Housing Options.
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WCHA – Housing Options
WCHA has a variety of affordable housing options available. We can help you find the right program whether you live in one of our communities or a privately owned property willing to participate in one of the programs available. Households can apply for as many programs as they like. In addition to income requirements, some sites also may have qualifications for older adults and people with disabilities.
Housing Managed by WCHA
WCHA builds or rehabs public housing, which it then manages and maintains for residents. In WCHA communities, residents pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. These communities are financed through different programs and funding sources, including Section 8 Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program, and Winnebago Homes Association – rental homes managed by WCHA.
Each housing community is maintained to the highest standards for our residents, their families and the larger communities in which they live.
Learn more about our individual communities by visiting our Communities page.
Eligibility:
Though individual program requirements may vary slightly, below are the general eligibility requirements for WCHA communities.
- U.S. citizens and specified noncitizens with eligible immigration status.
- Low-income individuals and families, though those limits vary based on the community.
- Background checks (criminal and credit). Applicants may still be eligible for programs based on circumstances, so they shouldn’t let something in their background stop them from applying.
Applying
To apply for a housing program available through WCHA, start by filling out our application.
Housing Managed by Private Owners
WCHA also supports programs where residents can live in housing owned and managed by private property owners. In some cases, property owners may have units designated for our programs. In other cases, residents may ask if a property owner would be willing to participate in our program.
Programs that subsidize rent in privately owned housing are funded through a variety of sources. These include the Rental Housing Support Program (RHSP) through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 Housing Vouchers funded by the federal government.
Openings and funding for some of these programs can be limited, so the wait lists may be closed.
Eligibility:
Though individual program requirements may vary slightly, below are the general eligibility requirements for WCHA communities.
- U.S. citizens and specified noncitizens with eligible immigration status.
- Low-income individuals and families, though those limits vary based on the community.
- Generally, these programs are limited to households earning less than 50% of the median income (numbers vary based on counties – see table below).
- Some properties have qualifications for older adults and people with disabilities.
- Background checks (criminal and credit). Applicants may still be eligible for programs based on circumstances, so they shouldn’t let something in their background stop them from applying.
| Family Size | 50% Median Income Limits – Boone and Winnebago Counties | 50% Median Income Limits – Stephenson |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $31,150 | $28,500 |
| 2 people | $35,600 | $32,600 |
| 3 people | $40,050 | $36,650 |
| 4 people | $44,500 | $40,700 |
| 5 people | $48,100 | $44,000 |
| 6 people | $51,650 | $47,250 |
| 7 people | $55,200 | $50,500 |
Applying:
To apply for a housing program available through WCHA, start by filling out our application.
FOR LANDLORDS:
Interested in listing a property and renting to Section 8 tenants? Access our landlord packet for more information.
Other Affordable Housing Resources
You also can find affordable housing options through other resources in our community. Please contact these organizations directly for more information about their housing, eligibility, and requirements.
Rockford Housing Authority
223 S. Winnebago St,
Rockford, IL 61102
Phone: (815) 489-8506
www.rockfordha.org
Professional Property Management
973 Featherstone Road, Suite 300
Rockford, IL 61107
Phone: (815) 397-3755
Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition
205 N. Church St.
Rockford, IL 61101
Phone: (815) 962-2011
www.raahc.org
Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc.
917 S. Main St.
Rockford, IL 61101
Phone: (815) 963-6236
comprehensivecommunitysolutions.org
Wildberry Village
5725 Forest Hills Road
Rockford, IL 61114
Phone: (815) 282-1320
Valley View Apartments
3303 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: (815) 399-5523
The Terrace
2321 Halsted Road
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: (312) 234-9400
Concord Commons Apartments
3552 Elm St.
Rockford, IL 61102
Phone: (815) 968-7777
Affordable Housing Development Fund Inc.
6072 Brynwood Drive, Suite 106
Rockford, IL 61114
Phone: (815) 282-0086
Luther Center
111 W. State St.
Rockford, IL 61101
Phone: (815) 965-0055
