CHICAGO – While the state continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still struggling to get back on their feet following the immense financial distress it caused.

State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) announced a new assistance program that will provide Illinois homeowners with much-needed housing relief.

“No one should have worry about how they’re going to keep a roof over their head,” Aquino said. “Housing is a basic human right. Just because we are trending toward normalcy, doesn’t mean people aren’t still feeling the pandemic’s affects each day. Families need us now more than ever.”

The Illinois Homeowners Assistance Fund – administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority – will provide homeowners who have fallen behind on their monthly housing payments due to the pandemic up to $30,000.

Homeowners who face mortgage delinquency, default or foreclosure will be able to remain in their homes while regaining financial footing thanks to this assistance. To qualify, a person must have experienced financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, be at least 30 days behind on housing expenses, and have a household income at or below 150% of the area median income.

“We must continue to help and assist families who have already struggled a great deal,” Aquino said. “The last thing they need is the worry of losing their home and displacing their family.”

More information about the program and how to apply can be found at www.illinoishousinghelp.org. Further, renters who continue to struggle to make their monthly payment can find assistance through illinoisrentalassistance.com.

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