2024 Conference Program
October 17 & 18, 2024 | Bloomington, IL
This year, we were excited to welcome nearly 350 participants in Bloomington, IL. Attendees joined us to dig into the issues, hear from experts, and build relationships on October 17 & 18. During the conference, we kicked off with opening keynote speaker HUD’s David Berenbaum and ended with a conversation on local strategies to increase housing supply with the mayors of Bloomington and Decatur and a city councilmember from Evanston. In addition to our general sessions, we facilitated 18 breakout workshops, including a community tour that visited two affordable housing developments, and held a reception with live jazz from The Reginald Lewis Quartet. We also celebrated the 10th anniversary of our Housing Action Counseling Network.
Thank you to all of the speakers, sponsors, supporters, and conference attendees that participated in 2024 Housing Matters and helped to make it a success.
Presentations
OPENING KEYNOTE
The State of Play & Priorities at HUD
David Berenbaum, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing Counseling, HUD
The mission of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. The federal agency’s work affects everyone in our field, and right now, HUD is embarking on a new strategic plan. During this opening keynote, you’ll hear from David Berenbaum, HUD’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing Counseling, who will discuss priorities and new initiatives the agency is undertaking. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, Mr. Berenbaum collaborates with HUD’s leadership, professional staff, and partners to provide high impact services to ensure that every American has a place to call home and the ability to achieve their financial dreams.
No presentation slides available.
Membership Meeting
Join us for this once-a-year opportunity to meet in person with our diverse membership and to undertake the core duty of voting on new and renewing members of Housing Action’s Board of Directors. This year, we will also discuss trends affecting our collective work to ensure safe, sustainable homes for all Illinoisans, as well as present key issue updates that members should be aware of as we move into 2025 and beyond.
All are welcome to join, whether or not your organization is a member.
CLOSING PLENARY
Elected Officials Roundtable: Local Strategies to Increase the Supply of Housing
Councilmember Bobby Burns, City of Evanston
Mboka Mwilambwe, Mayor of Bloomington
Julie Moore Wolfe, Mayor of Decatur
Local governments play a crucial role in expanding the supply of housing. Join our conversation with three local elected officials who are supporting various strategies to increase the supply of homes to meet current community needs, such as focusing on creating housing for the workforce, redeveloping vacant and abandoned properties, and increasing housing affordability. Hear from Councilmember Bobby Burns from the City of Evanston, where efforts are underway to develop a new comprehensive plan and update the local zoning code; Mboka Mwilambwe, Mayor of Bloomington, where planning is underway to expand the supply of housing to meet demands based on local job growth in electric vehicle manufacturing and other areas; and Julie Moore Wolfe, Mayor of Decatur, where a key strategy is working with the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority to address abandoned homes and stabilize the housing market. The conversation will be facilitated by Sue Loellbach, Director of Advocacy for Connections for the Homeless, based in Evanston.
No presentation slides available.
101 Breakout Sessions
Affordable Housing & Homelessness 101
In this session, intended to welcome newcomers to the field, we will provide an overview of the history and current state of the affordable housing and homelessness crises. We’ll introduce the many programs, key players, and organizations working to expand access to housing opportunities. Hear from two leaders in our field and come away with foundational knowledge of our key issues, as well as a better understanding of the Housing Action Illinois coalition and how you can play a part in our mission to create an Illinois where every has a stable, affordable place to call home.
Speakers: Kimberly Danna, HUD
*Qualifies for CE (Continuing Education) credit for LCSW, LSW, LCPC, and LPC licenses.
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Workplace Conflict Resolution 101
Conflict, frustrations, and tension can arise in any workplace, and it’s important to navigate these complicated situations professionally. During this session, intended for newcomers to the workforce, we will explore ways to compromise and negotiate in order to reach durable, meaningful resolutions to difficult situations. We will also discuss how to effectively communicate with others in order to avoid disputes before they happen.
Speaker: Jenna Silver, Center for Conflict Resolution
No presentation slides available.
Policy Advocacy Breakout Sessions
Making Illinois Communities Safer Through Stable Homes
Many local governments have enacted so-called “crime-free housing and nuisance property” ordinances (CFNOs), which lead to unfair penalties and evictions of tenants based on alleged criminal or nuisance activity. Under the pretext of fighting crime, these misguided local ordinances actually cause housing instability and homelessness. Join us to learn about the Community Safety through Stable Homes Act, proposed state legislation that will prevent discrimination, help people contact police without fear, and focus on better responses to crime while keeping families in their homes.
Speakers: Niya Kelly, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness; Kate Walz, National Housing Law Project
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Fix Our Homes: Resources for Senior Home Repair
Low-income senior homeowners are in dire need of more accessible home repair resources, an increase in the number and convenient locations of skilled home repair specialist willing to assist them, and a simplified, coordinated system for accessing these vital services. At this session, we will provide an overview of the Pennsylvania Whole-Home Repairs Act as a model for Illinois; identify resources currently available in our state for home repair for low-income seniors; and explain how home repair access is foundational to individual well-being as well as racial equity. We invite all to join the Fix Our Homes Illinois campaign, uniting organizations and seniors dedicated to amplifying public funding and staffing for home repairs.
Speakers: John Herring, INCIL; Gail Schechter, H.O.M.E.; Geoff Smith, Institute of Housing Studies at DePaul University
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Responding to the Supreme Court Decision on Property Tax Delinquencies
The recent Tyler v. Hennepin Supreme Court decision means that when someone loses a home due to tax foreclosure, there must be a way for them to recover any value in the property that exceeds the amount owed for unpaid taxes and other charges. Illinois state law needs to be changed to comply with this decision. At this session, we’ll discuss developing a system that both complies with the Supreme Court ruling and helps more families prevent the loss of their property in the first place. We will also talk about how reform efforts should support efforts to return vacant and abandoned properties to productive use.
Speakers: Matt Kreis, Center for Community Progress; Danielle Stanley, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
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Code Enforcement as a Tool for Safe, Equitable, and Affordable Housing
Although code enforcement is vital for the protection of individual and public health, safety, and well-being, it is not a topic often raised when discussing affordable housing. This session presents original research, conducted by Housing Action Illinois and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, evaluating local government rental property regulations and assessing how code enforcement can affect affordability, housing stability, and access to resource-rich neighborhoods. We will also discuss policy recommendations to move towards a community-engaged process of best practices.
Speakers: Prof. Andrew Greenlee and Emma Walters, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign; Sharon Legenza, Housing Action Illinois
Ending Homelessness Breakout Sessions
Home Illinois FY25-26: Update with the Office to Prevent & End Homelessness
Home Illinois, Illinois’ Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, sets the foundational vision to ending homelessness in the state through both established and new innovative strategies. Through both established and new innovative strategies, Illinois residents, community agencies, and state government are working together to prevent entries into shelter. When literal homelessness does occur, the goal is that the experience will be brief and one-time. The second two-year HOME Illinois plan will be released during summer 2024. At this session, the senior leadership team for the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (IOPEH) will provide an update on the HOME Illinois plan, discuss key initiatives, and get feedback from attendees.
Speakers: Christine Haley, IOPEH; Colleen Mahoney, IOPEH/IDPH; Michael Mallory, Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services/IOPEH; Richard Rowe, IOPEH/IDOC
*Qualifies for CE (Continuing Education) credit for LCSW, LSW, LCPC, and LPC licenses.
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Implications of the Supreme Court Decision to Criminalize Unsheltered Homelessness
The Supreme Court’s decision in Johnson v. Grants Pass allows jurisdictions to arrest and ticket people experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside, even when there are no available shelters options in their community. At this session, we’ll discuss the implications of this legal decision for Illinois and share local examples of communities taking more effective, supportive approaches to unsheltered homelessness, such as constructive collaborations with law enforcement agencies. We’ll also discuss ways to respond to the decision through state and local public policy advocacy.
Speakers: Trudy Bodenbach, Alton Housing Coalition, OSF St. Anthony’s, and Greater Alton Community Development Corporation; Arturo Hernandez, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness; Peter Hough, Alton Mission and Overnight Warming Location
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Harm Reduction: Pathways to Recovery for People Experiencing Homelessness
Overdose and harms associated with drug use contribute to a life expectancy among homeless Illinoisans that is 20 years lower than the general population. In this session, we’ll explain the philosophy of harm reduction, how it can be incorporated into homeless and housing services, and how you can partner with local organizations like Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) Councils and Recovery Support Services providers to promote better outcomes for clients. Additionally, you’ll be trained on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose by administering naloxone, a harm reduction intervention that is proven to reduce overdose deaths and promote the health and well-being of people experiencing homelessness.
Speakers: James Kowalsky, IDHS; Randi Derrig and Nadia Klekamp, Chestnut Health Systems
*Qualifies for CE (Continuing Education) credit for LCSW, LSW, LCPC, and LPC licenses.
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Flexible Rent Spending Pilot: A Lift Up and Out of Homelessness
Join the City of Peoria to learn more about the City’s Flexible Rental Pilot Program, launched in January 2024, which assists specific shelter populations not eligible for other services in obtaining permanent housing. We will describe our model, explain the investment per household, and explain how this kind of program can reduce the cost of providing sheltered care, decrease the number of individuals utilizing the shelter system, and expand on services already offered through the Continuum of Care.
Speakers: Nicole Morrow, City of Peoria
Housing Counseling Breakout Sessions
Helping Homeowners Navigate the Reconsideration of Value Process
When your client’s property doesn’t appraise as expected, understanding how to proceed is crucial. Join us to learn about essential tools and strategies to guide your clients through this challenge effectively. Learn how to recognize the red flags, spot discrepancies, construct compelling arguments for reconsideration and when it’s appropriate to file a complaint with state officials. Don’t let a low appraisal derail your efforts—join us to acquire the expertise needed to navigate appraisal setbacks and achieve positive outcomes for your clients.
Speakers: Leigh Lester, Ubuntu Institute of Learning; Laurie Murphy, IDFPR; Kamil Walton, Cornerstone CDC
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Empowering First-Time Homebuyers on Agent Negotiations
Join us for a discussion of the recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement–a half-billion dollar settlement over a class action lawsuit on the real estate fee structure that has resulted in an updated system in which homebuyers will need to contract with an agent to represent them through the homebuying process before visiting a property. We know this will greatly impact the homebuying landscape, potentially confusing and costing first-time and first generation homebuyers seeking affordable home options.
Speakers: Laurie Murphy, IDFPR; Betsy Urbance, Illinois Association of Realtors
No presentation slides available.
Revenue Generation Through Rural Development Loan Packaging
Housing counseling agencies need new revenue to supplement existing resources and need to diversify their overall funding sources. For rural agencies, becoming a USDA Certified Loan packager could help you generate program revenue while you also help low-income rural families to purchase or repair their homes. Hear from ERBA’s Sandy Deters on the benefits of becoming a Certified Loan Packager and Rural Development’s Sacha Pruett on the agency’s programs and steps to becoming certified.
Speakers: Sandy Deters, ERBA; Sacha Pruett, Rural Development – IL Office
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Expand Your Reach: Become a HECM Counselor
Join us for a conversation with experts in Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) to demystify the certification exam and assist more homeowners through reverse mortgages and the FHA’s reverse mortgage program. Offering HECM counseling can also provide a new way of generating income for your agency.
Speakers: Vicky Buresh, HODC; Elizabeth Dunn, HUD; Cora Fulmore, DRN
Affordable Housing Development Breakout Sessions
Navigating Accessibility & Sustainability Requirements in Affordable Housing Design
The development of affordable housing in Illinois is dependent on funding and approvals from multiple agencies at local, state, and federal levels, all with their own specific requirements for both accessible design, and sustainability. Projects in Illinois must often comply with no fewer than five accessibility codes/ordinances (ADA, ANSI A117.1, IAC, the Fair Housing Act, and Section 504). Likewise, based on funding and local requirements, affordable housing developers must select a path that can involve three or more sustainability certifications, including, but not limited to EGC, NGBS or LEED certification, Energy Star Multifamily New Construction, and the ComEd Affordable Housing New Construction Grant. In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies from industry leaders, who will explain their recommended pathways for navigating these requirements.
Speakers: Mike Davis, Central Illinois Land Bank Authority; Lindsey Elton, Eco Achievers; Jamin Nollsch, Urban Works
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Demystifying the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit
The Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit (IAHTC) encourages private investment in affordable housing by providing donors of qualified donations with a one-time tax credit on their Illinois state income tax equal to 50 percent of the value of the donation. Applegate Thorne-Thomsen’s Jolyn Huen and CC Huang will explain the IAHTC and how developers can utilize this tool to develop affordable housing in Illinois.
Speakers: Jolyn Heun and C.C. Huang, Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen
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IL CRA in Action
Signed into law in 2021, the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act (IL CRA) will incentivize state-regulated financial institutions to meet the financial services needs of areas with a lack of access to affordable banking and lending services. Now that we have final rules and implementation dates in place, this panel will discuss “where the rubber meets the road.” How can communities and nonprofits leverage this law to forge new relationships with covered entities, especially state-chartered credit unions and mortgage companies? What new opportunities does this create for funding relationships and strategic partnerships? How can organizations deepen and broaden their impact via the IL CRA?
Speakers: Jane Doyle, Woodstock Institute; James Miller, Housing Action Illinois
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Bloomington Community Development Tour
During this community tour, participants will take a bus to visit two affordable housing sites in Bloomington and learn how the projects were envisioned, planned, funded, and ultimately brought to life. We will visit Lincoln Lofts II, built and managed by ZION Development, and Washington Apartments, managed by Pioneer Property Management.
Tour Guides: Bob Campbell, ZION Development; Karisa Hammond, Pivotal Housing Partners; David Young, Housing Action Illinois
