🏛️ Program 1: Policy Advocacy & Public Education

Housing Action Illinois’ policy advocacy program serves as the coalition’s primary vehicle for influencing state and federal housing legislation, budget allocations, and administrative regulations. Led by Policy Director Bob Palmer (bob@housingactionil.org, 312-939-6075) and Housing Policy Organizers Foluke Akanni (foluke@housingactionil.org, 312-854-3817) and Megan Yerger (megan@housingactionil.org, 312-854-3368), the advocacy team coordinates multi-organization campaigns, drafts legislation, testifies at legislative hearings, mobilizes grassroots constituent contacts, and produces policy research and fact sheets.

Annual Policy Agenda Process: Each year, Housing Action Illinois develops a comprehensive policy agenda through a collaborative process involving member input, analysis of legislative opportunities, consultation with allied coalitions, and strategic assessment of political feasibility. The 2026 Policy Agenda (released January 13, 2026) serves as the roadmap for the organization’s state and federal advocacy work throughout the year. Housing Action Illinois publishes both a detailed policy agenda document and a one-page summary PDF for easy sharing and grassroots organizing.

Advocacy Tools & Resources: Housing Action Illinois maintains a dedicated Action Center on its website (launched 2025–2026) where coalition members, allied organizations, and concerned residents can join campaigns, endorse priority bills, contact legislators through pre-populated email tools, sign petitions, and stay informed about legislative developments. The organization also produces regular advocacy updates, legislative tracking documents, policy briefs analyzing pending bills, and talking points for coalition members to use in meetings with legislators.

Public Education & Media: Housing Action Illinois educates policymakers, media, and the general public about housing needs through press releases, media interviews, op-eds, social media campaigns, infographics, and research reports. Recent media coverage has highlighted Housing Action Illinois’ leadership on criminalizing homelessness (coverage in WAND-TV Springfield), crime-free nuisance ordinances (Chicago Sun-Times, New York Times May 2025 national coverage), rental junk fees, property tax sale reforms (Chicago Sun-Times Watchdogs), and senior home repair needs (Illinois Answers).

🎓 Program 2: Capacity Building & Training

Housing Action Illinois strengthens the infrastructure of Illinois’ housing nonprofit sector through comprehensive training programs, technical assistance, peer learning networks, and professional development opportunities. Led by Director of Capacity Building David Young (david@housingactionil.org, 312-939-6914) and a team of Senior Capacity Building Specialists—Bibian Cristino (bibian@housingactionil.org, 312-939-7678), Wanda Collins (wanda@housingactionil.org, 312-939-7679), and Jennifer Pallas (jennifer@housingactionil.org, 312-939-7680)—the capacity building program delivers both ongoing training series and customized technical assistance responsive to member needs.

Housing Counseling Career Path Initiative: A signature capacity building program focuses on strengthening housing counseling agencies—organizations that provide critical services including homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention counseling, rental assistance, and financial capability coaching. Housing Action Illinois offers specialized training tracks to help housing counselors achieve HUD certification, advance their careers, and improve service delivery. In March 2025, Housing Action Illinois announced a $12,000 contribution from Midland States Bank to support the Housing Counseling Career Path program.

Training Calendar & Workshops: Housing Action Illinois hosts a year-round training calendar featuring webinars, in-person workshops, multi-day institutes, and peer learning cohorts on topics including fair housing compliance, landlord-tenant law, grant writing and fundraising, board development, financial management for nonprofits, trauma-informed service delivery, Housing First best practices, HMIS data systems, HUD program compliance, and community organizing strategies. Member organizations receive discounted or free access to most trainings as a membership benefit.

Technical Assistance: Beyond group trainings, Housing Action Illinois provides individualized technical assistance to member organizations facing specific challenges such as navigating HUD regulations, developing new programs, responding to compliance issues, improving data collection systems, or planning organizational expansion. Technical assistance may be delivered through phone consultations, site visits, document review, connection to subject matter experts, or facilitated problem-solving sessions.

🤝 Program 3: Housing Action Corps (AmeriCorps VISTA)

Since 2010, Housing Action Illinois has managed Housing Action Corps, an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program that places full-time national service members with community organizations across Illinois and nationwide to build organizational capacity, advance housing opportunities, and strengthen communities. Led by National Service Director Willie Heineke (willie@housingactionil.org, 312-854-3324), the program has evolved into one of Illinois’ largest AmeriCorps VISTA programs and expanded nationwide in 2022 to serve housing counseling agencies in multiple states.

Program Scale (2025–2026): Housing Action Corps recruited 42 AmeriCorps VISTA members for the 2025–2026 service year (announced September 2025), placing members with host organizations including homeless shelters, affordable housing developers, housing counseling agencies, fair housing organizations, community land trusts, tenant rights groups, and housing authorities. The program targets deployment of up to 55 full-year members annually and also includes shorter-term VISTA positions for specialized projects.

Member Responsibilities: Housing Action Corps VISTA members dedicate one year of full-time service (1,700 hours minimum) to capacity-building projects that create sustainable systems, programs, or resources for their host organizations. Common VISTA assignments include developing volunteer recruitment systems, creating fundraising databases, building community partnerships, launching new program services, designing training curricula, establishing data tracking systems, expanding outreach to underserved populations, and strengthening organizational infrastructure. VISTA members do NOT provide direct client services (per AmeriCorps regulations) but instead build the capacity of organizations to serve more people more effectively.

Member Benefits: In exchange for their service, Housing Action Corps members receive AmeriCorps VISTA program benefits including a living allowance (adjusted to local cost of living), health insurance coverage, childcare assistance (if eligible), student loan forbearance, and upon completion of service, either a $7,395 education award (usable for college tuition, student loan repayment, or vocational training) or a $1,800 end-of-service cash stipend. Housing Action Illinois also provides tailored professional development including resume workshops, career coaching, networking events, skills training, and connections to housing sector employment opportunities. Many Housing Action Corps alumni have transitioned into permanent staff positions at their host organizations or other housing nonprofits.

Host Organization Partnership: Organizations interested in hosting a Housing Action Corps VISTA member can apply through Housing Action Illinois’ website. Host organizations provide supervision, workspace, project guidance, and integration into organizational activities, while Housing Action Illinois handles AmeriCorps program administration, member recruitment/selection, training, compliance monitoring, and ongoing support. This partnership model enables organizations to benefit from a full-time capacity-building staff member without the financial and administrative burden of direct AmeriCorps program sponsorship.

🚨 FEDERAL ADVOCACY: Defending HUD Programs Under Threat

In 2025, the Trump Administration significantly reduced HUD’s workforce and proposed eliminating many programs entirely, while recommending cutting the HUD budget in half. As 2026 begins, essential evidence-based programs that have been historically underfunded face intensified existential threats. Housing Action Illinois is mobilizing Illinois organizations and residents to defend:

• Continuum of Care (CoC) Homelessness Programs: More than $182 million in current CoC funding serving Illinois is at risk. These resources support permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, coordinated entry systems, HMIS data infrastructure, and essential homelessness services across Illinois’ urban and rural communities. Loss of CoC funding would devastate Illinois’ capacity to prevent and end homelessness.
• Fair Housing Education & Enforcement: Federal fair housing programs protect people from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. These programs ensure freedom to live in communities of one’s choice and enforce the Fair Housing Act through HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) and funding for state/local fair housing organizations.
• Housing Counseling Programs: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide unbiased expert guidance to help individuals and families achieve financial stability, become homeowners or renters, and navigate challenges such as eviction or foreclosure. Federal housing counseling grants fund agencies across Illinois that serve thousands of households annually.
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Nearly 100,000 households in Illinois rely on Housing Choice Vouchers to afford rent and avoid homelessness. Vouchers lift families with children, people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans out of poverty by bridging the gap between tenant income and market rents. Cuts to voucher funding or imposition of harmful work requirements would cause mass displacement.

Housing Action Illinois advocates for the highest possible funding levels for HUD’s overall budget and stands ready to respond to additional threats and mobilize rapid-response campaigns as the Trump administration’s policy agenda unfolds throughout 2026. Coalition members are encouraged to join federal advocacy campaigns through the Action Center and participate in national days of action coordinated with NLIHC and allied coalitions.

🏠 ILLINOIS PRIORITY 1: Preventing & Ending Homelessness

Protect & Increase Funding for HOME Illinois (State Plan to End Homelessness):
Chief Sponsors: Senator Adriane Johnson (SB 2969) and Representative Lindsey LaPointe (HB 4568)
Housing Action Illinois urges Governor Pritzker to support modest funding increases totaling $28.5 million for HOME Illinois, the state’s plan to prevent and end homelessness, to both advance the plan’s goals and offset potential federal funding losses. Specific requests include:

• $14 million increase for Emergency & Transitional Housing (ETH) program to fund approximately 700 new shelter beds (addressing part of the 5,379 shelter beds identified as needed in HOME Illinois plan; especially critical as municipalities pass ordinances criminalizing encampments).
• $7.5 million increase for Supportive Housing Services across three line items to provide case management services that have not kept pace with expansion of new supportive housing units.
• $5 million for Homeless Prevention Program to serve approximately 1,350 additional households annually.
• $2 million for Homeless Youth Program to expand shelter capacity and case management for youth experiencing homelessness.
• Up to $60 million for Scattered Site Permanent Supportive Housing to replace federal CoC funding at risk of being lost due to proposed Trump administration policy changes.

Partners: Homeless service providers statewide, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, Illinois Shelter Alliance, Supportive Housing Providers Association | Contact: foluke@housingactionil.org

Stop Criminalizing People Experiencing Homelessness:
Chief Sponsor: Representative Kevin Olickal (HB 1429)
HB 1429 stops the increasing criminalization of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness by local governments in Illinois. Following the 2024 U.S. Supreme Court Johnson v. Grants Pass ruling, more than 30 Illinois municipalities have adopted ordinances criminalizing homelessness. This bill protects people from being fined or penalized for basic survival activities such as trying to stay warm, resting, and eating. Housing Action Illinois advocates that local governments instead partner on constructive solutions—increasing street outreach, expanding shelter access, and investing in permanent housing—rather than punitive enforcement that pushes people into deeper crisis.

Partners: Homeless service providers statewide, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness | Endorse HB 1429 | Contact: foluke@housingactionil.org

🏘️ ILLINOIS PRIORITY 2: Expanding & Preserving Affordable Rental Housing

Community Safety Through Stable Homes Act:
Chief Sponsors: Senator Karina Villa (SB 2264) and Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
This legislation prevents discrimination and protects renters from being unfairly forced from their homes due to so-called “crime-free housing” and “nuisance ordinances” (CFNOs). These ordinances discourage people from calling 911, disproportionately harm survivors of domestic violence and people with mental health issues, and destabilize households. This bill ensures people can contact police without fear of eviction and focuses on better responses to crime while keeping individuals and families stably housed. The legislation builds on five years of organizing and advocacy to challenge local CFNOs across Illinois, including a successful lawsuit settlement challenging Richton Park’s CFNO.

Partners: Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Open Communities, The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence | Endorse SB 2264 | Contact: megan@housingactionil.org

Rental Affordability and Fee Transparency Act:
Chief Sponsors: Representative Nabeela Syed (HB 5234) and Senator Mike Simmons (SB 3763)
This bill addresses mounting move-in fees and non-optional “junk fees” that renters are facing. Fees historically included in rent prices are now being tacked on separately, making price shopping for leases difficult and leading to surprise fees. The legislation requires landlords to place all non-optional fees on the first page of rental agreements and prohibits 11 different unnecessary junk fees, ensuring fees are fair and transparent.

Partners: A Just Harvest, Lawyers’ Center for Better Housing, Uptown People’s Law Center, Supportive Housing Providers Association | Endorse HB 5234/SB 3763 | Contact: megan@housingactionil.org

Protect Public Housing & Voucher Renters From Time Limits & Work Requirements:
Chief Sponsors: Senator Ram Villivalam (SB 3084) and Representative Maurice West (HB 4377)
This legislation preempts anticipated Trump administration proposals to allow Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to establish work requirements and time limits for renters in public housing and Housing Choice Voucher holders. The bill prohibits these mandatory requirements unless required by federal law. Decades of research show these policies are ineffective, costly, and difficult to administer. Voluntary programs to help people increase incomes and improve job skills are far more effective and remain permissible.

Partners: Impact for Equity | Contact: bob@housingactionil.org

🏡 ILLINOIS PRIORITY 3: Preserving Affordable Homeownership

Property Tax Sale Reforms (Tyler v. Hennepin Response):
Chief Sponsor: Senator Celina Villanueva (SB 3940)
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Tyler v. Hennepin decision, Housing Action Illinois advocates for property tax sale reforms that protect homeowners’ equity and prevent unnecessary displacement. Under Illinois’ current tax sale system, people can lose their homes and all accumulated equity over relatively small tax debts. The coalition supports a solution requiring competitive auction of property and return of surplus proceeds to the former homeowner. This is a matter of racial justice: Housing Action Illinois’ 2021 research found that the vast majority of tax sale evictions by the Cook County Sheriff occur in majority-Black communities. The legislation also includes provisions to prevent homeowners from becoming delinquent on property taxes in the first place and make it more affordable to redeem past-due taxes.

Partners: Chicago Community Trust, Cook County President’s Office, Cook County Treasurer’s Office, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago | Contact: bob@housingactionil.org

Fix Our Homes Illinois (Senior Home Repair Program):
Chief Sponsor: Representative Kevin Olickal (HB 5169 appropriation + HB 5170 program authorization)
Housing Action Illinois is a member of Fix Our Homes Illinois, a broad coalition dedicated to ensuring Illinois provides low-income older homeowners resources needed to age safely, comfortably, and affordably at home. The coalition advocates for HB 5170 (Senior Home Preservation Program Act), creating a program to provide eligible low-income older homeowners up to $40,000 worth of basic home repairs by qualified specialists at little to no cost. The accompanying appropriations bill (HB 5169) requests $22 million over three years.

Partners: Fix Our Homes Illinois coalition, H.O.M.E. | Learn more & endorse | Contact: foluke@housingactionil.org

📊 Housing Action Corps by the Numbers (2025–2026)

• 42 AmeriCorps VISTA members serving in the 2025–2026 cohort (announced September 2025)
• Target of 55 full-year members by 2023 program cycle
• 15+ years of program history since 2010 launch
• Statewide + nationwide placement: Illinois organizations (majority) + housing counseling agencies in multiple states (since 2022 expansion)
• Multiple service tracks: Full-year (12 months), shorter-term positions for specialized projects, VISTA Leader positions coordinating other members
• Host organization types: Homeless service providers, affordable housing developers, housing counseling agencies, fair housing organizations, community land trusts, tenant advocacy groups, public housing authorities, community development corporations

🎓 Housing Counseling Corps Initiative

A specialized subset of Housing Action Corps, Housing Counseling Corps builds the capacity of housing counseling programs to help more people secure safe and affordable homes. Launched publicly in June 2024 (“From Service to Certified: Housing Counseling Corps” blog post), this initiative places VISTA members specifically with HUD-approved housing counseling agencies to:

• Expand client outreach and intake systems
• Develop volunteer counselor recruitment and training programs
• Create resource libraries and service delivery tools
• Build partnerships with community organizations, lenders, and housing providers
• Establish data tracking and outcomes measurement systems
• Support housing counselors’ professional development and HUD certification pathways

🏢 Become a Host Organization

Organizations interested in hosting a Housing Action Corps VISTA member can learn more at housingactionil.org/americorps/host. Host organizations receive a full-time capacity-building team member for 12 months, with Housing Action Illinois handling all AmeriCorps program administration, recruitment, member training, compliance monitoring, and ongoing support. Host organization responsibilities include:

• Designating a staff supervisor for the VISTA member
• Providing workspace, computer access, and basic office resources
• Developing a capacity-building project plan aligned with AmeriCorps VISTA regulations (no direct service delivery)
• Integrating the VISTA member into organizational activities, staff meetings, and team culture
• Participating in Housing Action Corps program activities (trainings, reporting, evaluations)
• Optional: Providing additional benefits such as mileage reimbursement, professional development funding, or cost-of-living supplements beyond the AmeriCorps living allowance

🏘️ Member Organization Types

Housing Action Illinois’ member network includes:

• Nonprofit Housing Developers: Community development corporations, affordable housing developers, and community land trusts that build and preserve affordable rental and homeownership opportunities.
• Homeless Service Providers: Emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, permanent supportive housing providers, street outreach teams, drop-in centers, coordinated entry systems, and rapid rehousing programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Housing Counseling Agencies: HUD-approved housing counseling organizations providing homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention counseling, rental assistance, financial capability coaching, and reverse mortgage counseling.
• Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Local housing authorities administering public housing, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs, and other HUD-funded rental assistance across Illinois cities and counties.
• Fair Housing Organizations: Fair housing centers investigating discrimination complaints, conducting fair housing testing, providing tenant rights education, and enforcing fair housing laws.
• Legal Aid & Tenant Advocacy: Legal services organizations providing eviction defense, housing code enforcement representation, fair housing litigation, and tenant rights advocacy.
• Faith-Based Organizations: Religious congregations and faith-based nonprofits operating shelters, housing programs, or engaging in housing justice advocacy.
• Community Action Agencies: Anti-poverty organizations providing comprehensive services including homeless prevention, weatherization, emergency assistance, and community development.
• Academic Institutions: Universities, community colleges, and research centers conducting housing research, training housing professionals, and engaging in community partnerships.
• Advocacy Organizations: Issue-specific advocacy groups focused on homelessness, tenant rights, disability rights, racial justice, domestic violence, or other intersecting issues.
• Supportive Services Providers: Mental health agencies, substance use treatment programs, healthcare providers, and social service organizations partnering with housing programs to deliver wraparound services.

✅ Become a Member

Organizations interested in joining Housing Action Illinois can learn about membership categories, dues structure, and benefits at housingactionil.org/join-us/become-a-member. The member application process typically includes completing an online form, submitting organizational information, paying annual dues (invoiced upon approval), and agreeing to Housing Action Illinois’ membership principles affirming commitment to affordable housing, ending homelessness, and expanding homeownership opportunities for all Illinois residents regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, income, or other characteristics. Current members are listed in the online member directory at housingactionil.org/who-we-are/members.

🎯 Housing Matters Conference: Key Details

• 2025 Conference: October 17–18, 2025 in Bloomington, IL | 300+ participants welcomed
• 2026 Conference: September 29–30, 2026 in Champaign, IL (mark your calendar!)
• Conference Format: Two-day event featuring keynote addresses, breakout workshop tracks, networking receptions, exhibitor hall, annual membership meeting, special recognition awards
• Workshop Topics: Public policy advocacy; ending homelessness & Housing First models; housing counseling best practices; affordable housing development & financing; fair housing compliance & enforcement; tenant organizing & rights; racial equity in housing; supportive services integration; funding & grant writing; data & outcomes measurement
• Target Audience: Executive directors, program managers, housing counselors, case managers, policy advocates, board members, government officials, funders, researchers, AmeriCorps members, students, and anyone passionate about affordable housing and homelessness solutions
• Continuing Education: Conference sessions often qualify for continuing education credits (CEUs) for housing counselors, social workers, and other certified professionals
• Registration: Early bird registration discounts typically available; additional discounts for Housing Action Illinois members; scholarship support available for small organizations and individuals experiencing financial barriers

🎉 Additional Annual Events

Annual Benefit Gala: Housing Action Illinois hosts an annual fundraising benefit bringing together housing leaders, corporate sponsors, elected officials, and individual supporters to celebrate the coalition’s work and raise critical unrestricted funds to support policy advocacy, training programs, and AmeriCorps operations. The benefit typically features a keynote speaker, awards honoring housing champions, live and silent auctions, and opportunities for networking with Illinois’ housing leadership.

Housing Action Corps In-Service Trainings (IST): Mid-year professional development workshops for AmeriCorps VISTA members, typically held in Chicago (October 14-15 in recent years). IST sessions build members’ communications skills, conflict resolution capacities, and networking relationships through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and structured peer learning. After the half-day IST workshop, members often attend the Housing Matters Conference to deepen their understanding of housing issues and connect with the broader Illinois housing sector.

Member Events & Webinars: Throughout the year, Housing Action Illinois hosts member-exclusive events including policy briefings with legislators, funder forums connecting housing nonprofits with foundations and corporate supporters, regional member gatherings in different parts of Illinois, and monthly webinars on timely topics such as new funding opportunities, legislative updates, program innovations, and sector trends.

👥 Executive Leadership

Sharon K. Legenza – Executive Director
Email: sharon@housingactionil.org | Direct: (312) 939-6821
Sharon K. Legenza has led Housing Action Illinois for 15+ years as Executive Director, spearheading strategy development, implementing policy advocacy initiatives, leading public education campaigns, directing capacity building programs, and building the coalition’s relationships with members, funders, policymakers, and national partners. Under Sharon’s leadership, Housing Action Illinois has tripled its member base, expanded AmeriCorps programming from local to nationwide, secured tens of millions of dollars in increased state homelessness funding, and positioned the coalition as Illinois’ preeminent housing advocacy voice.

Sharon earned national recognition in October 2023 when she received the National Community Development Award from the National Community Development Association, honoring her transformative leadership in affordable housing advocacy. In July 2024, Governor J.B. Pritzker appointed Sharon to serve on Illinois state boards and commissions, recognizing her expertise and trusted counsel on housing policy. Sharon holds a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and brings deep expertise in nonprofit management, coalition building, legislative advocacy, and housing policy. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-legenza

Bob Palmer – Policy Director
Email: bob@housingactionil.org | Direct: (312) 939-6075 or (312) 282-3959 (media contact)
Bob Palmer directs Housing Action Illinois’ policy advocacy work, including developing annual policy agendas, drafting legislation, coordinating coalition campaigns, testifying at legislative hearings, conducting policy research, producing fact sheets and briefs, managing relationships with legislators and government agencies, and serving as primary media spokesperson on housing policy issues. Bob’s policy leadership has resulted in landmark Illinois housing legislation including tenant protections, homelessness funding increases, fair housing reforms, and housing counseling expansions. Bob is frequently quoted in major Illinois media outlets and serves as expert resource for journalists covering housing issues.

📋 Key Staff Contacts by Program Area

Policy & Advocacy Team:

• Foluke Akanni, Housing Policy Organizer – foluke@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3817 (homelessness policy, state budget advocacy)
• Megan Yerger, Housing Policy Organizer – megan@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3368 (tenant protections, rental housing policy)

Capacity Building & Training Team:

• David Young, Director of Capacity Building – david@housingactionil.org | (312) 939-6914
• Bibian Cristino, Senior Capacity Building Specialist – bibian@housingactionil.org | (312) 939-7678
• Wanda Collins, Senior Capacity Building Specialist – wanda@housingactionil.org | (312) 939-7679
• Jennifer Pallas, Senior Capacity Building Specialist – jennifer@housingactionil.org | (312) 939-7680
• James Miller, Capacity Building Associate – james@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3818

AmeriCorps / Housing Action Corps Team:

• Willie Heineke, National Service Director – willie@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3324
• Marissa Diekhoff, National Service Program Associate – marissa@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3334
• Petra D. Rodriguez Everson, National Service Program Associate – petra@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3370
• Marshall Goldsmith, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader – marshall@housingactionil.org | (312) 939-6074
• Mikayla Miller, Performance & Compliance Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA – mikayla@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3369
• Phuc Huynh, Training Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA – phuc@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3365
• Natalie Floreancig, Development & Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA – natalie@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3332

Communications, Development & Operations:

• Kristin Ginger, Director of Communications & Development – kristin@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3333
• Maria Flores, Development Coordinator – maria@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3337

📞 Main Contact Information

• Mailing Address: Housing Action Illinois, 67 E. Madison Street, Suite 1603, Chicago, IL 60603
• Main Phone: (312) 939-6074
• General Email: info@housingactionil.org
• Website: housingactionil.org
• Conference Registration/Info: Contact Nicole Christison at (312) 939-6074 ext. 111 or nicole@housingactionil.org
• AmeriCorps General Inquiries: AmeriCorps@housingactionil.org | (312) 854-3372 | 2121 Dewey Ave, Evanston, IL 60201 (outreach office)
• Facebook: facebook.com/housingactionil
• LinkedIn: Housing Action Illinois
• Instagram: @housingactionil

🏛️ National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) – State Partner

Housing Action Illinois serves as Illinois’ official state partner of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to achieving racially and socially equitable public policy that ensures people with the lowest incomes have quality homes that are accessible and affordable. As NLIHC’s Illinois partner, Housing Action Illinois:

• Participates in NLIHC’s State Partner Network of 40+ state coalitions coordinating federal advocacy campaigns
• Receives federal policy updates, legislative tracking, and advocacy toolkits on HUD appropriations, fair housing enforcement, Housing Choice Vouchers, homeless assistance programs, and housing finance
• Accesses NLIHC research including annual “Out of Reach” rental affordability reports, “The Gap” analysis of affordable housing shortfalls, and state-specific housing needs data
• Attends NLIHC’s annual Lobby Day and Housing Policy Forum, bringing Illinois member organizations to Washington DC for congressional meetings and national training
• Amplifies Illinois housing stories and policy victories through NLIHC’s national communications platforms reaching 100,000+ subscribers
• Collaborates with NLIHC on Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition, federal rulemaking comments, and emergency response advocacy

Website: nlihc.org | State Partners: nlihc.org/state-partners

🏠 Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign

Housing Action Illinois participates in Opportunity Starts at Home, a national campaign connecting housing stability to improved outcomes in health, education, economic mobility, and community safety. The campaign brings together 30+ national partner organizations from diverse sectors (health care, education, veterans, disabilities, civil rights, domestic violence, early childhood) to demonstrate that housing is infrastructure for opportunity. Housing Action Illinois uses Opportunity Starts at Home messaging, research, and advocacy tools to build multi-sector coalitions in Illinois and demonstrate housing’s connections to issues beyond traditional housing policy. Website: opportunityhome.org

💰 Illinois Community Reinvestment Act (IL CRA) Coalition – Co-Lead

Housing Action Illinois co-leads the Illinois CRA Coalition, a group of organizations dedicated to protecting and strengthening both the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act as tools for building more equitable communities and addressing the racial wealth gap. The CRA requires banks to meet the credit needs of low- and moderate-income communities where they operate, incentivizing community development lending, affordable housing financing, and investment in underserved neighborhoods.

The Illinois CRA Coalition conducts outreach and education for community-based organizations about how to leverage CRA requirements, monitors state CRA exam processes as Illinois implements its state-level law (among the first states to do so), and prepares to comment on any proposed federal CRA rule changes. In 2026, the coalition continues expanding stakeholder engagement, educating community organizations about CRA advocacy opportunities, and building relationships with financial institutions committed to equitable community investment. Website: ilcracoalition.org

📊 Additional Coalition Memberships

• Illinois Revenue Alliance: Coalition advocating for progressive and equitable revenue streams for Illinois to better fund programs essential to basic human needs. Housing Action Illinois supports progressive revenue bills including Worldwide Combined Reporting (corporate tax fairness), Billionaire Tax, Digital Advertising Tax, and decoupling from federal tax giveaways to corporations.
• Responsible Budget Coalition: Alliance of Illinois advocacy organizations coordinating state budget priorities and revenue advocacy to fund health care, education, human services, housing, and other essential programs.
• Fix Our Homes Illinois: Broad-based coalition dedicated to ensuring Illinois provides low-income older homeowners resources for safe aging in place through the Senior Home Preservation Program ($22M appropriation request).
• Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness: Regional coalition coordinating Chicago-area homeless service providers and advocates on policy, funding, and systems change.
• Illinois Shelter Alliance: Statewide association of emergency shelter providers.
• Supportive Housing Providers Association: Network of permanent supportive housing operators and service providers.
• Joining Forces for Affordable Housing: National effort connecting housing authorities and community-based organizations to expand Housing Choice Voucher utilization. Housing Action Illinois serves as long-time partner and advisor. Website: joiningforces.connect2home.org

❓ Does Housing Action Illinois provide direct housing assistance, emergency shelter, or rental assistance payments to individuals?

No. Housing Action Illinois is a policy advocacy, coalition coordination, and capacity-building organization. We do NOT provide direct housing assistance, emergency shelter placements, rental assistance payments, housing vouchers, or individual case management services. For immediate housing help in Illinois, call Illinois Housing Help at (866) IL-HELP1 (866-454-3571) or visit illinoishousinghelp.org. For Chicago-area homelessness resources, call the Shelter Placement and Resource Center (SPARC) at (312) 971-4178. For HUD-approved housing counseling, call (800) 569-4287 or visit hud.gov/states/illinois.

❓ How can my organization become a member of Housing Action Illinois?

Organizations working on affordable housing, homelessness, housing counseling, community development, or related issues in Illinois are welcome to join Housing Action Illinois. Visit housingactionil.org/join-us/become-a-member to review membership benefits, dues structure (scaled by organizational budget), and application process. Membership provides access to policy advocacy campaigns, training programs, AmeriCorps VISTA hosting opportunities, networking events, member directory listing, and collective power to influence Illinois housing policy. Questions about membership can be directed to info@housingactionil.org or (312) 939-6074.

❓ Can individuals (not representing an organization) get involved with Housing Action Illinois?

Yes! Individual advocates, housing professionals, students, and concerned residents can get involved by: (1) Visiting the Action Center at housingactionil.org/action-center to join campaigns, contact legislators, and endorse bills; (2) Subscribing to Housing Action Illinois email updates and following social media (facebook.com/housingactionil); (3) Attending public events such as the Housing Matters Conference, webinars, and policy briefings; (4) Applying to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA member through Housing Action Corps; (5) Making a tax-deductible donation at housingactionil.org/donations; (6) Considering individual membership (available for housing professionals not affiliated with member organizations).

❓ What is the difference between Housing Action Illinois and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)?

Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is the state government agency responsible for financing the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. IHDA administers federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), HOME funds, housing bond programs, rental assistance programs, and other housing finance tools. IHDA is NOT an advocacy organization. Housing Action Illinois is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) advocacy coalition that works to influence state and federal housing policy, advocate for increased IHDA funding and improved program policies, train housing nonprofits, and deploy AmeriCorps members to build organizational capacity. Housing Action Illinois frequently advocates FOR increased IHDA appropriations, stronger IHDA program policies, and expanded IHDA authority—the two organizations collaborate while serving distinct roles (government finance agency vs. independent advocacy coalition).

❓ How can my organization host a Housing Action Corps AmeriCorps VISTA member?

Organizations working on affordable housing, homelessness, housing counseling, or community development can apply to host a Housing Action Corps VISTA member. Visit housingactionil.org/americorps/host to learn about host organization requirements, application process, and benefits. Housing Action Illinois manages all AmeriCorps program administration, recruitment, training, and compliance while host organizations provide supervision, workspace, and a capacity-building project plan (no direct service delivery). Host organizations benefit from a full-time capacity-building staff member for 12 months at minimal cost. Application cycles typically open in late winter/spring for service years beginning in summer/fall. Questions can be directed to National Service Director Willie Heineke at willie@housingactionil.org or (312) 854-3324.

❓ Where can I find Housing Action Illinois’ 2026 Policy Agenda and track priority bills?

The full 2026 Policy Agenda is available at housingactionil.org/2026-policy-agenda, with a one-page summary PDF at housingactionil.org/downloads/Policy/2026PolicyAgendaOnePager.pdf. Legislative tracking, bill endorsement opportunities, and action alerts are available through the Action Center at housingactionil.org/action-center. Housing Action Illinois also publishes regular advocacy updates throughout the legislative session (January–May) via email newsletters, blog posts, and social media. Subscribe to updates or contact Policy Director Bob Palmer (bob@housingactionil.org) for legislative briefings.

❓ When and where is the next Housing Matters Conference?

The 2026 Housing Matters Conference is scheduled for September 29–30, 2026 in Champaign, Illinois. Registration details, hotel information, conference schedule, and sponsorship/exhibitor opportunities will be posted at housingactionil.org/annual-conference as they become available (typically summer 2026). Early bird registration discounts are typically offered, with additional discounts for Housing Action Illinois members. Continuing education credits (CEUs) often available for housing counselors and social workers. Questions about the conference can be directed to Nicole Christison at nicole@housingactionil.org or (312) 939-6074 ext. 111.

❓ Does Housing Action Illinois work on issues outside of Chicago/Cook County?

Yes! Housing Action Illinois is a statewide coalition serving all 102 Illinois counties. While the coalition’s headquarters is in Chicago, Housing Action Illinois’ 200+ member organizations span urban, suburban, and rural communities across Illinois including downstate cities (Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign, Peoria, Rockford, etc.) and rural regions. Housing Action Illinois’ policy advocacy addresses statewide issues, AmeriCorps VISTA placements serve organizations across Illinois, training programs are accessible statewide (virtual webinars + in-person workshops in different regions), and the annual Housing Matters Conference rotates locations throughout Illinois (2025: Bloomington; 2026: Champaign). Housing Action Illinois intentionally ensures that downstate and rural housing needs are represented in policy advocacy and that resources reach beyond Chicago.

❓ How is Housing Action Illinois funded?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Housing Action Illinois is funded through a diversified revenue model including: (1) Member dues (scaled by organizational budget); (2) Foundation grants from local and national philanthropic foundations supporting housing advocacy, capacity building, and AmeriCorps programs; (3) Corporate sponsorships from banks, financial institutions, housing developers, and other businesses committed to affordable housing; (4) Federal AmeriCorps grants supporting Housing Action Corps VISTA program operations; (5) Individual donations from housing professionals, board members, and concerned residents; (6) Event revenue from conference registration, annual benefit gala, and fee-for-service training programs. Housing Action Illinois files annual IRS Form 990 (publicly available on GuideStar and other nonprofit databases) providing detailed financial information. Donations to Housing Action Illinois are tax-deductible: housingactionil.org/donations.

❓ Can Housing Action Illinois help me find affordable housing or connect me with a housing program?

Housing Action Illinois does not provide direct housing search assistance or maintain a database of available affordable housing units. However, we can connect you to resources: (1) For affordable housing searches, contact your local public housing authority (find yours at hud.gov/states/illinois/renting/hawebsites) to apply for Housing Choice Vouchers or public housing, or search affordable housing listings at affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Illinois; (2) For rental assistance, call Illinois Housing Help at (866) 454-3571 or visit illinoishousinghelp.org; (3) For housing counseling (homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, financial coaching), call HUD’s housing counseling line at (800) 569-4287 or search consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor; (4) For homelessness resources, call SPARC Chicago at (312) 971-4178 or dial 2-1-1 anywhere in Illinois.

❓ I’m a student interested in affordable housing careers. How can Housing Action Illinois help?

Housing Action Illinois supports students and emerging housing professionals through: (1) AmeriCorps VISTA service opportunities—Housing Action Corps is an excellent entry point into the housing sector, providing hands-on experience, professional development, education award for student loans, and connections to housing employers (apply at my.americorps.gov and search “Housing Action Corps”); (2) Conference student rates—reduced registration for Housing Matters Conference to network with housing professionals and learn about career paths; (3) Job board—Housing Action Illinois posts housing sector job opportunities from member organizations; (4) Webinars and workshops—free or low-cost educational events open to students; (5) Internship opportunities—occasionally available at Housing Action Illinois or member organizations. Contact info@housingactionil.org to inquire about student engagement opportunities.