SERVICE RESOURCES DIRECTORY

The IHDA is a state agency that connects Illinois residents with certified lenders through their 1stHomeIllinois, Access Forgivable, Access Deferred, and Access Repayable loan programs. The IHDA also provides programs that offer down payment assistance for qualifying households as well as financial literacy classes and pre-purchase counseling for homebuyers. These counseling sessions are free of charge and focus on first-time homebuyers. 

UIC John Marshall’s Fair Housing Legal Support Center & Clinic provides legal assistance to private or public organizations that seek to eliminate discriminatory housing practices. The clinic also represents clients in the Chicago metropolitan area who have been denied housing, because of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, age, source of income, sexual orientation, and other protected classes.

La Casa Norte serves youth and families confronting homelessness. Their programs include permanent, transitional, and emergency housing options, as well as technology training, education support, employment-readiness, case management, therapy, food, clothing, and transportation assistance.

LUCHA is a community housing development organization and HUD-approved housing counseling agency. In addition to their affordable rental properties, LUCHA's services include individual counseling as well as free public workshops and education courses in first-time homeownership, foreclosure prevention, and financial empowerment. These workshops and courses focus on financial decision making, financial stability, and innovative approaches to debt payment and savings.

The Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing (LCBH) is a non-profit law firm in Chicago that provides free legal and supportive services for low and moderate income renters in the private housing market.

Offers free legal services in non-criminal matters to residents of metropolitan Chicago.

Offers legal services as part of the University of Chicago's law school.

Marquette Bank offers free public seminars on financial education that address personal finance, homebuyer education, retirement planning, identity theft, estate planning, and college saving plans. Marquette Bank also offers its Affordable Housing Foundation Grant for first-time homebuyers to assist with down payments and closing costs. The 1st Home Illinois Program and Downpayment Plus Program are offered through Marquette Bank and provide financial assistance for down payments and closing costs. 

Mercy Housing is an affordable housing non-profit that participates in the development, preservation, management, and/or financing of affordable housing across the country. Housing services are available for families, seniors, and people with special needs. Each Mercy Housing property has its own qualification criteria as well as its own leasing office and application process.

Throughout their eight community centers, Metropolitan Family Services offers free in-person debt and financial counseling as well as job training and placement services. Their Legal Aid Society provides free and low-cost legal representation and assistance to income-qualifying residents.