Illinois Opens Applications for $9 Million Program Targeting Vacant, Abandoned Residential Properties (Chicago IL) – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has announced a new round of funding through its Strong Communities Program (SCP), making $9 million available to local governments across the state to address vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated residential properties.
State officials said the program is designed to help communities revitalize distressed neighborhoods, create new housing opportunities, and spur local economic growth.
“Thanks to the Strong Communities Program, local governments can create new housing opportunities by directly tackling vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated residential properties in distressed areas,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “This is one of the many tools that we are using to help make renting and owning homes in Illinois more affordable.”
Under the program, eligible applicants can receive grants of up to $750,000 to acquire, rehabilitate, demolish, or landscape vacant residential properties containing up to six units.
Eligible applicants include Illinois municipalities, counties, land banks, and regional planning commissions acting on behalf of local governments. Communities may also partner together and submit joint applications.
IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said the program helps ease the financial burden local governments often face when dealing with neglected properties.
“The responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of vacant and abandoned homes unfortunately falls on local governments, often resulting in additional financial burden for taxpayers,” Faust said. “The Strong Communities Program helps offset a portion of these costs, allowing local governments to invest in their communities by revitalizing neglected properties and return these distressed properties back to the active tax roll.”
According to IHDA, the primary goal of SCP is to restore neglected residential properties to productive, taxable use through rehabilitation whenever possible. Funding may also support demolition projects when properties are beyond repair and land must be prepared for future redevelopment.
Since launching in 2020, the Strong Communities Program has provided $22.1 million in assistance impacting more than 1,800 residential properties across Illinois, from Winnebago County in northern Illinois to Alexander County in the state’s southernmost region.
IHDA said an informational webinar for prospective applicants will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on May 20, 2026. Applications for funding will be accepted through 3 p.m. on June 16, 2026.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority finances affordable housing initiatives statewide and has provided more than $29 billion in housing-related financing since its creation in 1967.
For additional information, visit ihda.org.
Illinois Opens Applications for $9 Million Program Targeting Vacant, Abandoned Residential Properties
