Housing Action Illinois understands that nearly 1.66 million renters and homeowners in Illinois, or 35% of all households, are paying more than 30% of their income on housing.

Lack of affordable housing is the primary cause of homelessness. Homelessness leads to disruptions in family life, education, and employment.

Housing Action Illinois, a statewide, non-profit, membership-based organization, provides technical assistance to non-profit housing developers and housing counseling agencies. Since 1990, this work has resulted in the development or preservation of more than 1,400 affordable units.

We led the campaign to create the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, resulting in the development of more than 36,000 affordable housing units since 1990.

We also campaigned for the creation of the state Family Homelessness Prevention Program, which has prevented nearly 44,000 families from becoming homeless since 1999.

Housing Action Illinois organized more than 500 people to participate in the 2002 statewide affordable housing legislative hearings, resulting in a Governor’s Executive Order creating a housing task force and requiring an annual state housing plan. In 2006, the Executive Order was turned into law.

In 2005, we co-led the campaign to create the Rental Housing Support Program, Illinois’ first rental subsidy program for extremely low-income households. The program has a dedicated funding stream of approximately $25 million annually that will assist thousands of families across the state.

Please explore the remainder of our website to learn more about the progress we are making to increase and preserve the supply of decent, affordable, accessible housing in Illinois for low and moderate-income households. We hope that you will join our efforts!

"the strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people"
Abraham Lincoln