Do you need affordable housing?
We’re Here to Help!
Northern Illinois Regional Affordable Community Housing (NI ReACH), believes that having a safe, stable home is something everyone deserves. We work with local, state, and federal organizations to provide homes and supportive services to the families and communities we serve.
NI ReACH administers programs for both Winnebago County Housing Authority and Boone County Housing Authority.
Boone County Section 8 online lottery Waitlist is now open!
The waitlist application window for Boone County Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) online lottery will be open from 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, May 12 – 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 15. Applications will only be accepted during this window, and 750 applicants will be randomly selected from all who apply. There is no fee to apply.
If you need to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or special need, please call 815-963-2133.
Step 1
Review Housing Options
NI ReACH (Northern Illinois Regional Affordable Community Housing) has several housing options available, so finding one that fits your family’s needs is step one. Learn about each of our programs and their basic eligibility requirements.
Step 2
Apply for Housing
We know that applying for housing can be stressful, but we are here to help. To start the process, complete our pre-application. After 10 business days, you’ll be assigned a wait list number to track your application.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers of all members of your household
- Income information
Step 3
Check Your Status
Your number on the wait list is affected by your needs, the needs of others in the community, and the availability of housing. Once your application is processed, you’ll be able to log in to track your status on the wait list.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Last Name
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
Why is Affordable Housing Important?
A safe, stable home in a supportive community offers more than a place to live – it inspires hope and achievement. With affordable housing, families can thrive and focus on their futures. It reduces unimaginable stress, which improves physical and mental health. Through our housing and other support programs, residents achieve more in school and jobs, develop a sense of pride, and find a sense of belonging and community.
Safety
Stability
Supportive
Hopeful
Thriving
Pride
Featured Communities
We maintain extremely high standards for our communities with the goal of redefining perceptions about affordable housing. Here are just a few!

D’Agnolo Garden Apartments in Rockton, IL features lovely 1-bedroom unites on acres of park within a couple miles of banks, stores, restaurants and pharmacies.

Located at 1050 West Galena Avenue in Freeport, the Brewster Apartments have 64 1-bedroom apartments.

The Champion Park Homes are located within the Washington Park Neighborhood just five blocks from the NI ReACH Central office and a couple of miles off Bypass 20 for fast transportation throughout the community.
About NIReACH
At Northern Illinois ReACH, we create vibrant neighborhoods, fight blight in our communities, and address the negative impacts of poverty. While we are known for our housing programs, we actively develop and participate in initiatives to support growth and learning toward self-sufficiency for our residents and others. We’ve earned a reputation for innovation and are often looked to as leaders in affordable housing.
News and Events
NiReach, formerly known as Winnebago County Housing Authority, is proud to announce it has received a $14,482.00 grant for the Wellness and Telehealth Center for Collier Garden Apartments. The grant was awarded by the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program. The purpose of the Wellness […]
The Draft 2022 Agency Plan is presented for public review. Comments must be received in writing at the Winnebago County Housing Authority, 3617 Delaware Street, Rockford, Illinois, 61102. A Public Hearing to review and receive comments will be held at 5:30 pm on January 20, 2022 at the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners […]
April 13, 2021 NI ReACH will be holding a Public Hearing at 10:00 am on May 19th, 2021 on Zoom to discuss our proposed Moving to Work Plan, which will be transmitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in June 2021. The proposed MTW plan focuses on incentivizing landlords to participate in […]
In June, 2021, NI ReACH will apply for Moving to Work (MTW) designation from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). MTW designation permits the organization to test innovative solutions for improving housing programs and services. NI ReACH has put together a plan which describes our proposal to participate in MTW Cohort #4, which […]