Latest News
For those facing foreclosure, there is help available through the Illinois Hardest Hit program.
Welcome to IHDA’s resource center for media professionals and others interested in the Authority’s news and events. IHDA offers a variety of resources to keep you up to date on current, future, and past happenings with IHDA and in the affordable housing industry.
Waldon Swenson
Director, Communications, Marketing and Communications
E-mail: wswenson@ihda.org
Phone: (312) 836-7476
If you are requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), please see the FOIA section.
2017 News Releases
Federal Program Offers $35,000 to Assist Seniors Struggling with Reverse Mortgages
Illinois’ Reverse Mortgage Assistance Program helps senior homeowners with reverse mortgages avoid foreclosure
April 4, 2017
Federal Program Offers $50,000 to Homeowners with Underwater Mortgages
Illinois’ I-Refi program provides $50,000 in forgivable assistance to help borrowers reduce what they owe on their mortgage and refinance into new affordable loan
February 2, 2017
2016 News Releases
Governor Rauner Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Extend the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit
SB2921 encourages donations of private capital to finance affordable housing developments across Illinois
December 20, 2016
30th Year of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program Will Support the Construction and Rehabilitation of 784 Affordable Apartments across Illinois
September 30, 2016
Up to $35,000 in Mortgage Assistance Available to Qualifying Homeowners
July 22, 2016
Illinois Housing Development Authority Announces Refinance Program for Underwater Homeowners
Illinois’ I-Refi Program Provides $50,000 in Mortgage Assistance to Help Responsible Borrowers Refinance into an Affordable Loan
July 12, 2016
Illinois Receives $269 million in Federal Hardest Hit Funds to Continue Assistance to Struggling Homeowners and Stabilize Communities
More struggling homeowners and communities in Illinois affected by foreclosures will receive financial assistance as a result of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s announcement today to allocate an additional $151 million in Hardest Hit Funds (HHF).
April 20, 2016
Illinois Housing Development Authority Awards Federal Tax Credits to Finance Affordable Housing Statewide
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board of Directors on April 15 awarded $12.2 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to 11 affordable housing developments in eight counties across the state.
April 19, 2016
IHDA Annual Report Fiscal Year 2015
IHDA unveils its first all-digital annual report. Click the read more below to see our highlights from Fiscal Year 2015.
March 21, 2016
Federal Dollars Put to Work
The Illinois housing market closed on a high note, with December posting increases in both sales and median prices.
March 21, 2016
Illinois Housing Development Authority Board Names New Executive Director
The Members of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) today voted to appoint Audra Hamernik as the new executive director of the state’s housing finance agency.
February 19, 2016
2015 News Releases
Thirteen Developments Receive Federal Tax Credits to Boost Affordable Housing in Illinois
Federal Tax Incentive Will Support the Construction and Rehabilitation of 860 Affordable Apartments Statewide.
October 20, 2015
IHDA Launches Mortgage Program to Boost Homebuying in Hardest Hit Areas and Stabilize Communities
$30 Million in Federal Resources to Fund Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Buyers in Illinois.
August 4, 2015
Governor Rauner Outlines Plan for Transformation at Annual Affordable Housing Conference
Addresses Housing Industry Leaders on Job Creation, Education and Delivering Value for Taxpayers throughout the State.
April 1, 2015
Illinois Housing Development Authority Announces New Mortgage Program for Home Buyers and Owners
@HomeIllinois Mortgage Provides $5,000 in Down Payment Assistance and Customizable Loans to Make Homeownership Affordable for All Borrowers.
March 3, 2015
2017 Industry News:
Chicago’s Woodlawn: A Success Story in the Making
Multi-Housing News
September 13, 2017
Permanent Supportive Housing in Illinois: The Next Steps Forward
Metropolitan Planning Council
September 6, 2017
Grant to include lead paint abatement
Galesburg Register-Mail
September 7, 2017
A Safe Place marks 10th anniversary of Zion housing program for victims of domestic violence
Lake County News-Sun
September 3, 2017
Batavia nears threshold requiring mandatory affordable housing
Kane County Chronicle
August 28, 2017
Rockford to demolish 29 more abandoned homes
Rockford Register-Star
August 28, 2017
For those facing foreclosure, there is help available
WGN-TV
August 23, 2017
Senior housing gets OK in Bradley
Kankakee Daily Journal
August 23, 2017
Bradley targeted for senior housing complex
Kankakee Daily Journal
August 17, 2017
Through multiple grants, Mayor Jason Ashmore hopes to revitalize Sesser
The Southern Illinoisian
August 16, 2017
DuPageCounty program aims to improve properties
Daily Herald
August 11, 2017
Design tweaks suggested for affordable housing
Evanston Now
August 10, 2017
Program aims to improve QC homes
Quad-Cities Online
August 7, 2017
Illinois cities hold lottery for rehab program participants
Quad-City Times
August 6, 2017
Cary’s Garden Place apartments affordable housing complex hits full occupancy
Northwest Herald
August 4, 2017
Construction begins on apartments
McLeansboro Times Leader
August 3, 2017
Art and Soul on the Fox using both to draw people to downtown Elgin
Elgin Courier-News/Chicago Tribune
August 2, 2017
Aurora project earns Landmarks Illinois award
Aurora-Beacon News/Chicago Tribune
August 2, 2017
A neighborhood downtown: Lawrence Lofts ushers in residential component
SaukValley.com
July 20, 2017
Ground-broken for senior apartment building in Yorkville
Kendall County Now
July 19, 2017
Application process begins for housing grant
Galesburg Register-Mail
July 18, 2017
SVM EDITORIAL: A milestone for Sterling’s downtown
SaukValley.com
July 19, 2017
Sterling will celebrate completion of Lawrence Lofts this week
SaukValley.com
July 18, 2017
Litchfield Makes Moves For New Industrial Park
The Journal-News
July 10, 2017
Scattered-Site Development Provides Accessible Housing in Chicago
Affordable Housing Finance
July 7, 2017
Freeport about 45 percent finished with state demolition programs
Journal-Standard
July 6, 2017
Marshall Hotel Renovation Could Get Another $5 Million From City
DNAInfo.com
June 29, 2017
CSH
June 27, 2017
Disability housing complex PhilHaven celebrates opening in Wheeling
Daily Herald
June 26, 2017
$23 million Bristol Place renovation moves forward
The News-Gazette
June 14, 2017
New Senior Center Opening in Springfield
WAND-TV Springfield
June 13, 2017
The News-Gazette
June 12, 2017
Ribbon Cut Wednesday At MCHA Senior Homes
The Journal-News
June 7, 2017
Mt. Vernon Register-News
June 6, 2017
New senior apartments coming to New Lenox
Chicago Tribune
June 6, 2017
Initiative Turns Eyesores of Neighborhoods into Beacons of Hope
MyStateLine.com
June 6, 2017
Residential home improvement grants available for Cook, DuPage and Kane county homeowners
Daily Herald
June 5, 2017
Illinois Hardest Hit program helps families struggling with mortgages
Daily Southtown
June 5, 2017
Round Lake Beach building up neighborhoods by tearing down homes
Daily Herald
June 1, 2017
Advocates: Low-income housing rehabilitation programs provide more than short-term help
The Southern Illinoisan
June 1, 2017
Habitat Co. Lands $16M Chicago Affordable Housing
Multi-Housing News
May 30, 2017
Aurora to tear down house that had 81 police calls in year
Aurora Beacon-News
May 27, 2017
Rockford targets 67 ‘dangerous, blighted’ properties for demolition
Rockford Register Star
May 22, 2017
Housing Rehab Program Taking Applications
WSIU.com
May 22, 2017
Housing rehab available in select counties in Southern Illinois
The Southern Illinoisan
May 20, 2017
$18 million Boulevard Townhomes project nears completion
The State Journal-Register
May 18, 2017
Landmark factory in Batavia may go residential
Crain’s Chicago Business
May 16, 2017
IHDA gives preliminary approval for several Madison County projects
Alton Telegraph
May 8, 2017
Council OKs demo bid, insurance incentive
Commercial-News
May 4, 2017
City Club of Chicago: Audra Hamernik, Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Authority
WGN Radio
May 2, 2017
Construction of New Star apartments in Flossmoor moving ahead
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle
April 30, 2017
Justice Wins Grant To Maintain Vacant Homes
Des Plaines Valley News
April 27, 2017
Urbana council to vote on joining state abandoned-property program
Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette
April 26.2017
Apartments proposed for Batavia’s historic Campana building
Daily Herald
April 24, 2017
Who’s lending to South Side homebuyers?
Crain’s Chicago Business
April 22, 2017
Durbin visits Cairo public housing, calls for swift conclusion to investigation of ACHA
The Southern
April 21, 2017
Gensler designs affordable housing TOD for Chicago’s South Side
The Architects Newspaper
April 21, 2017
Amid Rising Taxes, Illinois Looks to Curb Reverse Mortgage Defaults
Reverse Mortgage Daily
April 18, 2017
Neighborhood decline reversed through inventive refinance program
The Home Story/Fannie Mae
April 17, 2017
The Southern Illinoisan
April 14, 2017
Aurora may get state grant funds to demolish blighted properties
Chicago Tribune/Aurora Beacon-News
April 13, 2017
Hardest Hit Fund offers $35000 to seniors delinquent in their taxes
Chicago Crusader
April 13, 2017
Audit finds faults throughout Chicago’s affordable housing program
Chicago City Wire
April 9, 2017
New Near West Side Senior Housing Complex Breaks Ground
DNA Info
April 7, 2017
Illinois HUD announces reverse mortgage assistance program
Mortgage Professional America
April 6, 2017
Program offers assistance for seniors struggling with reverse mortgages
Alton Telegraph
April 4, 2017
Security Properties to Rehab Illinois Community
Multi-Housing News
April 3, 2017
7 home financing programs to help you get buyers into a home this spring
Illinois REALTOR Magazine
April 2017 Issue
The Daily Illini
April 3, 2017
Security Properties Closes on 534-unit Affordable Housing Development in DeKalb, IL
PR Newswire
March 31, 2017
Grant will help Urbana demolish abandoned homes, maintain lots
WAND.com
March 31, 2017
Urbana Awarded Grant to Help Maintain Abandoned Properties
Fox Illinois
March 30, 2017
Grant helps city address abandoned homes
Illinoishomepage.net
March 30, 2017
Urbana Community Development Commission certifies Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County as a CHDO
Chambana Sun
March 29, 2017
Grant of $200000 plus will be used to help Quincy seniors remain in homes
Quincy Herald-Whig
March 27, 2017
Quincy receives funding to help seniors fix up homes
WGEM.com
March 27, 2017
New housing grants add to city budget
Bloomington Pantograph
March 27, 2017
City of South Beloit Awarded $294,735 IHDA Grant
Beloit Daily News
March 25, 2017
Eyesore structures in the spotlight at WC Board meeting
The Daily Republican
March 22, 2017
Daily Herald
March 20, 2017
Williamson County leaders make moves to demolish abandoned property
WSIL-TV 3
March 20, 2017
New program to help seniors and people with disabilities living in Moline
KWQC.com
March 17, 2017
City of Peoria awarded $150,000 in grant money to demolish vacant houses
Illinois Business Daily
March 17, 2017
Danville Commercial News
March 14, 2017
Machesney Park grants to go to neighborhood revitalization
The Rock River Times
March 9, 2017
McDonough Voice
March 9, 2017
“Affordable” Housing Goes Mainstream
Medill Reports Chicago
March 8, 2017
County breaks ground on 220-unit North Chicago public housing development
Lake County News-Sun
March 7, 2017
City getting money to demolish abandoned homes
CIProud.com
February 28, 2017
St. Charles lowers affordable housing fee for developers
Kane County Chronicle
February 27, 2017
Abandoned, now adorable: Ottawa program getting derelict homes rehabbed
MyWebTimes.com
February 24, 2017
Grant to help demolish blighted properties in Rockford
Rockford Register Star
February 23, 2017
Corporate Tax Cut Would Hit Financing Of Low-Income Housing
Medill Reports Chicago
February 22, 2017
Historic Illinois Hospital Comes Back as Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing Finance
February 21, 2017
Sterling council OKs bids to raze more houses
SaukValley.com
February 21, 2017
Ottawa eyesore house slated for cleanup
MyWebTimes.com
February 15, 2017
New program to help Illinois underwater homeowners
WREX.com/Channel 13 News – Rockford
February 9, 2017
Federal program offers $50K to Rockford-area with underwater mortgages
Rockford Register Star
February 8, 2017
Help guide clients to IHDA assistance with underwater mortgages
Illinois Realtors Blog
February 3, 2017
New program to help people with underwater mortgages in Rockford
WREX.com/Channel 13 News – Rockford
February 2, 2017
Program helping underwater homeowners
WIFR.com/Channel 23 News – Rockford
February 2, 2017
New Aurora senior living center called ‘a gem’
Chicago Tribune
January 31, 2017
IHDA Lends a Hand to Underwater Homeowners
Elgin Patch
January 31, 2017
Evergreen Real Estate Opens $24M Seniors Housing Property in Aurora, Illinois
REBusiness
January 31, 2017
Senior apartments in Aurora set for grand opening
Chicago Tribune/Aurora Beacon-News
January 25, 2017
Morning Briefing: 7 per cent rise for US home prices
Mortgage Professional America
January 20, 2017
Yahoo Finance
January 18, 2017
State-run I-Refi offers relief for underwater homeowners
Chicago Tribune/Courier News
January 12, 2017
Rockford’s Longwood Plaza to remain under local control, for now
Rockford Register Star
January 10, 2017
Freeport Mayor’s View: Public safety and improving neighborhoods were priorities in 2016
Freeport Journal Standard
January 7, 2017
Habitat for Humanity of Illinois awarded $1 million grant
Kendall County Now
January 5, 2017
2016 Industry News:
State Program Helps Naperville’s Hardest Hit
Naperville Community Television
December 16, 2016
Aurora Arts Centre construction could begin next summer
Daily Herald
December 14, 2016
Extend tax credit to give new life to historic properties in Aurora, Elgin
The Courier-News
December 11, 2016
Aldermen look at agreements for downtown Aurora arts center project
Aurora Beacon-News
December 1, 2016
General Assembly reauthorizes historic tax credit program
Aurora Beacon-News
December 1, 2016
Freeport Housing Authority apartments to see $20 million in renovations
Freeport Journal-Standard
November 30, 2016
The fight against blight in Sterling
SaukValley.com
November 28, 2016
Senior housing development in the works for O’Fallon
Belleville News-Democrat
November 27, 2016
Construction of New Star apartments likely to start early in 2017
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle
November 25 2016
Several Aurora projects may be helped if state tax credit program is extended
The Aurora Beacon-News
November 17, 2016
Westport Village officials to detail rehab project on Nov. 7
Peoria Journal Standard
October 27, 2016
Planners accepting early applications for senior housing in Woodridge
Chicago Tribune
October 26, 2016
Anticipation mounts for newly approved Batavia senior apartment project
Kane County Chronicle
October 25, 2016
Mt. Vernon Register-News
October 24, 2016
Soon to expire housing tax credit subject of Senate hearing
Illinois Senate Democrats
October 21, 2016
Senior Apartment Living Planned For Area Near MetroLink Station
Herald Publications
October 20, 2016
Thank you for supporting the DTC
The Chicago Rehab Network
October 20, 2016
Evergreen Nears Completion of $24M Conversion of Historic Hospital to Independent Living in Illinois
REBusinessonline.com
October 14, 2016
Senior apartment plan moving forward in Batavia
Kane County Chronicle
October 13, 2016
Rockford on pace to demolish 100 or more shabby homes in 2016
Rockford Register Star
October 13, 2016
Downtown Sterling revitalization milestone
SaukValley.com
October 13, 2016
Illinois Housing Development Authority Awards Tax Credits to Senior Living Facility in Yorkville
WSPY.com
October 13, 2016
Transformation of historic former hospital in Aurora marks a milestone
The Courier-News
October 12, 2016
Yorkville senior apartment complex receives federal tax credits
Kendall County Now
October 12, 2016
Aurora could demolish East Side house
The Beacon-News
October 11, 2016
Burlington seeking grant to help with abandoned properties
The Courier-News
October 6, 2016
12 Developments Receive LIHTCs in Illinois
Affordable Housing Finance
October 6, 2016
Applications being taken for tax credit homes
Macoupin County Enquirer – Democrat
October 6, 2016
Lawrence Lofts construction begins; public invited to groundbreaking
SaukValley.com
October 3, 2016
Ribbon-cutting celebrates Casa Heritage in Melrose Park
Franklin Park Herald-Journal/Chicago Tribune
October 3, 2016
Macoupin Housing Services cuts ribbons
Macoupin County Enquirer – Democrat
September 29, 2016
Groundbreaking held for Channahon senior housing facility
Morris Herald-News
September 28, 2016
In danger: Incentives that help save blighted neighborhoods
Crain’s Chicago Business
September 23, 2016
Construction begins on St. Elizabeth Residences senior community in Channahon
The Herald-News
September 22, 2016
SWIDA to Develop Seniors Housing Near Swansea MetoLink Station in Metro St. Louis
REBusiness Online
September 22, 2016
$10.5 million ‘transit-oriented’ senior apartments to be built in Swansea
St. Louis Business Journal
September 20, 2016
Senior housing planned at Swansea MetroLink station
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
September 20, 2016
Senior apartments to be built near metro-east MetroLink station
Belleville News-Democrat
September 20, 2016
Senior apartments to be built near metro-east MetroLink station
KSDK.com
September 20, 2016
Senior Living Center Coming Soon Near Swansea MetroLink Station
CBS Local-St.Louis
September 20, 2016
Chicago Defender
September 20, 2016
Preservation of Affordable Housing
September 19, 2016
$15 million tax credit to fund Aurora arts center
Daily Herald
September 17, 2016
Aurora gets $15 million tax credit for Arts Center project
Chicago Tribune/Aurora Beacon News
September 16, 2016
Home State Bank facilitates I-Refi program to help “under water” homeowners
Northwest Herald
September 15, 2016
Chicago Development Brings Accessible, Adaptable Housing to Disabled
Affordable Housing Finance
September 14, 2016
Marquette Bank Selected as Approved Lender to Help Homeowners with Underwater Mortgages
Chicago Tribune
September 12, 2016
The Architects Newspaper
September 8, 2016
Novak Construction breaks ground on new affordable senior living apartments in Richmond, Illinois
REJournals.com
September 6, 2016
South New Towne (The Grove) housing complex breaks ground
WREX.com
August 30, 2016
Developer Gary Gorman pledges to be good neighbor on Rockford’s New Towne Drive
Rockford Register-Star
August 30, 2016
PRNewswire
August 30, 2016
State tosses $50,000 life preserver to underwater homeowners
Loop North News
August 19, 2016
Brown: Northwest Side community group can afford to take a bow
Chicago Sun-Times
August 16, 2016
Humboldt Park Affordable Development A New Home For Veterans
DNA Info
August 10, 2016
Illinois’s Hardest Hit Program Re-Opens for Mortgage Assistance
Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch
August 2, 2016
$12M redevelopment plan for Belleville’s Meredith Home moves forward
Belleville News-Democrat
August 1, 2016
Funding helps GROWTH assist RI homeowners
Quad City Times
July 26, 2016
Renovated foreclosed homes now for lease
The Pantagraph
July 23, 2016
Illinois reopens program for struggling homeowners
Chicago Tribune
July 22, 2016
Residents can apply for mortgage help through Illinois Hardest Hit program
WAND TV
July 22, 2016
Senators Durbin, Kirk Announce Reopening Of Illinois Hardest Hit Program
Fox Illinois (Ch 55 & 27)
July 22, 2016
Elgin OKs plan for housing project for seniors
Daily Herald
July 15, 2016
Program helps homeowners with mortgage payments
WEEK.com
July 14, 2016
Illinois housing agency offers help to underwater homeowners
Fox Illinois (Ch 55 & 27)
July 14, 2016
Illinois Housing Development Authority to offer refinancing program for struggling homeowners
WREX.com – NBC Rockford
July 13, 2016
Illinois housing agency offers help to underwater homeowners
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
July 13, 2016
Illinois housing agency offers help to underwater homeowners
Peoria Public Radio – WCBU 89.9
July 13, 2016
Illinois housing agency offers help to underwater homeowners
Terre Haute Tribune Star
July 13, 2016
Ohio nonprofit planning Elgin senior apartment building
Elgin Courier-News
July 12, 2016
Illinois agency offers underwater homeowners up to $50000 in relief
Chicago Tribune
July 12, 2016
Housing agency offers $46 million to underwater homeowners
Crain’s Chicago Business
July 12, 2016
Old Paris High School graduating to senior housing
Terre Haute Tribune Star
July 10, 2016
Affordable Housing Development Opens In Avondale; We Need More, Rep Says
DNA Info Chicago
July 1, 2016
Affordable housing complex celebrates opening in Lake in the Hills
Northwest Herald
June 30, 2016
Gorman & Company closes on financing for New Towne Drive residential community
WIFR-Rockford
June 30, 2016
For the homeless, Glendale Commons expansion is ‘God-sent’
Peoria Journal Star
June 29, 2016
Lake in the Hills affordable housing project now complete
Daily Herald
June 28, 2016
Blight reduction efforts going strong in Rockford
Rockford Register Star
June 25, 2016
Huntley affordable housing project moves forward
Daily Herald
June 24, 2016
Tax Credit Funding Will Replace 37 Units
The Journal-News
June 13, 2016
WGEL.com
June 10, 2016
Housing Authority of Elgin dedicates building named after Bob Gilliam
Elgin Courier News
June 9, 2016
Over The Rainbow Assocation Wins 2016 Chicago ULI Vision Award
Daily Southtown
June 9, 2016
Affordable Housing Finance
June 2, 2016
Redeveloped apartments to provide housing to low-income families in North Chicago
Chicago Tribune
June 2, 2016
Lafayette Terrace Apartments gets a $5 million makeover
REJournals.com
May 31, 2016
Evergreen Real Estate Group Completes $3.3M Renovation of 72-Unit Affordable Housing Property
REBusiness Online
May 31, 2016
Evergreen Renovates IL Affordable Community
Multi-Housing News
May 26, 2016
WSIU InFocus: Poverty and Housing Issues Go Hand in Hand
WSIU.com/NPR
May 25, 2016
The Hourly Wage Needed to Rent a 2-Bedroom Apartment Is Rising
Citylab
May 25, 2016
Cantwell, Hatch Introduce Major LIHTC Expansion Bill
Affordable Housing Finance
May 19, 2016
Vacant Morton nursing home to become senior housing
Peoria Journal-Star
May 13, 2016
The Mentally Ill Need Supportive Affordable Housing
The New York Times
May 9, 2016
Upcoming Woodlawn TOD to Feature 70 Low-Income Apartments
Curbed Chicago
May 7, 2016
Demolitions for blighted Freeport homes slated for Monday
Freeport Journal Standard
May 5, 2016
Feds’ help for struggling homeowners ‘too little, too late’
Chicago Real Estate Daily/Crain’s Chicago Business
May 5, 2016
How Affordable Housing Benefits Low-Income Neighborhoods
How Housing Matters
May 5, 2016
HUD Allocates $174 Million to States Through New Housing Trust Fund
HUD.gov
May 4, 2016
Why Does Random Chance Decide Who Gets Housing Subsidies?
WBEZ.com
May 3, 2016
HFA Program Loans Exempt from Final USDA QM Rule
National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) News Update
May 3, 2016
Aurora seeks to get two houses torn down
Aurora Beacon-News
May 2, 2016
The Real Voucher Challenge Is Segregation, Not Lake Views
How Housing Matters
April 28, 2016
IHDA Awards $12.2 Million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
Affordable Housing Finance
April 25, 2016
Struggling Illinois Homeowners get extra $151 million in federal help
Chicago Tribune
April 21, 2016
Rockford likely to get more aid to fight blight, foreclosures
Rockford Register Star
April 20, 2016
Council passes housing ordinances
The Western Courier
April 20, 2016
Aurora may accept donated house for demolition
Aurora Beacon-News
April 13, 2016
