Registration is now open for our annual conference!

After last year’s success, we're holding our annual Housing Matters conference virtually again—and rejoining partners to bring it as part of Resilient Communities: The National Forum. We will kick off with two days of collaborative content with top national speakers on October 4 & 5, followed by two days of Illinois-specific workshops on local topics with our state's experts and decision makers on October 6 & 7.

This year, we're looking forward to bringing sessions on topics ranging from new Illinois property tax incentives to creating truly inclusive programs and services, from the changes that housing counseling agencies need make to keep up in 2022 to how homeless service providers can better connect families to pediatric primary care, and much more.

Member registration is $75 & non-member registration is $125
Check whether your organization is a member »

This year, at our annual membership meeting, Housing Action Illinois will be joined by State Representatives Delia Ramirez and Will Guzzardi and State Senators Anne Gillespie and Mattie Hunter. The legislators will discuss the significant affordable housing victories secured during the recent state legislative session, such as the Affordable Housing Omnibus Bill and the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act. We will also discuss what comes next, looking toward what future policy priorities lie ahead.

The meeting will be on September 1 at 12 pm CT. Everyone is welcome to join, whether or not you or your organization are current Housing Action members.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided. 

Register now »

Landmark Affordable Housing Legislation Signed into Law

"What’s so great about this omnibus legislation is that it’s really comprehensive," explained Housing Action's Policy Director Bob Palmer at the signing of major omnibus affordable housing legislation (HB 2621) into law. "It offers incentives and resources in all types of markets and communities in Illinois."

The legislation includes key affordable housing property tax incentives for which Housing Action and our partners have long advocated. Why now? “I think that the pandemic has refocused attention on affordable housing as a really important, pressing issue,” says Bob.

Learn more about the bill and its key provisions »

Up to $332 Billion in Federal Funding for Housing on the Horizon

The Senate has voted 50-49 to approve a budget resolution that sets the stage for a $3.5 trillion infrastructure and economic recovery package, including a $332 billion investment that can be committed to meet crucial housing needs.

Tell our members of Congress to commit this funding to:

• Create and preserve affordable rental homes for people with the lowest incomes
• Address the racial wealth gap by providing targeted down payment assistance
• Support community investment, revitalization, and equity

Message your legislators now »

National Eviction Moratorium Goes Until October 3; Illinois Eviction Moratorium Phasing Out

The first National Eviction Moratorium ended on July 31, but the CDC announced another limited, targeted eviction moratorium through October 3. This covers renters living in communities experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and prevents execution of eviction orders by law enforcement, but does not prevent cases proceeding in court or courts entering judgments against tenants. Based on the CDC map, all but a few of Illinois’ 102 counties are covered.

Until the end of August, Governor Pritzker’s executive order, combined with actions by the State of Illinois Supreme Court, offers Illinois tenants more protections than the CDC order. The State of Illinois tenant declaration form is substantially similar to the CDC declaration form, but to ensure their protection, tenants should also provide landlords with a signed CDC form, available here »

Visit IllinoisRentalAssistance.org to connect to a service provider who can help people apply for rent assistance and EvictionHelpIllinois.org for free legal help. Housing Action will continue to regularly update our summary of federally funded rental programs in Illinois as new information becomes available.

Good News: OCC Backtracks on Weakening the CRA

In July 2021, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced it would propose to rescind its controversial Trump-era rules weakening the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and work with other banking regulators to adopt a clear, strong, and consistent update to the CRA. Learn more and read the National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s statement applauding this news »

Making a Difference at HOPE Fair Housing Center

Over the summer, Beth LeCroy joined HOPE Fair Housing Center as an AmeriCorps Summer Associate, and she accomplished a lot during her time serving at the organization. Highlights from her term included amping up HOPE's social media presence and getting an article published by the Daily Herald about the key role that assistance animals play in aiding persons with disabilities, and the importance of landlords accommodating assistance animals in housing. She also organized and moderated a roundtable discussion with local nonprofit leaders to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which you can watch here »

Evelyn Sanguinetti and Beth LeCroy of HOPE Fair Housing Center, April Redzic of DuPage PADS, and Mary Rosenberg of Access Living discuss the Americans with Disability Act

Join Our Coalition Today!

For nearly 35 years, Housing Action Illinois has been working to create an Illinois where everyone has a good, affordable home. We are incredibly thankful for the 150+ members in our coalition who work alongside us to expand affordable housing and end homelessness in Illinois. 

As a member of Housing Action, all staff and volunteers at your organization can access our member benefits. These include training & conference discounts, networking opportunities, eligibility to host an AmeriCorps VISTA member, advocacy opportunities, and more.

Join us »