.
State certification or designation as a CHDO allows for a non-profit organization to become eligible to take advantage of the HOME funds set-aside by LHC specifically for CHDOs, as well as potential support for a portion of its operating expenses associated with CHDO projects.
Non-profit organizations interested in CHDO Certification must complete and submit the CHDO Designation Application along with all required supporting documentation. The CHDO certification will remain valid for twelve (12) months from the approved CHDO Designation approval date. Existing CHDOs and new applicants will now be required to all apply during the designated June window. State Certification/Designation CHDOs are required to recertify annually to maintain their designation with LHC and may be requalified each time it received additional set-aside funds.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established standard criteria for organizations to be eligible to become a certified CHDO, which LHC has incorporated into its full list of requirements. For a full description of CHDO requirements and performance standards please see Policies and Procedures for CHDO Programs: CHDO Annual Awards Program (CHAAP) & CHDO Single
Acquisition Rehabilitation Program (CSAR), Section III.
How to Apply: CHDO Certification for Qualified Non-Profits
STEP 1: Review qualifications listed in the Program Policies & Procedures to confirm your organization meets the requirements and is willing to operate under the CHDO performance expectations.
STEP 2: Navigate below to the Resources section at the bottom of the webpage. Click on “Find More Resources” to access the LHC CHDO Designation Application and CHDO Designation Application Tables for your review and completion.
STEP 3: After completing both documents and collecting the required supporting documentation, email your organization’s submission to LHC staff at HOME@lhc.la.gov for review.
The application window opens annually in June. Any CHDO Certification applications submitted after this period will be rejected. LHC will begin accepting CHDO Certification submissions on Monday, June 1st, 2026.
CHDO Certification User Guide
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