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!
![dangelo-exterior-5 D'Agnolo Garden Apartments entrance](https://www.wchauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dangelo-exterior-5-540x303.jpg)
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-exterior-1 Collier Garden Apartments](https://www.wchauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/collier-exterior-1-540x303.jpg)
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.
![johnston-exterior-4 Robert Johnston Garden Apartments front entrance](https://www.wchauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/johnston-exterior-4-540x303.jpg)
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.
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.