Housing Authority of Champaign County

THE HOUSING HUB

Monthly Newsletter

HACC Celebrates Second Chances!

The Housing Authority of Champaign County YouthBuild Students of 2024 graduated on August 24th, marking a significant milestone in their journeys. This achievement signifies their dedication, perseverance, and hard work throughout the program. Equipped with valuable skills and certifications, these young adults are now better prepared to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, and contribute positively to their communities. Their graduation is a testament to the transformative power of YouthBuild, which provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.

HACC Adds To The Team

We are pleased to announce that Latricia Johnson, our former Property Manager, has joined our team as Housing Services Coordinator.

She will be invaluable in helping new residents secure housing and maintaining strong ties with our senior communities at Steer Place, Haven, and Washington Square.

We are excited to welcome Peyton Pannell-Johnson to our team as Communications Coordinator. She will be instrumental in developing and executing our social media strategy, marketing campaigns, and advertising efforts.

Additionally, she will focus on fostering positive relationships with the community through social media and communications

Housing Updates

HACC's Opened and Closed Housing Choice Voucher waitlist

On August 19th the Housing Choice Voucher Waitlist opened and closed on August 23rd.

The lottery for the HCV Waitlist is currently pending. The voucher waitlist currently stands at 371, Voucher usage rates have remained consistent, reaching 92.2%.

Landlord Lunch & Learn

Ten Champaign County landlords gathered for a recent HACC Landlord Lunch & Learn on September 11th. While enjoying a light Olive Garden lunch, they received insights from Neoshi Gipson and Al'Kela Ervin of RFTA. The duo provided valuable information on RFTA regulations and strategies for navigating rent increases.

General Updates

Over 20 people have received supportive services in September, including 9 with application fees and 11 with security deposits.

There are currently 532 people who have been issued vouchers and are currently searching for housing.

Youman Place, Washington Square, and Columbia Place recently had LIHEAP Energy Assistance come in.

To keep our residents healthy and safe, both properties will be holding a flu/COVID shot clinic on September 23rd. So mark your calendars and make sure to get your shots!

Supportive Services

Supportive Services – August 2024

The Champaign County Housing Authority continued to provide essential support to families in need throughout August. During the month, we assisted a total of 52 households, including 50 new admissions.

To help families get settled into their new homes, we provided security deposit assistance to 27 families, totaling $30,862. Additionally, we covered application fees for 21 families, amounting to $1,714.

We also recognized the importance of transportation and provided bus passes to two families, totaling $300. This assistance helped them access essential services and job opportunities.

To encourage landlords to participate in our program, we invested $23,111 in landlord incentives during August. These incentives help to increase the availability of affordable housing options for families in need.

Overall, the Housing Authority's supportive services played a crucial role in helping families achieve housing stability and improve their quality of life.

Update on Columbia

In the early morning hours of July 2, an electrical fire at 501 E. Columbia displaced seven residents. We promptly ensured all residents were safely relocated to a nearby hotel for immediate shelter. By the following morning, we had arranged for their stay at a hotel to provide a more stable temporary housing solution.

Our team worked closely with Wesley Food Pantry, the Salvation Army, Empty Tomb, the Regional Planning Commission, and our LSS Department to secure food, clothing, and other essential resources for the affected residents. This collaboration ensured that their immediate needs were met during this difficult time.

We are pleased to report that all seven displaced residents have since been re-homed: six have moved to Washington Square, and one has been relocated to Youman Place. This quick resolution was made possible thanks to the combined efforts of our staff and partner organizations, demonstrating our commitment to supporting our community members in times of crisis.

Community Outreach

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

Unit 4 District Back to School Giveaway

HACC supported a back-to-school supply giveaway at Marketplace Mall for Unit 4 District, assisting local students and promoting education and community collaboration.

Oakwood Trace Back to School Giveaway

HACC hosted a back-to-school bash at Oakwood Trace Townhomes. Kids enjoyed bounce houses, free haircuts, food, and school supplies, courtesy of Tricoci University and Mama Dukes. The event aimed to support local youth.

The SHIFT program has been fundamental for me in the sense that the program’s initiative aligns with my personal goals. The program promotes self-sufficiency based on an individual’s particular needs and what they want to achieve. The goal-based financial incentives presented has shown me how to budget more accurately, and to hold myself accountable for the decisions that I make that can affect my family.

The case managers are extremely helpful in empowering their participants in a positive way to ensure success. I have particularly liked the many workshops on financial freedom and homeownership, and resources they offer to further your knowledge and training. The incentives can add up to aid in reaching your financial goals. They have assisted with me furthering my college education through offered scholarships. I have also made use of the scholarships they offer for children to aid with summer enrichment.

Overall, the SHIFT program has done a fabulous job of keeping me focused by having personal and financial goals to achieve connected to incentivized benefits. The SHIFT program allows my family to utilize the steppingstones offered to achieve the outcome of self-sufficiency.

-Chandré Johnson

HACC IN THE NEWS

Many Champaign County residents will see improved internet access due to ARPA funds - Chambana Today

Volo Internet + Tech were joined by project partners Housing Authority of Champaign County and the Champaign County Board and their Broadband Committee to unveil a new program to serve thousands of our most in need and at-risk neighbors.

Champaign households to receive improved internet service

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WAND)- Wi-Fi in over 350 homes in Champaign County will receive improved internet services in a bid to help low income households.

Habitat for Humanity dedicates 134th home

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Champaign County Habitat for Humanity just dedicated their 134th home to Al'kela Ervin, who was chosen out of a pool of 200 applicants.

HACC Board Announcement

Our September 24^th BOC Meeting has been pushed back to Monday, October 14^th

Upcoming Events

UIUC School of Social Work Field Education Day- September 20th
Money Matters w/Heartland Bank- September 24th
Busey Bank Considering Homeownership- September 26th
NAACP Community Growth Town Hall Meeting- September 27th
Head Strong & Eating Right for Cognitive Health October 2nd & 11th
Illinois Extension Heart-Healthy Cooking Class- October 4th
SHIFT Empowerment Luncheon- October 5th
Safe Works Trunk or Treat- October 5th
UIUC School of Social Work-Community Connection Corner- October 7th
The Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV (Identification Card Renewal)- October 25th

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