colorful houses in a row

June 2022 Newsletter: Policy Focus | Housing Counselor Dispatch | AmeriCorps Updates | Member Spotlight | Learning & Networking | What We're Sharing | Jobs

This month in...
2017: Our AmeriCorps Summer Associates program launches, with 20 AmeriCorps members serving at Housing Action member organizations throughout Illinois.

Celebrating Pride & Homeownership Month

"Whether owning or renting, a home is where we can live with dignity and watch our families grow," reads the official proclamation of this June as the 20th National Homeownership Month. This month is a time to recognize the importance of home to all individuals and families and renew our collective commitment to expanding opportunities for would-be homeowners.

Learn about our work to promote sustainable homeownership »

June is also Pride Month. We believe in safe, stable homes for all. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing and housing-related discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, and sex, including gender identity and sexual orientation. Learn more »

 

Policy Focus

Most Significant CRA Changes in Decades

In May, federal regulators issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modernize the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which directs billions of dollars in bank loans, investments, and financial services toward low- and moderate-income communities.

Leaders in the IL CRA Coalition, co-facilitated by Housing Action Illinois and Woodstock Institute, are wading through the 700-page document that includes the proposed changes. Stay tuned: In mid-July, we’ll be holding a webinar and providing guidance on how you can partake in this critical process and submit your comments by the August 5 deadline.

Get coalition updates »

Icon with three people working around a book that says CRA reform

We're Not Done: Build Back Better

After months of delays, the White House, congressional leaders, and key senators have restarted negotiations over a scaled-down reconciliation package. This bill could include robust housing investments targeted toward people with the lowest incomes.

We can’t let this once-in-a generation opportunity to advance bold housing solutions pass us by. Urge Illinois Senators to stand strong and continue to champion affordable housing priorities in any reconciliation bill.

Send a message »

 

Housing Counselor Dispatch

Learn With Us

Our trainings calendar is jam-packed this month! Join us next week for:

We're also bringing plenty of trainings in July and August, including trainings on a number of topics we haven't covered before. View our full trainings calendar »

 
 

AmeriCorps Updates

Do you know someone who might be interested in a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA?

Send them our way!

Each year, Housing Action matches AmeriCorps members with community-based organizations in our coalition. AmeriCorps members take on a variety of roles at their host organizations, all aimed at helping our communities thrive. They expand the scale of programs and services, implement new projects, and build capacity to further the long-term sustainability of anti-poverty programs.

We're currently recruiting full-year AmeriCorps VISTA members to serve at our member organization host sites.

View all positions »

Three people in AmeriCorps uniforms sitting around a table and talking
 

Buying Homes and Building Relationships: Justine PETERSEN

“Housing counseling gives a more humanistic and holistic perspective, not just for Justine PETERSEN, but for homebuyers." 

An organization that brings together social work and banking, Justine PETERSEN makes every transaction personal and emphasizes building relationships. The organization began as a HUD-certified counseling agency 25 years ago, and today they also do micro-lending and credit building. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Justine PETERSEN assists in getting capital deployed in historically under-resourced neighborhoods and communities. Their housing counseling work, specifically, is essential to their mission.

Read more about their work in this month's Member Spotlight »

Headshot of AmeriCorps VISTA at Justine Petersen, Noureldin

Noureldin Mohamed, AmeriCorps VISTA at Justine PETERSEN

 

Learning & Networking 

Events from Housing Action, our members, funders, and organizations to which we belong. Submit your listing »

Hosted by LUCHA
Block Party Series: LUCHA & PlayStreets 2022: Learn more

Mastering Your Housing Counseling Online Process, 6/21: Register

Hosted by CAFHA & Housing Choice Partners
2022 Housing Justice Summit, 6/22-6/23: Register

Supercharging Your Credit Counseling Program, 6/22: Register

Retooling Your Pre-Purchase Counseling, 6/23: Register

Designing & Delivering Your Online Homebuying Education Program, 6/28-6/30: Register

Are You Okay? A Mindful Approach to Emotional Wellness, 7/7: Register

SAVE THE DATE: Our annual conference, 2022 Housing Matters, will be October 20 & 21 in Bloomington, IL! Registration will open in July. 

See all Housing Action events »

 

What We're Sharing

Legislation protecting people with disabilities in housing becomes law, The Telegraph, 5/24/22

New Illinois laws preventing housing discrimination based on income, expand capitol accessibility, WGEM, 5/23/22

The Office of Community Services at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced its FY22 Community Economic Development Funding Opportunity, awarding $12.3 million in discretionary funds to Community Development Corporations. Apply by 7/11/22. (funding opportunity)

The Looking Out Foundation is supporting nonprofit organizations nationwide that have programs targeting community development, civil rights, and homelessness. Apply by 8/1/22. (funding opportunity)

The Chicago Recovery Grant Application for Community Development is now accepting applications for grant funding to support local developments, prioritizing projects in areas of Chicago where there has been a history of disinvestment. Apply by 8/19/22. (funding opportunity)

 

Who's Hiring

Jobs from Housing Action, our members, funders, and organizations to which we belong. Submit your opening »

Housing Action Illinois

Housing Action Illinois is currently seeking someone passionate about housing justice to serve as our Communications VISTA for the 2022-2023 year. This is a full-year AmeriCorps position. Join us to help build public awareness and understanding about housing issues. Apply today »

35 years Housing Action Illinois logo

All Chicago Making Homelessness History, Program Associate & Program Manager

Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet, Residential Homeless Services Case Worker

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, Various Positions

Chinese American Service League, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Chicago Community Loan Fund, Various Positions

Chicago Furniture Bank, Executive Director

Full Circle Communities, Project Manager & Project Analyst

HANA Center, Bilingual Spanish Community Advocate

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Bank Examiner

Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing, Various Positions

LUCHA, Project Manager

People's Resource Center, Bilingual Social Services Coordinator

Peoria Housing Authority, Various Positions

Renaissance Social Services, Various Positions

Spanish Coalition for Housing, Senior Grants and Development Coordinator

Supportive Housing Providers Association, Director of Policy & Advocacy

The Preservation Compact, Program Officer & Executive Administrative Assistant

Housing Action Illinois is collaborating with the National Housing Resource Center (NHRC) to expand the field of housing counseling, and NHRC has launched a jobs board to match HUD-certified housing counselors and agencies with open positions. Find or post a housing counseling position at HousingCounselingCareer.org »

 

We are stronger together. Join us in the fight to create an Illinois where everyone has a good, stable place to call home.

 

Housing Action Illinois
67 E. Madison Street, Suite 1603 | Chicago, Illinois 60603
312-939-6074 | communications@housingactionil.org

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