Housing Authority of Champaign County

THE HOUSING HUB

Monthly Newsletter

Housing Authority of Champaign County Receives Approval for 2025 MTW Plan

2025 Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan

The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) is committed to providing affordable housing solutions and fostering self-sufficiency for low-income residents. Our 2025 Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan outlines key strategies and initiatives designed to achieve these goals.

Key focus areas of the HACC 2025 MTW Plan include expanding affordable housing options through the utilization of an Affordable Housing Acquisition and Development Fund to increase the supply of affordable rental units in Champaign County, and by assisting eligible Housing Choice Voucher participants in transitioning to homeownership via the Home is Possible Homeownership Program.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved funding to support our continued efforts in providing safe, stable, and affordable housing for our community. The allocated funds will be invested as follows:

Affordable Housing Development Fund – $3,393,906

Homeless Initiatives – $1,000,000

Expansion of Sponsor-Based Voucher Programs (including vouchers for rehabilitation and recovery programs) – $39,330

Homeownership Vouchers – $75,000

This funding will allow us to strengthen housing opportunities, expand critical support programs, and enhance pathways to stability for individuals and families in need.

Strengthening support systems is also a priority, with partnerships formed with local homeless services agencies to provide Emergency Housing Support Services, and the implementation of the Mandatory LSS Program to empower residents with tools and resources for self-sufficiency.

Additionally, the plan aims to enhance program efficiency by streamlining administrative processes, leveraging technology, and implementing a Community Choice Initiative to promote access to housing opportunities in high-opportunity areas. The guiding principles of the plan are to promote self-sufficiency, recognizing that stable housing is foundational for individual success, to ensure accessibility by eliminating barriers to affordable housing, particularly for vulnerable populations and in underserved rural communities, and to maintain financial viability through responsible stewardship of resources and seeking diverse funding streams to ensure long-term sustainability.

For More Information:

The complete 2025 MTW Annual Plan is available on the HACC website.

Happy Black History Month! Let's honor the countless contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history.

"History has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own." - Michelle Obama

Community Outreach

Prom & Formal Dress Donations

As Prom season approaches, we want to do something extra special for the young women and individuals in our communities. This year, we’re hosting a Prom Dress Shop (Date TBA)—a completely free event where young ladies in need can find everything, they need to feel beautiful and confident for their big night.

To make this event a success, we need your help! We are seeking donations of:

New or gently used formal gowns
Shoes
Accessories (jewelry, clutches, shawls, etc.)
Other prom-related items

This effort is about more than just dresses—it’s about creating unforgettable memories for these deserving young women.

If you have any items to donate or know someone who does, please help us spread the word! Every contribution makes a difference.

National Farmworker Job Program

Senior Resident Nutrition Class

The Housing Authority of Champaign County and the University of Illinois Extension are partnering to offer weekly nutrition classes for senior residents, now through mid-March.

Douglas Square Meet & Greet

The Housing Authority of Champaign County welcomed residents of newly acquired Douglas Square with a meet-and-greet. A light dinner provided the perfect setting for conversation and the opportunity to ask the property managers any questions they had.

Housing Authority of Champaign County's Bingo Night!

Housing Service's Coordinator Latricia Johnson held a themed Bingo 'Is it Cold out? Yup, it is!' at Haven Place Apartments. Thanks to a wonderful donation of hand-made knitted hats we were able to create a cozy winners basket for those who won bingo!

Homeownership Seminar

The Housing Authority of Champaign County partnered with experts Carter Salvani of Keller Williams Realty and Mitch Wilson of Hickory Point Bank to share valuable knowledge and experience about the homebuying process.

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

2025 Champaign Public Library Community Job and Resource Fair

On February 18th, 2025, twenty-eight employers and community organizations participated, with 257 attendees exploring local employment and community resources.

February Supportive Services

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 [...]