For Immediate Release: March 10, 2025
Housing Action Illinois Contact: Kristin Ginger, Director of Communications and Development, 312-854-3333
Midland States Bank Contact: Anna Strong, Marketing Manager, 217-540-2838
CHICAGO, IL – Housing Action Illinois is pleased to announce a $12,000 contribution by Midland States Bank. The grant, provided by the Midland States Bank Foundation, will support Housing Action’s Housing Counseling Career Path training.
“HUD-certified housing counselors are unbiased experts who educate and empower individuals and families. The Housing Counseling Career Path creates a new generation of housing counselors who are in step with the concerns of our communities and equipped to help clients reach their home goals, whether through purchasing a first home or learning how to manage finances. With the support of Midland States Bank, we can create opportunities for more participants to join our training and get the skills and knowledge they need to support communities that need it most. This is particularly important for communities like Joliet, which have a shortage of housing counselors,” says Wanda Collins, Capacity Building Specialist at Housing Action Illinois. Housing Action is hosting a series of the training in partnership with Joliet Junior College and Moraine Valley Community College this March.
Left to right: Sharon Legenza and Wanda Collins of Housing Action Illinois, Cornell Lurry of Midland States Bank, David Young of Housing Action Illinios, Michael O’Brien of Midland States Bank
For more than 35 years, Housing Action Illinois has brought together organizations from across the state to work together to expand affordable housing and end homelessness. Through its Capacity Building program, the statewide coalition provides training, consulting, and resources to help housing organizations—especially housing counseling agencies–better serve communities. Housing Action Illinois’ Housing Counseling Career Path is a comprehensive program designed to help participants understand the six core principles of housing counseling and prepare to pass the HUD Individual Certification Exam.
“Together with our Community Impact Investment Statement, the Midland States Bank Foundation is a powerful way for us to give back to our communities,” commented Jeffrey G. Ludwig, President and CEO of Midland States Bancorp, Inc. “The funds we set aside from the Bank’s profits help us put our company’s culture in action to benefit the communities we serve.”
The Midland States Bank Foundation supports the general welfare, education and health of the communities where the Bank operates. Since its creation in 2011, the Foundation has contributed more than $1,900,000 to non-profit organizations throughout Midland’s footprint.
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About Housing Action Illinois
Housing Action is a statewide coalition that has been leading the movement to end homelessness, address the shortage of affordable rental housing, and expand homeownership opportunities in Illinois for more than 35 years. Our 190+ member organizations include housing counseling agencies, homeless service providers, developers of affordable housing, and policymakers. We bring everyone together to work toward our vision of an Illinois where everyone has a stable, good home.
About Midland States Bancorp, Inc.
Midland States Bancorp, Inc. is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, and is the sole shareholder of Midland States Bank. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had total assets of approximately $7.83 billion, and its Wealth Management Group had assets under administration of approximately $3.89 billion. The Company provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services and business equipment financing, merchant credit card services, trust and investment management, insurance and financial planning services. For additional information, visit https://www.midlandsb.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/midland-states-bank.