Latest Updates
Newsletter
Recent Updates
LIFE CIL: Paths to Independence
“I think people are just amazed by the fact that we treat them as people,” says Brianne Anderson, Administrative Services Director, when asked to describe how LIFE Center for Independent Living (LIFE CIL) approaches those who come to them for support. “Our philosophy...
Lazarus House Spotlight: Rooted in Community
Lazarus House, an emergency shelter in St. Charles, Illinois, first opened its doors in 1997. In the 24 years since then, its mission has always been to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness or those at risk of becoming homeless. The organization...
Federally Funded Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
Learn about other COVID-19 resources related to housing and homelessness » Rental Assistance Available in Illinois September 2024 Update: We are no longer keeping this page up-to-date. If you need emergency rent assistance, please refer to the program requirements for...
Affordable Housing Is Out of Reach for the Lowest Income Renters In Illinois
Illinois renters must earn more than $20 per hour to afford rent, and while pandemic relief funding will help, federal infrastructure investment is critical Chicago — In order to afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment in Illinois, renters working full-time need to...
2021 General Assembly Wrap-Up
During the recent Illinois General Assembly session, we celebrated a number of key wins for affordable housing and homelessness. A new understanding of housing as healthcare and willingness to invest in access to stable, affordable homes brought together many allies,...
New Initiative: Introducing the Housing Counselor Corps
Housing Action Illinois is excited to bring together two of our programs—supporting housing counseling agencies and managing a network of AmeriCorps VISTA Members—for a new initiative: the Housing Counseling Corps. We plan to launch this initiative in the fall of...
Landmark State Legislation Will Create Affordable Housing Incentives
Major omnibus legislation awaiting Governor Pritzker’s signature will increase & preserve affordable housing throughout Illinois Chicago — On Monday, May 31, the Illinois General Assembly passed major omnibus legislation, House Bill 2621, to increase the supply of...
New Cook County Renter Rights & Protections Take Effect June 1
Ordinance extends protections to more than 200,000 renters For Immediate Release: June 1, 2021Contact: Kristin Ginger, Communications Manager, Housing Action Illinois, kristin@housingactionil.org or 312-854-3333 CHICAGO, IL – On June 1, 2021, all provisions of the...
Alumni Spotlight: From AmeriCorps to Assistant Attorney General
When Dan Kallio finished law school, he knew he wanted to spend a year giving back to the community before beginning his law career. Today, his impressive resume includes his current position as Assistant Attorney General at the Office of the Illinois Attorney...
Illinois COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act Creates Critical Protections for Renters & Homeowners
Chicago — On Monday, May 17, Governor Pritzker signed the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act into law, creating a strong set of protections for Illinoisans struggling to pay their rent or mortgages as a result of unprecedented economic instability caused by the pandemic....
Press Releases
Mayor Lightfoot, Chicago Advocates Decry Plan to Weaken Anti-Redlining Rules
During Pandemic, Federal Banking Regulator Intends to Gut Community Reinvestment Act FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2020 CONTACT: Kristin Ginger, Manager of Communications & Development, Housing Action Illinois, kristin@housingactionil.org or 312-854-3333From...
Housing Action Illinois Awards $340,000 to Homeless Service Providers Throughout State
30 homeless service providers throughout Illinois receive funds to support people who are homeless or unstably housed FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2020 CONTACT: Kristin Ginger, Manager of Communications & Development, Housing Action Illinois,...
Housing Action Illinois Awarded $340,000 to Distribute to Homeless Service Providers
Funds will be regranted to nonprofits throughout Illinois to support people who are homeless or unstably housed FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2020 CONTACT: Kristin Ginger, Manager of Communications & Development, Housing Action Illinois,...
Media Placements
What federal housing reforms could mean for Evanston, Evanston Now, 6/29/26
Congress passes housing reform package. How would it impact the Chicago area?, WBEZ, 6/29/26
Despite BUILD’s failure, housing advocates celebrate legislative wins, Capitol News Illinois, 6/12/26
Illinois is one step closer to banning ‘junk fees’ and hidden charges on renters, Chicago Tribune, 6/11/26
Opinion: Building homes isn’t enough. Buyers need help, too., Crain’s Chicago Business, 6/9/26
Homelessness Isn’t Throwaway Issue, Chicago Sun-Times, 5/30/26
What is the BUILD Act and what could it mean for homeowners in Illinois if it’s passed? NBC Chicago, 5/29/26
Debate grows over Pritzker’s proposed BUILD housing plan, Fox 32 Chicago, 5/29/26
Cook County tax buyer industry would be phased out in ‘equity theft’ reform bill, Chicago Tribune, 5/28/26
Unlocking MISMO Housing Counseling Data: Insights from Industry Leaders, Actualizing Success, 5/7/26
Community organizers support Illinois bill restricting penalties for homelessness, The Daily Northwestern, 5/6/26
When the Feds Step Back on Fair Housing, Can States Step Up?, Shelterforce, 5/5/26
Illinois bill would curb homelessness penalties, Axios Chicago, 4/16/26
Even the Midwest Wants to Encourage More Housing Density, Heatmap, 4/9/26
Peoria new housing has significantly dropped since 2004, Central Illinois Proud, 4/6/26
City program wants to bring more families to the South Side and West Side one vacant lot at a time, Chicago Sun-Times, 4/3/26
Steps Illinois lawmakers could take to reform the state’s tax sale laws, Injustice Watch, 3/26/26
City Clears North Side Encampment Amid Cold Snap As Residents Wait For Housing, Block Club Chicago, 3/17/26
The Rundown: A Chicagoan’s life after deportation, WBEZ, 3/9/26
Moore: Pritzker embraces ‘abundance’ agenda with housing, nuclear proposals, Capitol News Illinois, 3/6/26
Chicago area short nearly 225,000 affordable rental units for its poorest residents, report finds, Chicago Sun-Times, 3/6/26
Will Governor Pritzker’s budget actually make housing more affordable?, WBEZ, 2/26/26
Fair housing groups hold informational session on housing voucher rights, Evanston RoundTable, 2/24/26
Proposed cuts to housing-first programs would be ‘going back like 30 years’, advocates warn, Chicago Tribune, 2/17/26
Budzinski Leads Illinois House Democrats in Demanding HUD Strengthen Housing Protections, RiverBender, 2/14/26
It’s crunch time for Cook County tax sales — and so far, Springfield isn’t helping, Crain’s Chicago Business, 2/12/26
New Humboldt Park Affordable Apartment Building Welcomes Residents: ‘I Can Breathe Now’, Block Club Chicago, 2/12/26
Plans are underway to end Cook County’s property tax sales, WBEZ, 2/12/26
Federal actions could make an affordable housing shortage worse, Crain’s Chicago Business, 2/9/26
Under Trump, HUD hardens the policies behind a program meant to shelter the city’s homeless population, Crain’s Chicago Business, 2/9/26








