Housing Authority of Champaign County
THE HOUSING HUB
Monthly Newsletter
| | 10 Year Anniversary of Emergency Shelter for Families (ESF) Celebration! | | |
Community leaders, housing partners, and supporters gathered today to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Emergency Shelter for Families (ESF), a collaborative partnership between United Way of Champaign County, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, and Housing Authority of Champaign County, Illinois.
Since 2016, the shelter has provided 73,693 nights of shelter to 1,039 people, with children accounting for 63% of those served. ESF provides families with a safe place to stay together while connecting them with resources to support long-term housing stability.
The celebration included remarks from ESF partners, a joint Proclamation from the City of Champaign - Municipal Government and City of Urbana, Illinois - City Government, read by Deputy Mayor William Kyles and Alderman Verdell Jones III- Ward 4, and State Representative Brandun Schweizer presented a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Illinois House of Representatives. Attendees had the chance to tour an open shelter unit complete with a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and two spacious bedrooms.
With a decade of meaningful impact, the ESF organizers remain committed to building on its success and offering more ways to replicate and expand this model to help more families.
To read the full press release or learn more please click here!
| | Housing Authority of Champaign County Announces Proposed Dr. Grant G. Henry Village Development in Partnership with the City of Urbana | | |
For Immediate Release
Proposed Affordable Housing Community Would Expand Housing Opportunities and Supportive Services in Urbana
URBANA, IL — The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) is proud to announce plans for the proposed development of Dr. Grant G. Henry Village, a transformative new affordable housing community planned for 1001 S. Lierman Avenue in Urbana.
In February 2026, Mayor DeShawn Williams signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with HACC and Henry Village, LP regarding the potential purchase and redevelopment of the southern parcel of 1001 S. Lierman Avenue. The Letter of Intent builds upon the City’s Intergovernmental Agreement with HACC, originally executed in early 2023, and provides a framework for continued discussions regarding the potential purchase and redevelopment of the southern parcel of 1001 S. Lierman Avenue. The Letter of Intent is non-binding and does not create any obligation to transfer the property or proceed with redevelopment unless and until mutually acceptable terms are finalized through a formal agreement approved by the Urbana City Council.
The proposed development is named in honor of Dr. Grant G. Henry, Chairman of the HACC Board of Commissioners, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to the Housing Authority of Champaign County, and his dedicated service to the Champaign County community serving on the board for 22 years. Through his leadership, Dr. Henry has helped guide HACC's mission of expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents across the county. Naming this development in his honor reflects the lasting impact he has made on both the organization and the community it serves.
“Strong communities are built through partnerships, and the City of Urbana is committed to working with organizations like the Housing Authority of Champaign County to address the need for quality, affordable housing,” said Mayor DeShawn Williams.
If approved, Dr. Grant G. Henry Village would represent a significant investment in the future of affordable housing in Champaign County. The proposed development includes 56 apartment homes consisting of two-, three-, and four-bedroom units designed to provide high-quality, affordable housing for families while supporting long-term community growth. Conceptual plans include approximately 78,000 square feet of residential and community space.
The proposed community will serve households participating in HACC's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, expanding access to quality housing for voucher families. In addition, 19 of the 56 units will be designated as Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units, providing long-term affordable housing through HACC's Project-Based Voucher Program.
Accessibility has been incorporated into the project's design. The entire first floor will be fully accessible, and the property will include an ADA-compliant management office to ensure residents of all abilities can comfortably access housing and services.
Dr. Grant G. Henry Village is envisioned to provide more than housing. Residents will have access to onsite supportive services, including case management, as well as collaborative support from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Additional details regarding these partnerships and services will be announced as the project progresses.
The proposed development would also include dedicated community space, resident amenities, green space, accessible walkways, and onsite parking to support a welcoming and functional neighborhood for residents.
"Dr. Grant G. Henry Village reflects our commitment to creating high-quality affordable housing while connecting residents with the resources they need to succeed," said Lily Walton, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Champaign County. "This development honors Dr. Grant G. Henry's exceptional leadership, his steadfast commitment to HACC, and his dedication to serving the Champaign County community. We are proud to recognize his legacy through a development that will benefit generations of residents."
Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Grant G. Henry shared his appreciation for the many individuals and partners whose dedication helped make the vision for Dr. Grant G. Henry Village a reality. "I am truly humbled, honored, and blown away by this recognition. My heartfelt thanks go to the incredible team whose vision, passion, and unwavering support made Dr. Grant G. Henry Village possible. Affordable housing has always been a vision and a passion of mine, something I've continuously spoken up for and advocated throughout my years of service. This project represents countless hours of hard work, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to serving the people of Champaign County. Seeing this vision come to fruition is nothing short of amazing. I cannot thank the community of Champaign County enough for believing in this mission, supporting this journey, and making this dream a reality."
Subject to required approvals, construction is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2027, with completion anticipated by the end of 2027. As the project moves forward, HACC will share additional updates regarding construction milestones, resident services, and community partnerships.
If you have questions, please contact HACC at concerns@hacc.net or (217) 378-7100. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to support family success and economic independence.
The Housing Authority of Champaign County
Executive Director,
Lily L. Walton
| | In Loving Memory of Commissioner Todd Salen and Director of Business Services Jean Wingler | | |
This past month, the Housing Authority of Champaign County experienced two profound and heartbreaking losses with the passing of Commissioner Todd Salen and Director of Business Services Jean Wingler. While each served our organization in different capacities, both shared an unwavering commitment to our mission, our residents, and the Champaign County community. Their leadership, dedication, and compassion helped shape the Housing Authority into the organization it is today, and their legacies will continue to inspire us for years to come.
Commissioner Todd Salen was a steadfast advocate for affordable housing and a dedicated public servant whose leadership, wisdom, and genuine care for others left an enduring mark on our Board, staff, residents, and community partners. Those who had the privilege of serving alongside Todd will forever remember his thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to ensuring safe, affordable housing for those who needed it most. His influence extended far beyond board meetings as it was reflected in every decision made with integrity, compassion, and service at its heart.
For more than 30 years, Jean Wingler faithfully served as the backbone of HACC. Her unmatched institutional knowledge, tireless work ethic, kindness, and dedication touched the lives of countless colleagues, residents, vendors, and community partners. Jean's warm smile, infectious laughter, and steadfast presence brought comfort and stability to everyone around her. Her decades of service helped build the strong foundation upon which our organization stands today.
The loss of both Todd and Jean leaves an immeasurable void. Their absence is deeply felt throughout our offices and among everyone whose lives they touched. While we grieve, we also find comfort in knowing that their legacies live on through the work they championed, the relationships they built, and the countless lives they positively impacted.
As we move forward, our team remains committed to honoring both Todd and Jean by continuing the work they cared so deeply about. We ask for patience and understanding from our residents, contractors, vendors, partners, and community members as we navigate this period of transition. The knowledge, leadership, and experience they each carried were the result of years of unwavering dedication and cannot be replaced overnight. Together, we will support one another and carry forward the mission they so faithfully advanced.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Salen and Wingler families, their friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing them. Please continue to keep their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
May Todd and Jean both rest in peace. Their service, leadership, and kindness will never be forgotten, and their lasting contributions will continue to guide the Housing Authority of Champaign County for generations to come.
The Housing Authority of Champaign County
Executive Director,
Lily L. Walton
| HACC's 2026 Back to School Year Event | | |
HACC hosted our Annual Back to School Event, and what an amazing day it was!
Thanks to everyone who joined us! Backpacks filled with school supplies were given away to help students start the school year prepared. Families also had the opportunity to connect with community resources, receive back-to-school physicals from Champaign Public Health, enjoy arts and crafts, complete fun back-to-school activities, and cool off with Kona Ice.
To wrap up the day, three lucky students rode home with brand new bikes, and one lucky winner received an electric scooter! Seeing the excitement on their faces made the day even more special.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success. It was wonderful spending time with our residents and community, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things these students accomplish during the upcoming school year!
| | Donate your gently used work attire to HACC! | | Community Events & Outreach | | HACC staff traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, for the NAHRO 2026 Conference. It was a great opportunity to network with housing authorities from across the nation, exchange best practices, and bring back new ideas that will help strengthen the services we provide to our community. | | | | HACC joint Brightpoint along with several other organizations and resources for their 4th Annual Brightpoint Makes a Splash Resource Fair! | | | HACC's Community Garden has been such a fun and fulfilling project! This month, we harvested fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and more for our community to enjoy. The produce went quickly, and we're so grateful for the excitement and support! We can't wait to continue growing and sharing with our community. | | |
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 | | | | |
YouthBuild has been awarded $2 million by the U.S. Department of Labor!
This incredible investment will have a meaningful impact on our HACC YouthBuild Program by expanding resources, creating more opportunities, and helping even more young people build brighter futures. We are incredibly grateful, excited, and honored to be part of this important work. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission and believe in the potential of our youth. Together, we're building stronger futures!
| | | Thank you to Mikayla and Brenndan Spaulding, managers at Trade home Shoes, for taking the time to visit our HACC YouthBuild participants! During their visit, they shared valuable labor market insights, provided practical interview tips, and conducted mock interviews to help our students build confidence and prepare for future career opportunities | | YouthBuild stepped away from the construction zone to create beautiful flower bouquets, reminding us that their talents shine in so many different ways | | Upcoming Community Events & Resources | |
HUD and Census Bureau Report New Residential Sales in June 2026 | WASHINGTON (July 24, 2026) - The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development jointly announced the following new residential sales statistics for June 2026: | | | HUD Joins the NFL and Agency Partners to Support Engaging Youth Through Sport | INDIANAPOLIS – Officials from Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Health and Human Services (HHS), Education (ED), and Labor (DOL) today joined Troy Vincent Sr., Executive Vice President of National Football League (NFL) Football Operations to announce a federal agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on youth engagement through sport. | | | |
HUD Unveils "Made in America" Theme for Innovative Housing Showcase | WASHINGTON – Secretary Turner announced the “Made in America” theme for HUD’s sixth annual Innovative Housing Showcase, returning to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. September 22 - September 24, 2026. The Freedom 250 event will showcase American innovations that can help expand housing supply, lower construction costs, and make homeownership more attainable. | | | | The Next Board Meeting will be held August 27th, 2026. | |
Upcoming Events
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Champaign County Christian Health Center Healthy Start Community Day - 8/29/2026
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Money Matters w/ Heartland Bank - 8/25/2026
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The Scott Bennett Family Resources Day - 8/28/2026
For more information visit our Facebook by clicking the icon below
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