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CHICAGO (WAND) - The Illinois Housing Development Authority announced it is accepting applications from eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations to participate in the state’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program.

Through HRAP, IHDA will provide funding to approved agencies who will then provide grants to low- and extremely low-income homeowners to make health and safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency repairs to their homes.

“Many homeowners are forced to prioritize their spending causing many to delay vital and necessary home repairs leading to a potentially unsafe environment for them and their families,” said IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust. “It is imperative that our low-income and aging populations live in healthy, stable housing. I encourage local governments and nonprofit organizations apply for HRAP so they can receive and then provide this vital assistance to help vulnerable homeowners in their communities.”
 
According to the U.S. Census, the average single-family home in Illinois was constructed in 1972. Through HRAP, IHDA hopes to preserve existing affordable housing stock, provide investment in underserved communities, improve the health and well-being of occupants, and help seniors and people with disabilities stay in their homes. 
 
HRAP is funded by IHDA but administered through local governments, intergovernmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations that apply and are selected for this program.
 
To be eligible to administer this funding, municipalities and organizations must demonstrate: 
  • Experience in administering programs for low- and extremely low-income households, including intake and income verifications;
  • Experience in administering housing rehabilitation programs, including private or government grants and related reporting, as well as financial management;
  • Experience in construction project management and assessment, including housing inspections, cost estimation, building permits, building codes, etc.; and
  • Familiarity with federal and state fair housing and accessibility laws and regulations. 
Local governments and other qualified organizations interested in learning more about HRAP and administering the program are encouraged to attend an upcoming webinar with IHDA staff on:
Applications will be accepted through 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025. HRAP program information and the application can be found online here.
 
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