The Chicago Housing Authority today approved rules that’ll eventually require most adult residents to work at least half-time or face eviction.

The CHA board passed the rules without debate. Starting in July, able adults who aren’t working or attending school 15 hours a week could lose their public housing. In 2010, the requirement will increase to 20 hours a week. Jessica Youngblood of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless says the CHA knows some residents can’t meet those standards.

YOUNGBLOOD: This is a part of getting low-income people out of Chicago.

But CHA Chairman Martin Nesbitt says the agency will spare those who fail to work after a good-faith effort.

NESBITT: We are trying to facilitate the integration of these residents into the fabric of the Chicago community. 

The housing authority says residents can count on job training, drug treatment and child care.