HOUSING PROGRAMS

Homestead Apartments Supportive Housing

In the early 90's the cities of Champaign and Urbana were in desperate need of single room housing. They turned to the Homestead Corporation, and we provided them with a plan that has worked wonders. We relocated, converted, and rehabbed a barracks housing unit from Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, and 25 people who were previously homeless now have a pleasant and secure place to call home. This project has won recognition from the Statewide Housing Action Coalition (SHAC) for its innovative use of surplus housing.

At Homestead Apartments, help is available for those who need it. Some of our residents have issues that make independent living more challenging, so we provide them with an on-site office manager, social worker, and 24 hour building supervision. Others live completely independently. Whatever the needs of our residents, Homestead is there to meet them.

Affordable Homeownership Program

For low-income families who are ready for a place to call their own but have difficulty entering the traditional housing market, Homestead Corporation markets, sells, and builds new single-family homes. The program provides subsidies to the homebuyer, reducing the purchase price and making the dream of homeownership accessible to many families who would otherwise not be able to purchase their own new home.

To qualify for the program families must be below 80 percent of the median family income level (adjusted for family size) for Champaign County, and they must be first-time homebuyers (your first house or no house for the last three years). To see if you qualify for the program and to receive an application packet call Aaron at (217) 328-9373 or e-mail to homesteadcorp@gmail.com. Some funds are also available to provide downpayment and closing cost assistance if you are income eligible.

The following programs have also provided our homebuyers with downpayment and closing cost assistance in the past:

PAID (Partnership Accounts for Individual Development)

PACE Homebuyer Assistance Program

Crystal View Townhomes Mixed-Income Rentals

Homestead Corporation is working on developing a new 70-unit mixed-income rental development in Urbana on the site of the former Lakeside Terrace public housing complex. The new development will feature 2-,3- and 4-bedroom units for low-income families with a range of incomes from very low-(30% and 50% AMI), low-(60% AMI) and up to moderate-(80% AMI). Many units will be set-aside for Section 8 program beneficiaries, clients in need of supportive housing and households requiring accessibility features.

These new units will be energy-efficient, highly insulated and feature green technologies like geothermal heating and cooling and solar panels, reducing utility costs. The new development will be an attractive addition to the Crystal Park neighborhood providing much needed affordable rental housing to families in Champaign-Urbana. Construction began in April 2009 and over 40 units are ready for occupancy right now! Call (217) 328-0132 for more details.

Check out our Future Developments page for more information.