Please note that he IHDA Opportunity Areas have been updated on the website. IHDA Opportunity Areas are determined for purposes related to the State of Illinois’ Low Income Housing
Tax Credit Qualified Allocation Plan. Please visit Opportunity Areas section for more information and to access our updated Opportunity Areas map.
If you or a loved one are in need of home accessibility improvements, we want to make you aware of a program that may help you stay in your home. The Home Accessibility Program (HAP) provides up to $25,000 to help seniors and persons with disabilities make repairs and modifications that improve accessibility and safety. Pedro and Rosalie Medina of Chicago recently received assistance through HAP and wanted to share their story here–
“I have become disabled within the last few years and as a result my quality of life has completely changed. I was physically unable to utilize the front stairs of my home. I was very frightened to even attempt to walk up and down the stairs because I did not want to fall and further injure myself. My only option was to remain inside the house. I started to miss out on life because I was stuck inside for long periods of time and I became very depressed. I started to research the cost for an elevator and even that saddened me because it was so expensive, I thought I would never be able to afford it. My life changed the day I spoke to Greg from UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago. I explained my situation to him over the telephone and he said “Yes, absolutely I can help.” The next thing I knew, plans were made and people came out to assess, measure, and build my dream. The project was completed in a timely fashion and it turned out perfect; beyond my wildest dreams. I am able to leave my house and have a life again. I am so happy and feel so blessed this worked out. I have so many people to thank, I want to thank everyone who worked on this project especially Greg and Darrin.”
Our thanks to the Medina’s for sharing their story. For more information on the Home Accessibility Program, please visit the Revitalization And Repair Programs section of this site.
The Illinois Hardest Hit program continues to help homeowners across the state who are struggling to make their mortgage payments. Recently, the Joseph Corporation helped make Malcome Wright’s holiday season a little brighter. This past November Mr. Wright experienced the misfortune of having his employer go out of business. Facing unemployment Mr. Wright was able to find another job, however it was at a lower salary. Due to the reduction in income, he was unable to maintain his mortgage payments and was facing foreclosure. Mr. Wright met with Brett Campbell and the team at the Joseph Corporation and they took immediate action. In a matter of weeks, Mr. Wright was approved for the Illinois Hardest Hit Program and was able to avoid foreclosure. Thanks to the diligence of the Joseph Corporation and the assistance through the Illinois Hardest Hit Program, Mr. Wright and his family had an extra reason to be thankful this past holiday season.
If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments or are facing foreclosure, there is help available. 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.
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.
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.