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!
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 has opened the public comment period for the 2026 Moving to Work Plan Supplement. A 45-day comment period has been established beginning October 7, 2024 and ending November 21, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Throughout the comment period, the document may be viewed by clicking below and seen at 3617 Delaware […]
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
Join our team and make a difference for families and their lives!
WCHA is hiring a full time property manager. A few of the responsibilities include:
Paperwork for leasing and rent assistance calculations.
Resolve resident issues.
Be available for after hours emergencies.
Coordinate services with community agencies.
Maintain accounts.
Be a supportive part of our team.
Residents and participants programs with any housing authority are strongly encouraged to apply. To learn more, please contact Deb Alfredson at dalfredson@wchauthority.com. ... See MoreSee Less
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Digital Inclusion Week is October 7th through the 11!
The Winnebago County Housing Authority and the Boone County Housing Authority were part of the original 100 housing authorities in the ConnectHomeUSA program, creating strategies for local communities to bridge the digital divide and help bring internet services for low income families.
This work has included computer labs at all of our housing sites and the Washington Park Community Center in partnership with our friends at the Rockford Park District, free laptops and computer pads, training, and programs for employment, education, recreation and supportive services.
We have to give our strong appreciation to our Resident Opportunities and Supportive Services Coordinator Emily Schwartz, who makes this valuable program possible. Thank you, Emily! ... See MoreSee Less
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The Social Security Administration today has announced that monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase by 2.5% in 2025. ... See MoreSee Less
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Patrick Gates, I know you would have something to say to improve the process!
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides funding to Illinois tenants and housing providers/ landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction.
You can apply online at illinoishousinghelp.org
www.ihda.org/about-ihda/cbrap/#:~:text=Applicants%20may%20qualify%20for%20up%20to%20$15,000%20in%... ... See MoreSee Less
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program – IHDA
www.ihda.org
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides funding to Illinois tenants and housing providers/ landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants ma...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
RRVP's Thanksgiving Food Box registration is coming up at the end of October! Registration will take place on Ocotober 24th and 25th. See flyer for details! ... See MoreSee Less
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Each household is eligible to receive four at-home test kits, which can be requested from COVIDTests.gov starting today. They’ll be shipped for free starting next week through the US Postal Service.
covidtests.gov/ ... See MoreSee Less
covidtests.gov
covidtests.gov
COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spread...0 CommentsComment on Facebook