We’re excited to invite you to Bloomington for our 2025 Housing Matters Conference—our annual gathering where housing counselors, advocates, homeless service providers, developers, changemakers, and more come together to learn, connect, and take action. 

We've reached capacity in recent years, so don’t wait—register today to secure your spot and save $50 with early bird rates.

Register now »

FEDERAL ADVOCACY UPDATES

Deep Proposed Cuts Threaten Housing Programs

Following passage of a harmful reconciliation bill earlier this month—which includes deep, harmful cuts to health care, food assistance, and more to pay for tax cuts for the most affluent in our society—Congress has turned its attention to creating next year’s federal budget.

Housing Action is alarmed by harsh cuts to critical housing programs in both proposed budgets from the White House and the House Republicans.

House Republicans have released a draft FY26 budget that proposes major cuts to HUD programs—including the elimination of funding for HOME, housing counseling, and fair housing enforcement. The proposal also includes policy changes that could increase rent burdens and impose new restrictions on low-income families.

Read our full update on what’s at stake »

STATE ADVOCACY UPDATES

Some Successes Despite Tough Budget Year

The recently completed state legislative session reflected a particularly tough budget year. Despite our efforts, in FY26 funding for the main line items supporting  HOME Illinois, our state plan to prevent and end homelessness, were reduced to $354 million, a $14.6 million reduction. 

But we also secured important wins: 

• Budget increases for emergency shelter in Chicago and the rest of IL
• Extending and improving the Affordable Housing Special Assessment Program
• Delaying the Cook County tax sale to allow time for equity-preserving reforms 
• Eliminating burdensome matching fund requirements for shelters and supportive housing programs

Read our full 2025 State Legislative Session Wrap-Up »

Housing Action's David Young (third from right) is in D.C. this week speaking up against cuts to housing counseling alongside partners.

We joined Rep. Ramirez's press conference to oppose the GOP's reconciliation bill. Pictured with Rep. Ramirez (fifth from left): Housing Action's Foluke Akanni (sixth from left) and partners.

Megan Yerger (she/her) is joining Housing Action Illinois as a Housing Policy Organizer. Megan began her career as an AmeriCorps member at the Richard J. Daley Center Civil Courthouse in Chicago, working with self-represented litigants in navigating civil legal proceedings. She then joined newly-elected State Representative Nabeela Syed in her home district as her Chief of Staff, leading on office management, constituent services, and the Representative’s policy agenda. After working with Citizen Action/Illinois advocating for more just housing policy and prescription drug affordability legislation in Springfield, Megan is excited to join Housing Action Illinois to continue working on eradicating homelessness, fighting for tenant rights, and advocating for more affordable housing through direct service providers and directly impacted people.

Program Manager Bootcamp

We just hosted our first in-person housing counselor training in 5+ years—bringing together nearly 50 participants from 13 states in Milwaukee for our Program Manager Bootcamp. Thanks to everyone who joined us and to Associated Bank for making this in-person learning opportunity possible!

Expanding Access to Housing Counseling

Many people don’t know housing counseling exists—let alone that it’s often free or where they can find it. Help spread the word with MyPathToHome.org, a free national tool that connects individuals with HUD-certified housing counselors. Use our outreach toolkit to share this resource and make the path to homeownership clearer for all.

Applications Closing Soon 

Since 2010, we’ve placed AmeriCorps VISTA members across Illinois—and now nationwide—to help community-based organizations grow local housing initiatives. Housing Action Corps strengthens programs while supporting the next generation of housing leaders.

Applications are closing soon for 30+ AmeriCorps positions! Roles include positions with Illinois-based nonprofit sites and national placements through our Housing Counseling Corps, which offer HUD-certification training and career pathways. Members serve full-time from August 2025–August 2026 and receive professional development, education funding, and other benefits.

View open positions »

Hope for Homes Day

Hope for Homes Day is a collaborative fundraising effort powered by Illinois nonprofits committed to ending homelessness. It’s a statewide day of giving to celebrate our collective spirit of philanthropy and to support the organizations that make Illinois a state where all can live and thrive. 

Double your gift when you give to Housing Action on July 17 (tomorrow!). 

Join the movement »