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.
RRVP's Thanksgiving Food Box registration is coming up at the end of October! Registration will take place on Ocotober 24th and 25th. See flyer for details! ... See MoreSee Less
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Each household is eligible to receive four at-home test kits, which can be requested from COVIDTests.gov starting today. They’ll be shipped for free starting next week through the US Postal Service.
covidtests.gov/ ... See MoreSee Less
covidtests.gov
covidtests.gov
COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spread...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please disregard this flyer. The next Mobile Market will be on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00am to 11:30am at the United Auto Workers Local 1268. ... See MoreSee Less
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This is the wrong date. The NIFB distribution is Saturday, October 19th at UAW Local 1268 Union Hall. There is a Craft Show being held on October 5th.
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We are happy to share that today, WCHA was awarded 13 Section 8 vouchers for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care!
Only 21 housing authorities out of the 3,000 in the United States received this award
We’re very excited by this. In 2014 we noticed a national challenge that Youth Aging Out of Foster Care were likely to become homeless. We reached out to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, who told us that it was a serious problem in Winnebago County. We requested that HUD allow us to create a foster care voucher demonstration program using our Family Unification Program vouchers. HUD approved our Foster Care demonstration program in 2016. In 2019, HUD created the Foster Youth to Independence Program.
Thank you for our partners at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Rockford Human Services for being a part of making this program possible for our community.
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HUD Announces More Than $15 Million to Prevent Youth Homelessness
www.hud.gov
HUD No. 24-241 HUD Public Affairs (202) 708-0685 FOR RELEASE Friday September 20, 2024 HUD Announces More Than $15 Million to Prevent Youth Homelessness Funding will support housing assistance for you...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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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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