There is no doubt that 2020 was one of the hardest years we have collectively faced in a long time. The COVID-19 pandemic and the national reckoning with long-standing racial injustice has changed and challenged us all, as individuals and as organizations.

We’re continuing to respond and recover, but right now, we want to take the opportunity to acknowledge the ways we were—and continue to be—resilient. We came together during a hard year to meet urgent needs, pass critical housing legislation, and continue on our path to better, more stable, more just housing opportunities for everyone.

Thank you to all of our steadfast members, hardworking allies, and generous supporters who helped us through this year. We couldn’t accomplish all that we do without you.

Read the report here »

Tell Illinois' Members of Congress: Build Back Better By Funding Affordable Housing as Infrastructure

In the next couple of days, negotiations on the final funding levels for the Build Back Better Act—the federal infrastructure and economic recovery package—are expected to be finalized. Advocacy from people and organizations around the country has keep funding for affordable housing and to end homelessness in the bill and increased the proposed funding. For those who have not taken action, now is your last chance to contact your members of Congress to support key affordable housing priorities for rental housing and homeownership, especially for people with the lowest incomes and communities of color.

Take action »

Endorse the Campaign for Statewide Source of Income Fair Housing Protections

Housing Action Illinois is a member of the Illinois Coalition for Fair Housing, which is working to pass House Bill 2755, state legislation that will prohibit discrimination against any housing seeker on the basis of their legal source of income, including rental subsidies and non-wage income such as SSI, SSDI, TANF, or child support. HB 2775 also includes an eviction defense when landlords do not accept emergency rent assistance and other provisions.

Endorse the campaign today »

That's a wrap!

From October 6-7, we held our annual Housing Matters Conference virtually in partnership with Resilient Communities: The National Forum. We were thrilled to give our conference attendees the opportunity to attend a variety of sessions with topics ranging from pediatric health to using federal funds to fight homelessness. In addition, conference attendees attended national, collaborative sessions, and workshops from our state partners.

We were extremely thankful to be joined by James Cunningham, HUD Deputy Regional Administrator for Region V, during our Housing Matters 2021 Opening, and by our keynote speakers, Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace B. Hou. 

To those who participated, thank you for your time, knowledge, and attention. We look forward to seeing you in-person next year!

View the 2021 Conference Program here »

Executive Director Sharon Legenza and IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou

From left to right, starting with the top row: Nancy Heil, John Herring Sr., Chantelle Wilkinson, David Zwerov, and Sheila Sutton

Housing Matters Conference Sponsor Spotlight: JPMorgan Chase

Housing Action Illinois extends a warm thank you to JPMorgan Chase for its generous Platinum-level sponsorship of our 2021 Housing Matters Conference.

JPMorgan Chase has committed to spending $30 billion to advance racial equity over the next five years. In addition to mortgage options, Chase offers community-specific programs to assist with down payment and closing costs—including a $5,000 homebuyer grant to help more families achieve homeownership in traditionally underserved communities.

Read tips from JPMorgan Chase on how to save enough to buy your first home »