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
Step 3
Check Your Status
Your number on the wait list is affected by your needs, the needs of others in the community, and the availability of housing. Once your application is processed, you’ll be able to log in to track your status on the wait list.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Last Name
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
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 and the Winnebago Homes Association (collectively “WCHA/WHA”) is issuing a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”), soliciting proposals for: The WCHA/WHA is seeking a development team to assist in new construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing in the Illinois communities of South Beloit, Rockton, and Freeport, as well as to facilitate additional […]
The Winnebago Housing Authority (WCHA) (dba NI ReACH) 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 […]
Are you interested in a career in construction and the building trades? Check out the program offerings and eligibility requirements here. For more information, contact Awaken Foundation L3C at 815-683-6009 or awakenfoundationl3c.com
NI ReACH offices will be closed today, Thursday, February 16 at noon due to severe weather. The Winnebago County Housing Authority Board meeting scheduled for this evening is also cancelled.
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We want to share an opportunity from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)!
NAMI invites you to a transformative experience that could greatly benefit both you and your family—NAMI's Family-to-Family class. This free, evidence-based program is designed to provide education, support, and practical skills for families navigating mental health challenges.
Why Join the Family-to-Family Class?
The class offers comprehensive information about mental health conditions, including symptoms, treatments, and the latest research. Understanding these aspects can help demystify mental illnesses and reduce stigma. You'll acquire strategies to manage crises, communicate effectively with loved ones, and handle day-to-day challenges. The skills learned can make a significant difference in your interactions and support.
1. Build a Support Network: Connect with other families who share similar experiences. The class provides a safe space to share stories, exchange advice, and build supportive relationships.
2. Access Resources: Participants receive valuable resources and tools that can help you navigate the mental health system, access services, and advocate for the needs of your loved one.
3. Personal Growth: The program is not only about learning but also about personal development. It can help you develop resilience, improve your coping strategies, and foster a greater sense of hope and empowerment.
Class Details:
• Dates: September 18, 2024 through November 6, 2024
• Time: 6:00-8:30PM
• Location: Jeremiah Development, Rockford, IL
• Duration: 8 weeks
This class can provide you with essential tools and a deeper understanding to support your loved one more effectively while also taking care of yourself.
To sign up or learn more, please visit this page: NAMI Family-to-Family Registration ... See MoreSee Less
NAMI Family-to-Family - NAMI Northern Illinois
naminorthernillinois.org
*REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SPRING 2024 CLASS*0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join us for the Accessible Adventures Field Day, an accessible event for individuals with disabilities and their families. Enjoy these accessible activities and delicious food from vendors!
Register here: give.classy.org/Adventures-for-All ... See MoreSee Less
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We wanted to share this message sent to us by the Social Security Administration to help applicants for their services:
Did you know incomplete forms and applications cause delays and require time-consuming follow ups?
Learn more in this 2-minute video about the importance of submitting a complete claims package. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e9DNRHIYe8
You can help us avoid unnecessary delays with processing claims by:
• Making your client aware that we may need to contact them by phone or mail to confirm a signature or attest to a claim;
• Encouraging your client to respond promptly to our requests to confirm we have the correct contact information in our records;
• Allowing 30 days before calling to check on the status of the claim or form; and
• Submitting forms only one time to avoid duplicating workloads for our technicians.
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): Over the past few months, we have made significant enhancements to our Appointed Representative Services (ARS) tool. You can now access more information for cases pending at the initial and reconsideration levels.
We hope these new functions help reduce the time you spend contacting our offices. ... See MoreSee Less
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WCHA is hiring for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Case Manager to work in our Freeport, Illinois office.
The chosen candidate is responsible for the intake and follow-up of HCV applications and caseload management, conducting interim and annual re-certification of participants, working with landlords, filing, typing and computer input.
The candidate would need the ability to work independently in an organized, thorough, detailed, accurate, and efficient manner; Ability to communicate (oral and written) and interact with diverse individuals (public, outside agencies/vendors, and co-workers) in a courteous, confidential, effective, positive, professional, and ethical manner.
Applicants that are currently public housing or voucher assisted families are encouraged to apply!
To apply and learn more, please contact Deb Alfredson at dalfredson@wchauthority.com ... See MoreSee Less
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RAMP is hiring!
They are looking for someone to perform full-time receptionist duties for the agency, to be an information and referral source for all staff and the community, and to provide clerical support. Qualities they are seeking include experience in customer service and office support duties with excellent communication skills. This individual should be dependable, friendly, patient, have strong attention to detail, and enjoy working with a team, but also confident to work autonomously. If you enjoy talking on the phone, gathering information, assisting callers with resources and helpful information, and also helping with general office support this may be the job for you!
The position will spend a lot of time conducting the following activities:
• Reception of visitors and incoming phone calls
• Information and referral source for the community and staff
• Provide clerical support to staff
• Ordering office supplies
Job Location: Winnebago County/Rockford Office
Starting salary range - based on experience: $34,000 - $36,720
(Please note: each salary offer is determined by using a rating scale, which is based off the minimum salary of the range provided).
Link to full job description and link to apply: ... See MoreSee Less
Office Support Specialist - RAMP (Regional Access & Mobilization Project) - Career Page
ramp.applytojob.com
disability, office assistant, clerical, resources, helping, flexible schedule, autonomy, advocacy, customer services0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join us for our 2nd Annual Family Reading Night, Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 5:30-7:30pm. #FUN #ACTIVITIES #FOOD #GIVEAWAYS #RESOURCES #STORYTIME Alignment Rockford Rockford Public Library United Way of Rock River Valley Kendel Sherman Foundation Goodwill Northern Illinois ... See MoreSee Less
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Collier Garden's Garden Committee donated fresh produce from their garden to St. Elizabeth's Food Pantry. They were excited to share the harvest with others. ... See MoreSee Less
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We can't get too far away from August 21st before acknowledging the history of the Section 8 program!
August 21, 2024 was the 50th anniversary of the Section 8 program through The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, and we thought it would be interesting to look back on the history of the program.
1937
The Housing Act of 1937 was created on 09/01/37 at the height of The Great Depression to fit the need of affordable housing that was so visible with the “Hoovervilles” shanties that started appearing around cities (so called after President Hoover, who was in office during the October 29, 1929 Stock Market Crash).
1940
The Housing Act made it possible for cities and counties to create local housing authorities. WCHA was created on 09/11/40, one week before the first peace-time draft in U.S. history, to prepare for the families of servicemen to be stationed at Camp Grant in Rockford. Housing authorities such as WCHA build and own their own public housing.
1965
Congress enacts Section 23 of the Housing Act, which allows housing authorities, for the first time, to reach out to the private market to house families. Under Section 23, a housing authority would lease a landlord’s house or apartment complex, and then sublease it to low-income families.
1970
Congress authorizes the Experimental Housing Allowance Program (EHAP) under Section 501 and 504 of the Housing Act of 1970, which tested the concept of providing housing allowances to families who rented from landlords. This was the first major test of what we know today to be the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also called Section 8.
1974
Congress enacts Section 8 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (and that is where the name Section 8 originated. Originally, they were certificates, with separate wait lists dependent on bedroom size, and a fixed rental subsidy based on bedroom size.
1983
Congress adds the voucher program as an alternative to the certificate program. The voucher program uses a single wait list, and the housing assistance is based on the 50th percentile of a market area rent, with the idea that the assisted family will pay less for a house with lower rent, and more for a house with higher rent (as with any family looking for a place to rent), and therefore use the housing assistance most efficiently through this shopping.
1998
Congress consolidates the certificate and voucher programs in the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.
2024
This brings us to today. WCHA administrates over 1,600 Housing Choice Vouchers throughout Winnebago, Stephenson, Boone and Jo Daviess counties, in such programs as VASH (for homeless, disabled veterans), Mainstream (for homeless, disabled non-elderly), Family Unification (to help reunite families), Youth Aging Out of Foster Care, Project Based Vouchers that help us build and renovate affordable housing, and more.
What can Section 8 do? The program lets us build Low Income Housing Tax Credit programs, and the developer fees help us renovate distressed housing and provide them for free to the City of Rockford and the Rockford Police Department, for police officers and their families to have a free place to live in distressed and high crime neighborhoods--the police officer's presence, their visits to schools, businesses, churches, and neighbors, only helps build safer neighborhoods for all of us, and for the families served by the Section 8 program, like this house that was renovated in partnership with Rockford Comprehensive Community Solutions-Official
Thank you for all the many landlords and property owners that help us house families! ... See MoreSee Less
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