Illinois Affordable Rentals
ILLINOIS AFFORDABLE RENTALS
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU CONTACT US:
DISCLAIMER
Homeless To Independence Inc. is a 501©3 non-profit organization. We are self supporting and we do NOT receive any government grant funding what-so-ever to pay bills for anyone in any situation. We do not give away money. We do not give out loans against any money.
This ministry is supported with generous financial donations that are used to help keep us functioning. Our purpose is to help supply individuals and families with personal needs such as food, toiletries, clothing, household items, furniture and baby/adult diapers/wipes both locally and to areas effected by disasters . At this time, we do not offer any shelter or transitional housing services. Again, we DO NOT pay any bills. We DO NOT pay any rents or mortgages.
If you are actually homeless, or about to be homeless or need emergency assistance of any kind, DIAL “211” from a land-line telephone. This will not work from a cell telephone. Tell the receiver your situation and what you need. They will give you information specific for the location you are currently in plus any referrals you may need. They have the most up to the minute information for your specific area. Dialing “211” will get you help and much more info than this office can provide. Homeless to Independence wants you to have all the information you need to get through the situation you are in.
Don’t have a land-line telephone??? Go to your local police department, library, or house of worship and ask to use their land-line telephone. They may even make the call on your behalf.
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2. CHOOSE YOUR STATE/COMMONWEALTH/TERRITORY;
3. CHOOSE THAT STATE/COMMONWEALTH/TERRITORY’S EMPLOYMENT PAGE.
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Homeless To Independence Inc. is not responsible for misprints or cancellations of events by the event holders, landlord and/or their agent, or ourselves. Homeless to Independence Inc. also reserves the right to “NOT” offer services to people and/or persons that are rude, unpleasant, and untruthful in any way shape or form, belligerent and the like.
OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, BUT WE DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!
OFFICE CONTACT INFO:
HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC., 201 STATION ROAD #258, QUAKERTOWN, PA 18951
THE VERY BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME IS TO SEND ME AN EMAIL: ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG
OFFICE NUMBER IS: 1-908-454-1500 LISTEN TO THE RECORDING
Please note that our office does have very limited volunteer staff and if we are one telephone line we cannot answer the other line. There is simply not enough time in the day to answer and/or return each and every telephone call.
THANK YOU!!!
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Illinois 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free and confidential way to find out about important health and human services programs in your community. Call 2-1-1 for information about health care, help paying rent and utility bills, transportation services, job training, mental health counseling and much more.
GO TO: http://pathcrisis.org/page/1rb2j/Home/2-1-1.html
POSTED 07-15-12
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11-02-24 ILLINOIS HOUSING LIST STILL OPEN
The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) is accepting Elderly and Disabled Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) waiting list applications for Midvale, Summit Green, Buckbee, North Main Manor, Park Terrace, and Olesen Plaza apartments from July 10, 2023, until further notice.
To apply during the opening period, complete the online application.
This waiting list has the following preferences:
- Families whose head of household is working at least 10 hours a week
- Families whose head of household is enrolled in licensed or certified education or training
- Families whose head of household is enrolled in Economic Self Sufficiency (definition from law)
- Families whose head, spouse or co-head is Elderly/Disabled
- Families whose head, spouse or co-head is a veteran and was discharged from the military under any circumstances other than dishonorable
- Families who have been displaced by local, state or federal declared disaster
- Families whose head, spouse or co-head is near elderly
- Families who meet HUDs definition of homeless
- Families whose head, spouse, or co-head is a resident of or works in the city of Rockford
- State Operated Development Class (SODC) members referred to the waiting list through the State of Illinois Statewide Referral Network (SRN) with the terms of the Olmstead consent decrees or referrals for class members from: WILLIAMS v. QUINN, LIGAS v. HAMOS, and/or COLBERT v. QUINN, etc. or participants in the Pathways to Community Living Program.
- Families whose head, spouse or co-head is participating in the Rock River Homeless Coalition
- The PHA will offer a preference to any family that has been terminated from its HCV program due to insufficient program funding
- The PHA will offer a preference to families that include victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who have either been referred by a partnering service agency or consortia or is seeking an emergency transfer under VAWA from the PHA’s public housing program or other covered housing program operated by the PHA. The applicant must certify that the abuser will not reside with the applicant unless the PHA gives prior written approval.
Selected applicants will be placed on the waiting list by date and time the application is received, by order of preferences.
For more information, visit the RHA website.
Sources: This information was verified by the RHA website on July 11, 2023.
https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-waiting-lists/Public-Housing/Rockford-Illinois-Low-Income-Public-Housing-(LIPH)-Midvale-Summit-Green-Buckbee-North-Main-Manor-Park-Terrace-and-Olesen-Plaza/113062
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03-15-24
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Learn how to rent a single-family home with a Section 8 voucher in our updated guide written by housing experts: |
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https://affordablehousingonline.com/rent-section-8-houses
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03-14-24
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In addition to making your rent affordable, one of the main benefits of having a Section 8 voucher is the ability to transfer it to a new area. Our new step-by-step takes you through every part of the porting process: |
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https://
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03-08-24 –
How to Become a Section 8 Landlord
There are many benefits for landlords who rent to Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher tenants. If you are a landlord interested in leasing to tenants with rental assistance, this guide will help you navigate the process step-by-step.
Before diving into everything, if you want to know more about how the Section 8 HCV program works, we recommend starting with our What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program? Guide.
While this program is aimed to help renters, it was also designed to benefit landlords as well. Most importantly for landlords, rent payments are split between tenants and the housing agency that manages the voucher. So, you can expect to receive timely payments from the local housing department every month for their share of rent.
Other key benefits include:
• The ability to request reasonable annual rent increases from the local housing agency.
• Free inspections that can identify maintenance needs before they become too severe.
• Gratification from providing affordable housing to renters with low incomes, who are in great need of this assistance.
Many landlords are aware of these benefits, but are still hesitant to rent to Section 8 tenants because of widespread myths about the program. Let’s spend some time addressing the facts:
• Section 8 tenants are no more likely to damage units or fail to pay rent than tenants without rental assistance. In fact, Section 8 tenants are typically steady, long-term residents who often live in their unit for several years.
• Your Section 8 tenants can be evicted for lease violations just the same as tenants without vouchers. Section 8 tenants are bound by the terms of their lease, just like any other tenant.
• Landlords are not required to rent to someone just because they have a Section 8 voucher. You may screen all tenants with your own background check, and deny them if they fail to meet your requirements. (Just be aware that in many areas of the country, you cannot deny a Section 8 tenant only because they have a voucher.)
If you are looking for an opportunity to rent to Section 8 tenants, start by reaching out to your local housing authority.
- Contact the local housing authority.
First, contact the local HUD Public Housing Agency (commonly called a housing authority), and let them know of your interest in renting to Section 8 tenants. The housing authority can provide details about the local process and what Housing Quality Standards (HQS) need to be met.Housing authorities are not allowed to recommend a particular landlord or property to voucher holders. However, many housing authorities maintain a list of landlords who accept vouchers, and share this with their voucher households. The housing authority may also share access to websites or platforms used to advertise available units.Many housing authorities have an office in the local area, but there are also many communities that are not served by a locally-based agency. This is often the case in rural areas. Depending on your area, you may have to reach out to a regional or state housing authority that serves your community.You can use the Housing Authority Directory on Affordable Housing Online to find the agency that serves your area. - Set rent that falls within area Fair Market Rents.
Now, it is up to you to set the monthly rent amount.The Section 8 program does not dictate what rents landlords must charge. However, rents must fall at or below local Fair Market Rents (FMRs). This is the cost to rent a moderately priced dwelling in each housing market.HUD updates FMRs for each state and metropolitan area annually. FMRs are set for different apartment sizes, ranging from efficiencies to four-bedroom units.The local housing authority will have the FMRs for its service area. You can also look up the current FMRs for your housing market using HUD’s FMR Documentation System. - Make sure the unit meets Housing Quality Standards.
Housing authorities need to make sure that HCV tenants will be living in homes that are safe, sanitary, and in good condition. HUD has Housing Quality Standards (HQS) that must be met before an HCV tenant can rent an apartment.You can get details about meeting HQS from the local housing authority. HQS inspections will assess the following items:• Sanitary facilities
• Food preparation and refuse disposal
• Space and security
• Thermal environment
• Illumination and electricity
• Structure and materials
• Interior air quality
• Water supply
• Lead-based paint
• Access
• Site and neighborhood
• Sanitary conditions
• Smoke detectorsThe housing authority will inspect the unit before completing a rental assistance agreement with the landlord. Once the Section 8 tenant moves in, HQS inspections will be done annually. - Review applications from Section 8 tenants.
You would screen Section 8 tenants the same as you would an applicant without a voucher. This includes common things like checking rental or criminal histories. You should use the same criteria for all applicants to avoid renting to problem tenants.Once a Section 8 tenant’s rental application is approved, you will need to fill out their Request for Tenancy Approval form.The housing authority will confirm the rent falls within area FMRs. The housing authority will also make sure the rent charged is not higher than rent for any comparable unassisted units at the property. - Sign the HAP contract and start receiving rent payments!
Once a lease is signed with the Section 8 tenant and is submitted to the housing authority, you will receive a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract to sign.When the HAP contract with the housing authority is executed, you will start receiving housing assistance payments from the housing authority. Section 8 tenants will separately pay you their own portion of the rent.
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03-06-24 –
Low-Income Housing Without A Waiting List
Due to the high demand and low supply of affordable housing, it’s extremely rare to find affordable housing with no waiting list. But it’s possible to find housing assistance quickly if you know what to look for.
Tips to receive housing assistance quickly:
- Apply to multiple waiting lists for different low-income rental assistance programs.
- Take advantage of the mobility feature of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and apply for waiting lists anywhere in the United States.
- Target waiting lists with preferences you qualify for. Qualifying for preferences will give you priority placement on waiting lists.
- Use Affordable Housing Online for Housing Choice Voucher and Low-Income Apartment Waiting Lists
- Sign up for the Affordable Housing Online Newsletter to get waiting list opening notifications sent directly to your email
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)
Waiting lists to apply for this program open infrequently, and usually for a short time. If a household is able to get their application placed on the waiting list, the time it takes to get to the top of the waiting list could be months or years. The HCV program is in extremely high demand, and Affordable Housing Online has never discovered an area with a HCV program that has no waiting list.
Consider applying to HCV programs operated by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs, or housing authorities) in rural or small towns. Many of those areas will have shorter waiting lists, if it is open for applicants.
Be aware: You must be willing to move into their rural or small town jurisdictions for the first year of using your Housing Choice Voucher, and be in good standing at the end of the first year in order to move somewhere else with the voucher.
Note: Some PHAs set aside a small number of special Housing Choice Vouchers that are given to certain populations (like victims of domestic violence and homeless persons) without entering a waiting list.
And in other instances, a housing authority give some vouchers to persons living in toxic units (which contain lead paint, asbestos, radon, etc…); or in unhealthy units.
These special vouchers are not available to the general public, and may require a referral from a participating organization.
Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
A Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV) is different from the HCV program, in that the voucher is tied to a specific apartment complex. A Project-Based Voucher cannot be transferred to a different property.
Waiting lists for Project-Based Vouchers are usually administered by the local HUD housing authority. Some PBV waiting lists might be administered by a property management company working with the housing authority.
Almost all Project-Based Voucher properties have a waiting list. Some properties in low-populated areas may have immediate availability, but that is rare.
Public Housing
Public Housing properties also offer rental assistance that’s tied to a specific apartment complex. Like Project-Based Vouchers, Public Housing assistance cannot be transferred to another property.
Waiting lists are either administered by a HUD housing authority, or a partnering property management company. As with PBVs, almost all Public Housing properties have a waiting list. On rare occasions, some properties in some rural areas may have no waiting list.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
RAD properties are Public Housing developments that were renovated with Section 8 program funding. Anyone on the property’s original Public Housing waiting list stays on the list, and current residents get first dibs for a RAD unit.
HUD housing authorities are actively converting our Public Housing stock to RAD housing nationwide. To find RAD housing without a waiting list right now might be difficult and not worth the time and effort.
Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)
The PBRA program is directly administered by HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing. The PBRA program is tied to specific units in a property, usually owned and managed by private owners. Some PBRA properties are operated by the local housing authority.
On rare occasions, you may find a PBRA property with no waiting list, but generally only in rural areas.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
The LIHTC program is currently financing 90% of all new low-income housing developments. Private management companies and individual owners usually manage these communities; and some are managed by a housing authority.
There may be some LIHTC properties in areas with low populations that have no waiting list.
Rural Development (RD) Housing
Unlike most HUD programs, many apartments funded through Rural Development rental assistance programs may have a very short waiting list; or none at all.
These communities usually have a private owner or management company; but some are associated with housing authorities.
Households with the lowest incomes are given priority, so that means if you have very low or no income, you will get a chance to move into an apartment before other applicants.
Senior Housing and Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Many affordable housing developments are built for senior and/or disabled residents. In most cases, the head of household (or spouse) must be 62 and over, or have a certifiable disability. There are also “Near-Elderly” properties, which are usually for tenants at least 55 years old.
You may find Senior/Disabled properties with no waiting list in some low populated areas. And even if there is a wait, it may be shorter than other low-income rental assistance waiting lists.
PAGE LINK: https://
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| 03-04-24New Guide: What is Public Housing? |
| When applying for a Public Housing apartment, knowing what to expect can help reduce the stress of the application process. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to qualify and apply for Public Housing: |
| https://affordablehousingonline.com/what-is-public-housing |
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11-15-23
Our housing experts not only put a spotlight on finding housing opportunities, but also detail the options renters have when facing an eviction notice. This easy-to-read guide can help you keep a roof over your head:
https://affordablehousingonline.com/guide/eviction
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10-26-23
How To Get Affordable Housing For Renters With Disabilities
Many affordable housing programs have accessibility accommodations for renters with disabilities. Learn how to qualify, get applications, and more in our easy-to-read guide!
https://affordablehousingonline.com/guide/disability-housing
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10-19-23
How To Get Affordable Housing For Seniors
There are many types of low-income housing programs for seniors who are age 55 or 62, and above. Learn how to get applications, accessibility accommodations, and more in our easy to read guide!
https://affordablehousingonline.com/guide/senior-housing
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10-16-23 How Do I Buy An Affordable Home?
There are many important steps to becoming a homeowner, and these details are important to know before starting to look for affordable homes that are for sale. Many services are also available for future homeowners — including mortgages, loans, and counseling — which provide great help for renters buying an affordable home.
https://affordablehousingonline.com/guide/homeownership
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10-16-23 How To Get Housing For Renters With A Criminal Record Guide
https://affordablehousingonline.com/guide/criminal-records-housing
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05-15-23 New Guide: Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Guide
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program allows low and moderate-income renters to pay rent at an affordable rate.
The new edition of our LIHTC Guide has been completely re-written to be short and easy to follow for all renters.
page link: https://affordablehousingonline.com/guide/lihtc?trackcmp_email=connecticut%40homelesstoindependence.org&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%F0%9F%93%99+New+Guide%3A+Low-Income+Housing+Tax+Credit+Apartment+Guide&utm_campaign=Thursday+Broadcast+%28Info%29+05%2F11%2F23
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HUD launches online help for domestic violence survivors
Top Story: HUD launches online help for domestic violence survivors
HUD has recently launched a new webpage with resources for domestic violence survivors, under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
The site has resources explaining VAWA’s housing protections for survivors of domestic violence. In addition, the site has resources for organizations that operate shelters and provide services for domestic violence survivors.
The VAWA site also has information to assist survivors immediately. It provides national hotlines and a list of organizations that can help survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. The national hotlines and organizations can direct survivors to local organizations and services.
link to article and more: https://affordablehousingonline.com/blog/hud-launches-online-help-for-domestic-violence-survivors/?trackcmp_email=arkansas%40homelesstoindependence.org&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%F0%9F%93%B0+News%3A+HUD+launches+online+help+for+domestic+violence+survivors&utm_campaign=Wednesday+Broadcast+%28News%29+02+08+23&vgo_ee=lXABPYmBYuHi5wfm1psG2KZZzlLYDq6LjFLZ38twxQrDx7HCR22zp8cjrz5ZyNpB
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- House Sitters America ($49 per year) Job seekers can provide their services free or for a fee on this site. You can search for jobs on the site, or create a profile that will attract homeowners to you.
- Housecarers.com ($50 per year) Your profile can include up to 14 photos of yourself, effectively creating a 15-page personal website for your housesitting services. You can preselect areas or types of jobs you are looking for before receiving matching job opportunities.
- Mind My House ($20 per year) More than one-third of the listings on Mind My House are for the United Kingdom and Europe, while 30% are American listings.
- Luxury House Sitting ($25 per year) This is a worldwide service, with listings in the U.S., Europe, parts of South America, Australia, and a few countries in Africa and Asia. The newest housesitting gigs pop up as you sign into your account.
- Trusted House Sitters ($129 per year). This is another service that offers worldwide opportunities. Job seekers get to list the dates they need housing and the locations they are willing to travel to.
- Reliability. Homeowners are not going to give their house keys to just anyone. They need to know they can count on you to stay in the house, keep it clean, not throw any parties and pay attention to detail. Recommendations from previous housesitting clients or current employers can speak to your reliability. Multiple references and reviews can help you stand out.
- Availability. One of your main jobs as a housesitter is to make sure the home looks occupied to help prevent burglary or vandalism. That means you will be a constant presence on the property. You don’t have to stay there 24/7, but you have to occupy the home the way the homeowner would. Be clear about how your availability, including whether housesitting will be your sole job or if you’ll work outside the home.
- Home care skills. Can you unclog a toilet? Adjust a thermostat? Water plants regularly? In some cases, you will be asked to be a temporary caretaker rather than just a body occupying a space.
- Cleanliness. Part of your job may be to keep the house clean. If there isn’t a separate cleaning service, you may need to wash dishes (or use a dishwasher), clean toilets, sweep, vacuum and dust.
- Love of animals. Many homeowners want a housesitter just to take care of their dog, cat, rabbit, fish or bearded dragon. Duties can include taking the animal for a walk, feeding on a regular schedule and cleaning up after them. Photos of you with your own pet (or a friend’s pet) will help in your job profile.
- Specialty skills. Do you have any training to set you apart (and demand a higher rate), such as being certified in pet CPR?
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- SELECT “BROWSING”;
- SELECT “HOUSING”;
- CLICK THE “FILTERS” IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER;
- SELECT “FOR RENT”, “NO. OF BEDROOMS”, “NO. OF BATHROOMS”,
- AND SEE WHAT IS AVAILABLE.
UPDATED 05-22-24
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HOME PURCHASING PROGRAM:
MENARD COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Pre-Purchase Counseling
Menard County Housing Authority offers online pre-purchase counseling. This program allows you to save time by having access to your online training 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can start and stop at your convenience and achieve a home buying certificate that will be approved by your financial provider. Click the link to find out more!
https://www.ehomeamerica.org/menardcha
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As I search for rentals throughout our state, I look for certain criteria:
1. I have decided to not list so many houses for rent, as apartments, in most cases do include heat. Please keep in mind that winter is at our door-step and the cost of heating is on the rise. The monthly rental may seem a bit higher priced, however, it will be worth it in the long-run.
2. I will not list housing that requires a fee for their service, nor a fee per call. I do agree with a fee, however for the back-ground and/or credit check, THE FEE IS APPROPRIATE, since those companies providing the background check and credit check do charge a fee for their services.
3. I will do my best to keep the maximum rental amount within the cost of living to your area, however, if Section 8 or TRA is accepted the rental amount may be more because there are times when the utilities are included.
4. I will not list without the rental amount included
5. I try not to list rental opportunities that offer “Option to Buy” – I have found that in most of these situations it does not work out properly for either party involved. I am working on a “First Time Home Purchaser” list of programs from throughout the State, that operates in an official capacity to help those that are working so diligently to raise their families and deserve to show something for their hard, hard work.
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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!
