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.

 

Northern Illinois Regional Affordable Community Housing
Review Housing Options

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.

Apply Illustration

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
Family enjoying their new affordable home

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!

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.

About NIReACH

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News and Events

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 […]

(Managed by Winnebago County Housing Authority) It will be held via Online Lottery: May 14th , 2025 12:01 am to May 20th, 2025 11:59 pm Apply online @ www.wchauthority.com 600 applications will be chosen through a computerized, random lottery system. Because it is a computerized, random lottery system, there is no advantage to those that […]

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 […]