Latest Updates
Newsletter
Recent Updates
Springing into Spring: 2017 Retreat
Back to main blog page » Each year, we have two retreats for VISTAs. During our spring retreat (this year's happened on May 5), we talk about wrapping up VISTA tasks and passing projects on to staff or incoming VISTAs, and we also talk about what our VISTA members...
The Power of Networked Nonprofits: People & Places 2017
It’s spring, and here at Housing Action Illinois, we believe it’s a good time to welcome opportunities for growth. Since this season is all about change, we’d like to share how being a part of national networks changes Housing Action for the better, and how it helps...
Beyond VISTA: What Are Other AmeriCorps Programs Like?
Back to main blog page » During my final semester of college, AmeriCorps NCCC seemed like an attractive alternative to entering the corporate job market. NCCC offers the ability to travel the U.S. working and living with people age 18-24 on a multitude of different...
Ask Your State Senator to Protect Homebuyers from Predatory Rent-to-Own Contracts
In the aftermath of the foreclosure crisis, there has been a resurgence in predatory “rent-to-own” housing opportunities (a.k.a. contracts for deed or real estate installment contracts). These promise homeownership to people who generally are not in a financial...
Participate in the Federal Housing Budget National Call-In Day on April 26
Let’s Make Capitol Hill Phones Ring Off the Hook on April 26 Pick up your phone and join Housing Action, the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding in national call-in day on the federal budget. Ask your...
New Housing Counselor Training: The Fundamentals of Rental Counseling
Americans are more likely to rent a home today than at any other time during the previous 50 years. Given this landscape, it is essential for housing counselors to empower clients with information and resources during every step of the rental process....
From VISTA to Full-Time Staff Member: Rachel Contos
Back to main blog page » When I started college in 2011, I had a vision of myself becoming a theology professor—but rather than going in the direction of teaching, I decided I wanted to work more directly in the community and wasn't sure where to start. To prepare for...
VISTA to VISTA: Lilly and Kati Talk Life on a Stipend, Netflix, and What’s Next
Back to main blog page » VISTA to VISTA is a recurring feature where our VISTAs interview each other about their perspectives, experiences, and challenges. This March, Lilly (Hesed House) and Kati (Northwest Side Housing Center) talked about why they became...
Life After VISTA: Working at HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing
Fresh out of graduate school and wanting to pursue a totally new career, I had an idea of what I wanted to do professionally, but I just was not sure of the proper steps to achieve my goals. I did not want to rush into a job just for financial gain; I wanted to do...
Measuring the Magnitude of Homelessness
Back to main blog page » Nearly fifty volunteers assembled on Chicago’s West Side to kick off their participation in the 2017 Point-In-Time (PIT) count. I arrived promptly at 8 p.m. with a large cup of coffee and took a seat with three others. Together, we were at...
Press Releases
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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