Local Information for Illinois

The state of Illinois, often called the Land of Lincoln, is also known by its nickname the Prairie State. This nickname was given in relation to the Illinois Prairie Week, which the state celebrates every year in September.

Illinois plays an important role in the history of American presidents. Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and President Barack Obama were all elected into position while they were Illinois residents. The late former President Ronald Reagan is considered a pure Illinoisan even if the majority of his time as a politician was spent in California. He was born and raised in the Prairie State.

One of the historical attractions of Illinois is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It is where documents of Lincoln’s life as a US President and the American Civil War are kept. The museum is located in Springfield, Illinois’ state capital. Springfield faithfully adheres to the motto “Home of President Abraham Lincoln”.

Chicago, the state’s most populous city, is home to the world’s second busiest airport (as of 2012), the O’Hare International Airport. It attracts millions of tourists every year. Chicago was chosen by Conde Nast Traveller readers as one of 2013’s Top Ten Cities in the United States to visit for restaurants, museums, skyscrapers, and waterfront.

Illinois Housing Authority

The Illinois Housing Development Authority or IHDA was created in 1967. This self-supporting Illinois housing authority works like a bank that serves the general public. The IHDA helps qualified residents and communities find resources for affordable housing. The group works with lenders, local government, developers, community groups, non-profits, and other groups or agencies that can help them deliver affordable housing options for low income Illinois residents.

In the capital city, the Springfield Housing Authority is tasked with the responsibility of finding and providing decent, safe, and affordable housing to the individuals and families with low incomes. The Chicago Housing Authority or CHA, on the other hand, provides homes for individuals and families who are in need. It also administers Housing Choice Vouchers so low income families can find good rental homes in the private market.

Rental Assistance Illinois

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as the Section 8 Voucher, receives funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (or HUD). Funding is given to public housing agencies (PHA), which administers the program and helps residents find options for a decent, safe, and affordable rental home in the private market. The counties of Illinois administer the Section 8 Vouchers through their PHAs. These PHAs normally have long waiting lists, so applicants to the program are often advised to apply at other PHAS.

Once a resident is found eligible for a Section 8 Voucher, he is given the freedom to choose any housing unit that meets the program’s requirements. He can choose a home for rent in the private rental community and he can go for a townhouse, an apartment, or a single family home; whichever he prefers. The rent is then divided between the resident and the program.

Illinois also offers the RHS or Rental Housing Support program through the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The RHS is a state funded rental assistance program offering subsidies to individuals or families residing in the state’s different RHS developments.

You can also search for rental assistance online if you want more options in finding your ideal Illinois home.