News Updates

Housing rehabilitation in the region toolkit to help improve existing homes

Housing rehabilitation is the process of repairing, improving, or modernizing existing homes to ensure they are safe, habitable, and resilient. It’s essential in addressing critical issues such as safety hazards, structural deterioration, and affordability challenges.

Municipalities across northeastern Illinois have identified a key need for housing support and resources. Through the Housing Rehabilitation in the Region project, CMAP provides both data and tools to help communities address these needs and a variety of goals, such as:

• Encouraging stable and thriving neighborhoods 
• Promoting safe and resilient homes 
• Creating accessible homes and opportunities to age in place

The goal of housing rehabilitation is not only to preserve existing homes but also to make essential home improvements accessible, particularly for low- to moderate-income households. Many communities offer assistance programs to help make essential repairs, improve energy use, and ensure accessibility for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

The role of housing rehabilitation StoryMap describes the state of existing housing types, regional demographics, and trends like tenure, affordability, and values. By understanding these challenges and opportunities for housing rehabilitation programs, communities can work toward ensuring that all residents have access to safe and sustainable housing. 

To help stakeholders understand the resources at their disposal, CMAP compiled a list of available housing programs, funding sources, and regional partners. The spreadsheet provides both regionwide and county-specific resources, with details on eligibility requirements and contact information.