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.
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
Are you interested in a career in construction and the building trades? Check out the program offerings and eligibility requirements here. For more information, contact Awaken Foundation L3C at 815-683-6009 or awakenfoundationl3c.com
NI ReACH offices will be closed today, Thursday, February 16 at noon due to severe weather. The Winnebago County Housing Authority Board meeting scheduled for this evening is also cancelled.
The Boone County Housing Authority (BCHA) is issuing a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) from property owners to receive Project-Based Voucher (PBV) assistance of the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) voucher program utilizing existing housing. The housing must be located within Boone County, Illinois. BCHA’s goals for project basing VASH voucher assistance is to increase […]
The Winnebago Housing Authority (WCHA) (dba NI ReACH) is issuing a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) from experienced rental housing providers to receive Project-Based assistance for rehabilitation and/or new construction. The housing must be located within Winnebago and Stephenson County, Illinois. WCHA’s goals for project basing Housing Choice Voucher assistance are to increase and preserve […]