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 […]
Thank you to all our local media for sharing the news about Jobs Plus program coming to Rockford! And thank you to
Work should always pay and with the Jobs Plus HUD grant, residents of Collier Garden will keep more of what they earn when they take a new job or get a raise. Plus, they will receive job training, career counseling, and financial coaching which will help families move forward and beyond housing assistance.
Services launch March 2027 at Collier Garden, in partnership with The Workforce Connection and Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois.
Read the full Rock River Current story here: ...
Winnebago County Housing Authority wins $1.6M grant to help residents advance their careers - Rock River Current
www.rockrivercurrent.com
By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our free mobile app ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Housing Authority has won a competitive $1.6 million Jobs Plus grant, which will be used to help residents at...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We're sharing this message from Home For Good. ...
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We so appreciated being invited to Mickey's 100th Birthday party at our D'Agnolo Apartments in Rockton this past Monday night!
Mickey is such a wonderful neighbor for everyone. Thank you to all the residents who put the party together--and a very special thank you to Nikki, who did all the wonderful decorations.
Happy Birthday, Mickey! ...
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Big news for Rockford and our region!
We’re proud to announce we were awarded a $1.6 million HUD Jobs Plus grant, one of only 10 housing authorities selected out of about 3,300 nationwide.
Jobs Plus is coming to Collier Garden, and it’s built around a simple idea: work should always pay. When residents earn more, their rent won’t go up, so they keep what they earn. Along the way, residents will receive job training, career counseling, financial coaching, and support to build savings, and move toward self-sufficiency. Our region will benefit from more skilled workers for local employers, more money spent in our communities, and families building lasting stability for generations to come.
We’re grateful to our partners at The Workforce Connection and Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois for helping make this happen. Planning is now taking place, and the program will be available to residents beginning March 2027. ...
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Thank you to RAMP for putting together this valuable listening session! WCHA is fortunate to be part of the Westport Village development, providing Section 8 Housing Vouchers and being the funding agent for the Hosmer and Brewster Apartments. We appreciate being a part of an expert panel. ...
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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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