Housing Authority of Champaign County

THE HOUSING HUB

Monthly Newsletter

PHADA's 2025 Annual Commissioners Conference

Photographed by Jahlinea C.

The Housing Authority of Champaign County recently went to PHADA 2025 where Deputy Director Jennifer Ferguson and Chief Financial Officer Miguel Manero were awarded for their completion of the PHADA EDP Certification. This valuable training will undoubtedly benefit our organization. We're excited to see the positive impact of their enhanced skills.

This achievement was celebrated at the PHADA 2025 Commissioners Conference, where we were joined by some of our esteemed Board of Commissioners, including Dr. Henry, Reverend Parks, Linda Turnbull, Todd Salen and Francesca Morgan.

Official Press Release Statement

Housing Authority of Champaign County Receives Increase in FSS Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Housing Authority of Champaign County Receives Increase in FSS Funding

Champaign, IL – January 29th, 2025 – The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) today announced a significant increase in funding for its SHIFT Program. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has been renewed and increased from $115,000 to $358,800.

The grant covers the salary, fringe benefits and professional development for our SHIFT Coordinators. To support the program's growth and accommodate the increasing number of participants, the grant was increased, allowing us to hire additional staff.

This substantial increase in funding reflects the growing success of the SHIFT Program, which helps individuals and families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program achieve self-sufficiency.

"The Housing Authority of Champaign County is thrilled to receive the increased funding for the HUD Family Self-Sufficiency Grant. This additional support will allow us to expand our self-sufficiency programs, enabling our team to continue making a meaningful impact by helping families advance toward greater independence and stability."– Housing Authority of Champaign County CEO, Lily Walton

About the SHIFT Program

SHIFT is a goal-based financial incentive program designed to support individuals and families receiving housing assistance. By providing support and motivation, SHIFT aims to enhance economic stability and overall well-being. Participants can potentially earn up to $34,000 by achieving goals in key areas such as employment, education, financial literacy, and personal development.

The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) is a public agency dedicated to providing quality affordable housing and supportive services to low-income residents in Champaign County, Illinois. HACC strives “to create quality living environments as a foundation for individuals to achieve their potential.”

HACC CEO,

Lily Walton

2024 SHIFT Celebration

Photographed by Peyton PJ.

The Housing Authority of Champaign County's SHIFT program held its annual celebration at the iHotel. This event was to recognize the program's accomplishments and successes over the years. HACC connected with past and current members and honored SHIFT program graduates with special recognition.

HACC YouthBuild

YouthBuild photographed by Peyton PJ and Andrew R.

HACC's YouthBuild program continues to thrive, with students excelling in academics, gaining valuable hands-on construction experience, and achieving important certifications. Recent highlights include a visit to the state capitol in Springfield and an educational trip to the planetarium. The program remains active, with students currently constructing a tiny house model and exploring electrical systems. Many are nearing graduation, and their contributions have been invaluable in supporting HACC's Construction and Development department on a new property.

YouthBuild Alumni Event

We were thrilled to reconnect with some of our former YouthBuild students over dinner. It was wonderful catching up and learning about their lives since graduating. We also took the opportunity to connect them with valuable resources.

A special thank you to Dominique White for sharing insights into his businesses and inspiring our students. We're also grateful to Adam Blackman and Gabe from Next Steps/CU Church for introducing their programs. To top it all off, we held a raffle, and Simyra was the lucky winner of an iPad!

YouthBuild staff had the privilege of visiting YouthBuild McLean. It was incredibly inspiring to witness firsthand the impact of their time, dedication, and the growth of their program. From the motivating artwork adorning the building to the unwavering community support for each student, it was truly special. A special thank you to Kersten Wilson for being such an informative and passionate tour guide.

Community Outreach

HACC Turkey Drive Giveaway

Photographed by Peyton PJ.

The Housing Authority of Champaign County hosted a successful Turkey Drive Giveaway in partnership with A+ Service Group, CHM Bible Theatre, and Heart Strong Food Pantry. This collaboration ensured the event's success at both the Champaign and Urbana locations, bringing much-needed support to the community. We had the privilege of giving out 1,200 turkeys! We hope to continue the tradition this year!

SHIFT Program Graduates

Leon ahounnou, Al'Kela Ervin, Crystal Elmore, Tyeashia Carroll, Jemiyah Beard

Photographed by Peyton PJ.

Congratulations to our SHIFT Graduates

We are immensely proud to congratulate our SHIFT graduates! These individuals have demonstrated remarkable resilience and achieved significant milestones on their path to self-sufficiency.

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 Jamesz@hacc.net

Photographed by Peyton PJ, Katie D, and James Z.

HACC Annual Adopt a Family

The MTW and Client Outreach Department successfully hosted the 2024 HACC Adopt a Family Program in December, providing much-needed holiday gifts to children from HACC voucher families. Through the program, 9 families were adopted, bringing joy to a total of 27 children. In addition, the Carle Hospital’s Angel Tree program generously supported an additional 3 families, ensuring that 12 more children received gifts during the holiday season. Combined, these efforts brought smiles to the faces of 39 children, demonstrating the power of community support during the holidays.

Senior Residents Holiday Bingo

Photographed by Peyton PJ.

The holiday spirit was alive and well at Washington Square, Haven Place, and Douglas Square as residents gathered for their beloved Bingo games. The competition was fierce, but the laughter and camaraderie were even fiercer. Lucky winners walked away with festive lifestyle baskets overflowing with everyday essentials and some delightful treats!

HACC IN THE NEWS

Champaign Co. Housing Authority clarifying 'Moving to Work' program after landlords say they've seen influx of rental applications

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) - The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) is clarifying its Moving to Work program after a property management company said they've noticed an increase of people from the Chicagoland area applying to rent homes through a voucher program. Jennifer Ferguson, the Housing Authority's deputy director, said they have not seen an [...]