RIHA is actively building new communities based on transition and hope. In accordance with the 2003 Asset Management Plan and the mission and purpose of Community Housing Solutions (CHS), the non-profit will be instrumental allowing RIHA to continue to remove obsolete housing units from its portfolio. As this occurs, CHS will replace units with alternate housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in Rock Island. New housing will include, but not be limited to, multi-unit and single-family in-fill, mixed-income rental, for-sale, and lease/purchase options. This new housing will not in any way resemble the public housing of the past and will be designed and constructed to appeal to a broad-base market serving the diverse population of Rock Island.

RIHA development efforts contribute to the revitalization of Rock Island neighborhoods by creating healthy vibrant communities. Creating a positive impact in neighborhoods that are turning around and becoming revitalized and healthier places for people to live is the very essence of neighborhood revitalization. Revitalization and development promotes safe housing environments for all residents regardless of income. Revitalization efforts share the theme of upward mobility by providing opportunities for overcoming barriers to education, and employment, for low-to moderate-income working families making Rock Island a more dynamically diverse community focused on equal opportunity and growth.

Development of Affordable Housing
Through the development of affordable for-sale and rental housing that is indistinguishable from market-rate housing in the surrounding area, RIHA will offer more housing choices to more people. Neighborhood revitalization improves the quality of life for all residents living in Rock Island. It creates a sense of pride and of place for the entire community. It adds new investment and allows neighborhoods to restore hope and equal opportunities. As a result, current and future residents have more choices and more control over where they live and public housing residents and HCV participants have the opportunity to become economically self-sufficient, contributing members of their communities. The development of a broad spectrum of affordable housing will provide a full ladder of housing opportunities for all Rock Island residents.

In-Fill Housing
Providing families and individuals more choices and more control over where they live increases their level of self-sufficiency allowing them to effectively climb the housing ladder. In-fill housing is an important aspect of this process and is a key element in stabilizing neighborhoods that are in the process of turning around. In-fill housing provides quality housing options for families seeking to return to the Rock Island neighborhood in which they were raised. The introduction of in-fill housing into these neighborhoods creates new homes reducing the number of vacant lots and obsolete housing. It instills growth, enhances economic development, creates pride and stimulates economic self-sufficiency among current and future residents.

Mixed-Income Housing
Mixed-income properties promote safe housing environments and share the theme of upward mobility by providing opportunities for overcoming barriers to education and employment for low-to moderate-income working families. After decades of using public housing and other federally subsidized housing developments to shelter low- to moderate-income working families, the Federal Government has shifted toward deconcentration via the creation of mixed-income communities indistinguishable from market-rate housing. Mixed-income housing combines low-income and higher-income households in the same development.