Do you need affordable housing?
We’re Here to Help!
Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA), believes that having a safe, stable home is something everyone deserves. We work with local, state, and federal organizations to provide homes and supportive services to the families and communities we serve.
WCHA administers programs for both Winnebago County Housing Authority and Boone County Housing Authority.
Step 1
Review Housing Options
WCHA (Winnebago County Housing Authority) has several housing options available, so finding one that fits your family’s needs is step one. Learn about each of our programs and their basic eligibility requirements.
Step 2
Apply for Housing
We know that applying for housing can be stressful, but we are here to help. To start the process, complete our pre-application. After 10 business days, you’ll be assigned a wait list number to track your application.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers of all members of your household
- Income information
Why is Affordable Housing Important?
A safe, stable home in a supportive community offers more than a place to live – it inspires hope and achievement. With affordable housing, families can thrive and focus on their futures. It reduces unimaginable stress, which improves physical and mental health. Through our housing and other support programs, residents achieve more in school and jobs, develop a sense of pride, and find a sense of belonging and community.
Safety
Stability
Supportive
Hopeful
Thriving
Pride
Featured Communities
We maintain extremely high standards for our communities with the goal of redefining perceptions about affordable housing. Here are just a few!
D’Agnolo Garden Apartments in Rockton, IL features lovely 1-bedroom unites on acres of park within a couple miles of banks, stores, restaurants and pharmacies.
Collier Garden Apartments feature 1- and 2-bedroom units situated on acres of park within a couple miles of banks, stores, restaurants, pharmacies and more.
Robert Johnston Garden Apartments in South Beloit, IL features 1-bedroom units within walking distance of banks, stores, pharmacies, and restaurants.
About WCHA
At Winnebago County Housing Authority, we create vibrant neighborhoods, fight blight in our communities, and address the negative impacts of poverty. While we are known for our housing programs, we actively develop and participate in initiatives to support growth and learning toward self-sufficiency for our residents and others. We’ve earned a reputation for innovation and are often looked to as leaders in affordable housing.
Lets get social!
News and Events
The Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA) is seeking public input on its FY28 Moving to Work (MTW) Supplement to the Annual Plan.
Joining the Northern Illinois Landlord Association is an investment in your success. With guest speakers, informational resources on current political issues, and networking opportunities, you’ll gain both valuable insight and relationships.
The Winnebago Housing Authority (WCHA) is issuing a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) from experienced rental housing providers to receive Project-Based assistance for rehabilitation and/or new construction. The housing must be located within Winnebago and Stephenson County, Illinois. WCHA’s goals for project basing Housing Choice Voucher assistance are to increase and preserve affordable rental housing […]
The Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA) is seeking public input on its FY27 Moving to Work (MTW) Supplement to the Annual Plan. The MTW Program is designed to (1) reduce costs and achieve greater cost effectiveness in federal expenditures, (2) increase self-sufficiency among families served, and (3) increase housing choices for low-income families. The Supplement […]
Now Hiring at 5 Alarm Coin Laundry!
We’re on the lookout for part-time attendants to join our
team at the Riverside and Mulford 5 Alarm locations - with a focus weekends and evenings (around 20-30 hours/week).
*Join a fast-paced, friendly team
*Work in a clean, modern environment
*Be part of a growing local business!
Sound like a fit? Apply today: forms.gle/z7VeuGKJWYDiLMv88.
Key Responsibilities:
Customer Service: (1) Greet customers and assist them with using the laundry equipment, (2) provide guidance on the proper use of washing machines, dryers, and other equipment, (3) answer customer inquiries and resolve any issues related to the laundromat services, (4) and introduce customers to the Speed Queen App.
Cleaning and Maintenance: (1) Regularly clean and
sanitize all surfaces, including washing machines, dryers, folding tables, and floors, (2) empty lint traps, and cleaning bathrooms.
Qualifications: (1) Previous customer service experience is required (1 year), (2) experience using technology, (3) understanding of P.O.S. System with front counter sales ana balancıng a cash drawer, (4) and ability to stand tor extended periods and ability to clean in low spots and difticult areas to reach.
Pay and Benefits: Employees start at minimum wage and are eligible for merit based increases. Employees are eligible tor paid leave. ...
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We appreciate the Northern Illinois Landlord Association for inviting WCHA Rental Housing Support Program (RHSP) Coordinator Jilly Graciana to present on the RHSP program at the 10/20/26 Northern Illinois Landlord Association membership meeting! And thank you to Northern Illinois Landlord Association President Todd Johnson, seen here with Jilly.
The RHSP is a valuable Illinois Housing Development Authority program that uses state funded vouchers to help make homes families can afford--and landlords are the important partners that make this program successful. WCHA administrates RHSP for families throughout Rockford and Winnebago, Stephenson, Boone, Jo Daviess, Lee and Ogle counties. We are happy to help the families of all our sister communties.
Thank you, again, Northern Illinois Landlord Association, for helping share the word on RHSP for landlords. WCHA is a proud member of the Northern Illinois Landlord Association. ...
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We're sharing the news of the Goodwill Northern Illinois Spooktacular Job Fair on 10/18/26. Thank you, Goodwill Northern Illinois, for this valuable program! ...
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We wanted to share the RAMP Community Listening Session program for 10/21/26. Thank you, RAMP! ...
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Come join the WCHA team. We are hiring for the Property Manager for D'Agnolo and Robert Johnston apartments in Rockton. Duties include assisting residents with paperwork, handling phone inquiries, managing maintenance, and recruitment. Applications open until Friday, October 23rd.
www.indeed.com/cmp/Winnebago-County-Housing-Authority ...
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WCHA Resident Supportive Services Coordinator Emily Schwartz (right) and WCHA Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator Scott Lewis (third from right) presented on resident services program best practices at the Illinois Association of Housing Authorities annual conference! The other panelists included resident services from the Housing Authority of Champaign County and Knox County Housing Authority! ...
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LIHEAP Walk in applications will be taken this Thursday:
Thursday 10/15/26
Washington Park Community Center
3617 Delaware Street, Rockford
9:00 am - 12:00 pm ...
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The United Way of Boone County is hiring!
For an Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) Job Description
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Professionally answer phone, respond to questions, or direct calls as appropriate.
• LIHEAP/PIPP Intake – Schedule appointments, process digital applications
• Perform all data entry into QuickBooks (QB).
• Record incoming checks in log.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations of all accounts
• Prepare ACH payment authorizations (quarterly)
• Generate monthly QuickBooks reports – Cash Flow, Balance Sheet, Transaction Detail by Account
• Prepare bank deposits
• Order office supplies and monitor inventory.
• Assist with shared tasks (annual financial review, EFSP documentation review)
QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Experience in business administration, accounting, or related field preferred.
• Bilingual, preferred
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Basic computer skills
• Knowledge of QuickBooks Online
• Familiar with basic accounting principles preferred.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Demonstrate excellent people skills with the ability to communicate effectively with the public.
Send your resume to Reverend Muriel Morely Jahn at director@uwboonecounty.org. ...
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Sharing the news of RAMP's Community Listening Session! ...
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