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 […]
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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Now until April 10th AARP will be filing taxes at no cost at Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA), located at 1111 S. Alpine, Suite 600!
- For Seniors 60 and above
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
- 9am- 2pm
- Must call to set up an appointment! 815-226-4901 ... See MoreSee Less
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We're excited that WCHA and BCHA were featured by the Madison Veterans Administration for helping to make a difference bringing housing to homeless, disabled Veterans in our community.
We're listed as 2nd under Stakeholder Input for the Pearl Place Apartments program in Belvidere. A1 $11 million rehab of the historic Pearl Place school into 56 apartments, we made 4 of the apartments only for disabled, homeless Veterans.
Thank you, Madison VA, for the kind recognition. ... See MoreSee Less
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Are you a student that could use scholarship help?
You qualify if you live in any housing that is part of the Winnebago County Housing Authority, Winnebago Homes Association, Jo Daviess County Housing Authority and Boone County Housing Authority programs!
Two successful candidates are eligible for the Ernest J. Bohn Education scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 or $500.00 respectively. Scholarship funds may be used for any expenses directly related to post-secondary education (tuition, room/board, books, etc.).
Hurry! Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2025. Get your application here www.ncrcnahro.org/Scholarships. ... See MoreSee Less
North Central Regional Council of NAHRO - Scholarships
www.ncrcnahro.org
The NCRC Board of Directors has approved a scholarship opportunity for one attendee for the upcoming2025 Annual NCRC NAHRO Conference hosted by MI NAHRO which will take place inDetroit, Michigan on Ap...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Watch Out For Scams!
The Social Security Administration has designated March 6, 2025, as National “Slam the Scam” Day—a campaign to raise public awareness of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 2 - 8, 2025.
Scammers often target the elderly, those with limited English proficiency, and veterans. Please us caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency.
Recognizing the basic signs of a scam is helpful in stopping fraudulent activity. Remember:
• Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
• Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
• Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
• Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.
Remind your clients, friends, and family to:
• Hang up on suspicious calls from “government officials” calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account.
• NEVER make payments with gift cards, wire transfers, or by mailing cash.
• Report Social Security scams to OIG.SSA.GOV.
• Report other scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Thank you for keeping yourself and your family safe from scammers.
oig.ssa.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ... See MoreSee Less
Office of the Inspector General
oig.ssa.gov
The Office of the Inspector General is directly responsible for meeting the statutory mission of promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of Social Security Administratio...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Do you receive Social Security or SSI? Tax season is officially underway!
And by now, you should have received the necessary forms to file your tax return. The Social Security Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, is a tax form mailed each year in January to everyone who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from the Social Security Administration in the previous year, so you know how much Social Security income to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on your tax return.
If you misplace your Benefit Statement, your can instantly get a replacement form with a personal my Social Security account. Replacement tax forms for the previous tax year are typically available starting February 1 of each year. Just visit ... See MoreSee Less
my Social Security | SSA
www.ssa.gov
my Social Security | Open a my Social Security account today and rest easy knowing that you're in control of your future.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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The Indian Hills Apartments in Pecatonica, Illinois, has 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes from low to moderate income families with Section 8 assistance available for the apartment rent.
Water, sewer and garbage collection are included.
On site coin operated laundry and off street parking.
Security deposits are based on income and can be paid in installments.
Applications are available by contacting the office at (800) 527-9469, the website at www.dakgroup.org and email at dakmanagement@tds.net! ... See MoreSee Less
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