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
HUD Recognizes WCHA’s Groundbreaking Programs to Positively Reshape Affordable Housing Rockford, IL (January 23, 2025) –Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA) announced today it has been named the nation’s first Regional Moving To Work (MTW) Housing Authority by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This historic designation recognizes WCHA for its groundbreaking efforts […]
The Boone County Housing Authority (BCHA) announces the availability of up to 4 Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) for rehabilitation and/or new constructed housing units within Boone County. Applications in response to this Request for proposal must be consistent with the established Request for Proposals (RFP) and in compliance with government rules and regulations. The […]
The Winnebago County Housing Authority is seeking request for proposals from qualified professional grant writers. For a complete copy of the proposal, please contact Deb Alfredson at dalfredson@wchauthority.com or in person at 3617 Delaware Street, Rockford, IL 61102. Question deadline will be February 3, 2025. Submission dates will be from January 9th through February 10th, […]
The 45-day comment period for the proposed Direct Rental Assistance Program (DRA) will run from Monday, January 6th, 2025, to Thursday, February 20th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. During this period, the documents related to the program will be available for review at the Winnebago County Housing Authority office, located at 3617 Delaware Street, Rockford, IL […]
Congratulations to Carolyn Cooper, elected this week as President to the Collier Garden Apartments in Rockford, and seen flanked by Resident Services Coordinator Emily Schwartz and Collier Garden Manager Christal Warne!
And we loved seeing some of the Easter decorations from residents. ... See MoreSee Less
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We appreciated the NAACP Freeport Branch and the Freeport Area Landlord's Association for inviting us to today's Housing Work Group to explore how we can come together and create solutions for Freeport's affordable housing needs.
The next program is community wide on 05/01/25! ... See MoreSee Less
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In need of food? City First Church is hosting a drive-through FREE food distribution starting at 10am this Saturday at Haskell School, 515 Maple Street. It goes until noon, unless they run out sooner.
Our thank you to Barb Chidley, Neighborhood Specialist with the City of Rockford, for sharing this news. ... See MoreSee Less
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We appreciated being a part of Shelter Care Ministries Rockford Foundation Fulfillment Friday and all the wonderful work and care of Shelter Care Ministries Rockford, and the opportunity to share our housing programs and applications.
And thank you to the WCHA team of Jilly Graciana and Emily Schwartz presenting at our table! ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you to the Beloit Daily News for your story on the $1 million Affordable Program Housing grant awarded to WCHA in addition to the $12 million state grant for the renovation of the old Goldie Floberg home in Rockton to the new Getty Garden with 21 apartments for seniors and disabled.
file:///C:/Users/alan/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/6PORA94F/BeloitDa... ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you, WIFR, for sharing our story of the renovation of the old Goldie Floberg in Rockton!
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Rockton receives $1M boost for Getty Garden affordable housing
www.wifr.com
Getty Garden, an affordable housing project for senior and disabled residents receives a $1 million grant.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Thank you, WREX, for your story on our $1 million Affordable Housing Program grant that will be added to the $12 million supportive housing grant for the renovation of the former Goldie Floberg home in Rockton to Getty Garden.
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Rockton's Getty Garden receives $1M for senior housing project
www.wrex.com
ROCKTON, Ill (WREX) – The Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA) received a $1 million grant for Getty Garden, an affordable housing project in Rockton.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
It's the first day of spring! And hopefully no more snow until next winter.
If you need a little assistance for an affordable home, please visit us and see if we can help at www.wchauthority.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
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