Housing Authority of Champaign County

THE HOUSING HUB

Monthly Newsletter

HACC at the Moving to Work Conference in Washington, DC

HACC attended the MTW Conference in Washington, D.C., where we had the opportunity to share the innovative work being done within our agency. Executive Director Lily Walton participated in a panel discussing HACC’s youth enrichment initiatives, highlighting the impact of our YouthBuild program, Brighter Future program, and student housing efforts.

Deputy Director Jennifer Clemons-Ferguson also served on two panels, where she shared insights on how HACC successfully utilizes work requirements and discussed strategies that other public housing agencies can implement to strengthen and improve their own programs. Their participation showcased HACC’s leadership and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and impactful programs for the communities we serve.

HACC'S 2ND ANNUAL PROM POP UP SHOP

Because of the incredible generosity of the Champaign County community and dedicated community partners, countless students were able to find the perfect look for a memorable prom night at the 2nd Annual Prom Pop Up Shop hosted by Housing Authority of Champaign County.

This year’s event expanded to include men’s formal wear, helping fill an important need identified after last year’s shop. From dresses and suits to accessories and styling support, every donation and act of kindness helped make a student’s special prom moment possible.

A heartfelt thank you to community members who donated formal wear and supported this event, along with special appreciation to STARCREST Cleaners for dry cleaning support, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture for beauty services, and Tammy Wittle for continued partnership and support.

Employee Spotlight!

Please join me in congratulating Stewart Walker, our April Champion of the Month!

Stewart is an outstanding teacher who is deeply committed to providing our YouthBuild students with the best education possible. He genuinely cares about each student’s success and consistently encourages them to reach their fullest potential. His innovative teaching style makes learning engaging, approachable, and easy for students to understand. Stewart’s dedication, passion, and ability to connect with students have made a tremendous impact on our program. We couldn’t be happier to have Stewart as part of our HACC YouthBuild team!

Congratulations again, Stewart!

Houston Nan McKay Training

This April, HACC's Family Self-Sufficiency Supervisor and Housing Service Coordinator from Housing Authority of Champaign County traveled to Houston to attend the Nan McKay Self-Sufficiency Service Coordination Training. By participating in this This professional development training, staff gained valuable tools and updated knowledge to better assist individuals and families in reaching their personal and financial goals. Continued education and training opportunities like this help ensure participants receive high-quality support, guidance, and access to services designed to promote stability, growth, and self-sufficiency.

SHIFT Participant Shout Out

SHIFT participant Naima Johnson, M.A., DT., stepped into a leadership role to facilitate the final Mental Wellness workshop. Her session highlighted the power of participant-led spaces and the importance of peer-driven support within the community.

Participants shared that the workshop offered a refreshing change of pace and created an encouraging environment for open connection and growth.

We are so proud to highlight Niama Johnson!

Digital Navigators Graduation

This month we celebrated several of our SHIFT participants graduating from the UIUC Digital Navigators Program. The Digital Navigators Program is designed to support communities through broadband equity and civic empowerment by helping participants better understand internet accessibility, identify connectivity needs for personal and professional use, and connect with valuable local resources. These resources include education development, tax preparation and personal finance support, mental health resources, and many other community services.

Don't Miss Your Chance to Earn $34,000

Families at HACC's SHIFT Program have an opportunity to earn up to $34,000!

The HUD FSS Program empowers families to achieve financial independence. By offering financial incentives, case management, and supportive services, it helps participants increase their income, save for future goals, and break out of the cycle of poverty. Through this program, families can gain the tools and resources needed to build a brighter future for themselves.

For questions, please email [KatieD@HACC.net]

HACC YouthBuild Cohort 14

HACC is always Growing Together, but this time literally!

YouthBuild students, alongside Mr. Rob and Mr. Stewart, have dedicated countless hours of hard work and effort into building our HACC Community Garden. This week, HACC staff officially began our first round of planting, marking an exciting milestone for the project. We are incredibly proud of the teamwork and commitment that went into creating this space, and we can’t wait to watch the garden grow and flourish with the support of our HACC team!

HACC Housing Updates

Steer Place Apartments update:

Senior residences for individuals 55+ are now pulling from the waitlist. Letters will be sent to those currently on the waitlist with important next steps and details.

This is a great opportunity for eligible seniors seeking comfortable and affordable housing.

For questions, please contact Kelly Novak at KellyN@HACC.net

Oakwood Trace Townhomes waitlist update:

Project Based Vouchers are now being pulled from the waitlist. Letters will be sent to individuals currently on the waitlist with next steps and additional information.

This is an exciting opportunity for those seeking affordable housing in the community. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for updates.

For questions, please contact Robyn Dodd at RobynD@HACC.net

HUD UPDATES

HUD Unveils More Than $1.1 Billion Investment for Affordable Housing Initiatives in Tribal Communities

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Native American Programs today announced more than $1.1 billion in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding for eligible American Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) to support affordable housing projects in nearly 600 Tribal communities.

HUD and USDA Announce Major Rescission of Building Code Requirements

HUD and USDA Announce Major Rescission of Building Code RequirementsWASHINGTON, DC - Secretary Scott Turner and Secretary Brooke Rollins today announced the rescission of a costly Biden Administration-era policy which added at least $20,000 to the cost of home construction.

HUD Empowers Real Estate Agents to Better Support American Homebuyers

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to real estate professionals clarifying they are not violating the Fair Housing Act when they share information with prospective homebuyers about neighborhood crime rates and school quality data.

The Next Board Meeting will be held May 28th, 2026.

Upcoming Events

Workforce Development with RPC - 5/6/26
Preparing to Buy a Car with Busey Bank Workshop - 5/7/26
Smart Spending with Heartland Bank - 4/14/26
HACC Landlord Luncheon - 5/13/26
Debt Management with Busey Bank - 5/21/26
End of the School Year Celebration - 6/6/26

For more information visit our Facebook by clicking the icon below

How did you like this email?

Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy