We are pleased to announce the release of our Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Report. 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of IHDA by the Illinois Legislature. This Annual Report takes a look back at milestones throughout our history as we financed over 255,000 units of affordable housing to support healthy, economically integrated communities throughout the state.
The Illinois Hardest Hit program has helped thousands of Illinois homeowners who were struggling to make their mortgage payments successfully keep their homes. Here is a touching testimonial from Byron Foxie of Waukegan who received Hardest Hit Fund assistance through the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County.
“My son, Tige, was born prematurely at 6 months old with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS disease). He’s now 18 years old. PWS left him totally disabled and dependent on round-the-clock care including a feeding tube, trach and vent for breathing. I have dedicated my life to caring for my son.
We live in Waukegan in a home that was modified to accommodate Tige’s life support systems. The Make-A-Wish Foundation also built a custom park in our backyard so that Tige can get fresh air and sun exposure. Despite all the challenges over the years, I’ve never missed a mortgage payment because this house is key to his care and our stability.
But then I was suddenly laid off after 15 years working as a shop manager in North Chicago. I wouldn’t be able to make my mortgage payment. I knew that losing our home would force Tige into a distant nursing home, which would be devastating for him and for me. He wouldn’t receive the one-on-one care that he needs like the constant suctioning of his lungs to prevent pneumonia. I had made a pact with Tige early on that I would always be there for him.
I am incredibly grateful that I found the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County. I can’t put into words what AHC has meant to us, which is why I’m sharing our story. The staff were so caring and were able to qualify me for the Hardest Hit Fund program which provides financial assistance to help pay my mortgage while I search for a new job.
I’m not in the clear yet. It’s a challenge to find a new job that offers the schedule and flexibility that I need to care for Tige. But AHC helped prevent the loss of my home and Tige’s institutionalization while I search. I am so grateful for everyone who makes it possible. Thank you and please continue to help this important organization help others in our community.
With much gratitude,
Byron Foxie”
We would like to thank Byron for sharing his experience with his son Tige and we wish Byron and his family well. Also a special thanks to the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County for their wonderful service.
If you need help paying your mortgage, please visit www.IllinoisHardestHit.org or call 1-855-873-7405 to see if you qualify for up to $35,000 in federal assistance at no cost to you. Don’t delay. Apply today.
IHDA is hosting a series of Technical Assistance Sessions that will cover the new PPA process and address any questions on the 2018-2019 Qualified Allocation Plan. Please take advantage of this opportunity and register today!
As saving for a down payment of 10 or 20 percent becomes more difficult, down payment assistance programs can be the difference between buying a home and not. IHDA’s first mortgage programs are able to connect homebuyers with up to $7,500 in assistance for down payments and closing costs, competitive interest rates, and tax benefits that help buyers save over the life of their loan. New homeowner, Lauren Mitchell of Belleville, knows this first hand as she recently purchased her new home and shared the following:
My son and I are finally getting somewhat settled in in our new home! I had forgotten how much is involved in moving! We will be here for a while for sure. I just wanted to say this wouldn’t have been possible without IHDA and the 1stHomeIllinois program. I cannot thank you enough! You are beyond amazing. I hope you have an amazing day!
We would like to thank Lauren for her kind words. If you are looking to purchase a home please contact an IHDA lender as they can help you understand the home buying process from beginning to end and answer all of your questions about the 1stHomeIllinois program.
If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments, it can be a scary and stressful time. You are not alone. Thousands of Illinois homeowners have successfully kept their home through the Illinois Hardest Hit program. Here is the account of a homeowner who recently saved her home.
My name is Jennifer. I have to admit that facing foreclosure on my very first home was scary, it was a very depressing time for me. All I remember was feeling so helpless. When the foreclosure began I had just had intestinal surgery and no source income as I was still fighting disability. I was at my lowest point and I had no clue on how to dig myself out. After finding the Spanish Coalition for Housing through a search online, I called them and learned about the Illinois Hardest Hit program. Calling them was the best decision I could have ever made.
The whole process from beginning to end was fast and uncomplicated. The staff from both facilities have been the most professional and helpful group of people with whom I have ever worked.
I was brought up with good manners and morals. I was taught at a very young age to give thanks and praise when it’s due and that’s what I’m doing right now. I can attest to the fact that the Illinois Hardest Hit program saved me from facing a future of uncertainty and I am eternally grateful. I would like to specifically thank Tabitha Rodriguez from the Spanish Coalition for Housing and the Illinois Housing Development Authority who helped me during my most difficult time.
We would like to thank Jennifer for her kind words and sharing her experience. If you need assistance, we hope her words inspire you to take action. If you need help paying your mortgage, please visit IllinoisHardestHit.org to see if you qualify for up to $35,000 in federal assistance at no cost to you.
Don’t delay. Apply today.
Are you among the hardest hit and need help paying your mortgage? Help is available through the Illinois Hardest Hit program. Homeowners who have experienced a 15% reduction in income due to a hardship may be eligible for up to $35,000 in reinstatement and/or ongoing monthly mortgage assistance while working to regain financial stability.
We’re excited to release the new IHDA FY2016 Annual Report. Whether it was helping a family find an affordable place to live, giving local governments the tools they need to create vibrant neighborhoods, or generating more opportunities for the state’s development partners to build and preserve affordable housing, our investments changed lives and communities in 2016.
The 2017 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Affordable Housing co-hosted by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the Illinois Housing Council will take place on March 13 & 14, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. Register today at www.ilgovernorsconference.com.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is now accepting applications for two programs to fund the development and operation of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for special needs populations and persons with disabilities, including residents who are transitioning out of nursing homes and into community living.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is now accepting applications for two programs to fund the development and operation of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for special needs populations and persons with disabilities, including residents who are transitioning out of nursing homes and into community living.
This round of IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Development Program will fund developments serving low-income persons with disabilities, persons experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. Eligible developments may contain no more than 25 units and are required to set aside a minimum of 10 percent of the units for referrals through the Statewide Referral Network. Funding will be awarded to the highest scoring applications. The deadline for submitting applications under the Permanent Supportive Housing Development Program has been extended to February 27, 2017.
IHDA is also seeking applications from property owners for rental subsidies under the Long Term Operating Support Program (LTOS). Rental subsidies will be provided over 15 years to eligible landlords serving households referred through the Statewide Referral Network. LTOS grants will be awarded to the highest scoring applications to bridge the gap between the contract rent and what extremely low-income households can afford to pay. Eligible developments must be located outside the City of Chicago, meet the accessibility requirements listed in the Request for Application, and commit to accepting tenants referred through the Statewide Referral Network in order to be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until further notice.
We encourage all eligible developers and property owners to apply for these opportunities. PSH is a proven and effective means of stabilizing the lives of vulnerable families and individuals. See the applicable Request for Application on IHDA’s Supportive Housing page (for PSH) and the Rental Assistance page (for LTOS) for more details. Please direct any questions to PSHRFA@ihda.org.