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
(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 […]
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, […]
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WCHA is a pet friendly housing authority, and it was great to meet one of our pet residents, Chanel, at the Collier Garden resident council!
A 04/28/25 U.S. News and Reports article tells us what we already knew--pets are valuable for the health of our disabled and senior residents. The article reports that studies link pet ownership to a variety of health benefits. Some potential health benefits of pet ownership include:
Improved cardiovascular health
Improved blood pressure control
Decreased cortisol and stress levels
Decreased loneliness
Increased opportunities for physical activity and exercise
Increased opportunities for social interaction
Improved mood
health.usnews.com/senior-care/articles/the-value-of-pet-ownership-for-older-adults#:~:text=Studie.... ... See MoreSee Less
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Rockford wants to hear from you!
The Community Relations Commission, which acts as an advisory board to the mayor and City Council, is holding a Special Open Forum on Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The goal of the forum is to gain greater input from members of the public to assist in setting the commission’s agenda for the year.
Residents who would like to share concerns, ideas for improvement or other important information, can sign up to speak at www.rockfordil.gov/openforum. Written requests to address the Commission at the Special Open Forum Meeting must be made no later than noon the day before the meeting.
Once registered, residents will have three minutes to speak to the commission and then another two minutes to allow for questions from the commissioners. Spaces are limited, so register early.
If you are unable to make this Special Open Forum, you can email the Commission at CRC@Rockfordil.gov to ensure your voice is heard.
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Community Relations Commission | Rockford, IL
rockfordil.gov
The Community Relations Commission helps the City better achieve its goals of involving the community, improving communication, and fostering positive relations.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Calling all photographers!! ... See MoreSee Less
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Rockford City Market is hiring seasonal staff. Must be 18+ years old and have Friday availability. Email Becca.Bartels@rrdp.org.
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Rockford City Market
www.rockfordcitymarket.com
Rockford City Market located in downtown Rockford, IL features seasonal outdoor markets showcasing farmers and local goods, an indoor food hall, wedding and event venue, and licensed commercial kitche...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Community Relations Commission Wants to Hear from Residents!
The Community Relations Commission, which acts as an advisory board to the mayor and City Council, is holding a Special Open Forum on Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The goal of the forum is to gain greater input from members of the public to assist in setting the commission’s agenda for the year.
Residents who would like to share concerns, ideas for improvement or other important information, can sign up to speak at www.rockfordil.gov/openforum. Written requests to address the Commission at the Special Open Forum Meeting must be made no later than noon the day before the meeting.
Once registered, residents will have three minutes to speak to the commission and then another two minutes to allow for questions from the commissioners. Spaces are limited, so register early.
If you are unable to make this Special Open Forum, you can email the Commission at CRC@Rockfordil.gov to ensure your voice is heard.
rockfordil.gov/451/Community-Relations-Commission ... See MoreSee Less
Community Relations Commission | Rockford, IL
rockfordil.gov
The Community Relations Commission helps the City better achieve its goals of involving the community, improving communication, and fostering positive relations.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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