Illinois Housing Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot as part of the Job Training Economic Development Program, with a $5 million budget to address homelessness and workforce development. This grant targets Continuum of Care (COC) areas, aiming to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with employment opportunities, thereby enhancing financial stability and access to permanent housing. The program prioritizes employment navigation, partnerships, support services, work readiness, and training and education. It seeks to create a system where homeless individuals can secure and retain quality jobs, contributing to their long-term economic and housing stability.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering the Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Urban Shelter Program, focusing on constructing, reconstructing, rehabilitating, or acquiring properties for homeless shelters. With $15 million in federal funding, the program aims to return shelter capacities to pre-COVID levels. Eight awards, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000, are anticipated. The program prioritizes projects that address the impacts of COVID-19, with an emphasis on assisting the homeless population and enhancing public health and safety. Eligible applicants include local government units with direct HUD funding and entities with a strong homelessness support network.

The Promise Grant program, supported by the DeKalb County Community Foundation, provides funding to charitable community organizations that serve underserved populations in DeKalb County. The program aims to inspire, educate, and empower individuals facing challenges related to ethnicity, immigration status, and abilities. The grant is funded by two funds: The Promise Fund-El Fondo de la Promesa and the Howard and Mildred Eychaner Fund. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County, school districts, schools, education facilities, churches (non-religious programs), and municipal or governmental entities. Grant applications open on August 15 with an October 1 deadline. Funding decisions are typically made within one month of the deadline. The maximum grant amount is $5,000, with the typical grant amount being under $800. Projects that increase participation of underserved populations, develop leadership skills in marginalized populations, increase understanding and tolerance, raise educational levels, enhance quality of life, and address healthcare and affordable housing needs within DeKalb Township are prioritized. Religious purposes, advertising purchases, capital or operation debt reduction, political campaigns or attempts to influence legislative issues are generally not funded. Grantees must submit a final grant report upon completion of the project or purpose for which the grant was requested. Any modifications to the originally proposed project require advance written approval from the Community Foundation. The grant application can be accessed online at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dekalbcountyfoundation

This program provides financial incentives to commercial property owners in Carbondale's BPR Primary Business District to convert unused upper stories into livable apartments, promoting urban revitalization.