Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Department of Housing Announce Homegrown Purchase Assistance Program

CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) announced the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program, a new initiative designed to help eligible homebuyers achieve homeownership by providing assistance for down payments and closing costs. Funded with $21 million from Mayor Johnson's $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond, the HomeGrown Program was created to address the growing affordability challenges facing low and moderate-income level families in today's housing market.

"We want Chicagoans to be able to afford to raise their children and spend their lives in our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "As we work to invest in housing opportunities and expand pathways to stable, affordable housing for all our residents, it is a key aim of our administration to ensure that homeownership remains within reach for working families across Chicago while investing in generational wealth, neighborhood stability, and long-term opportunity in every community."

The program is intended to expand access to affordable homeownership, increase purchase options for Chicagoans, and reduce the affordability gap that continues to put homeownership out of reach for many working families.

The HomeGrown Program is specifically designed to support residents who may otherwise be priced out of homeownership due to rising housing costs and limited access to down payment assistance resources.

"With this program, we will be able to make a tangible difference in the lives of residents who want to own a home and raise a family but feel that homeownership is out of reach," said Lissette Castañeda, DOH Commissioner. "We are working to make the process more accessible at every level, from encouraging educational opportunities, connecting residents with knowledgeable partners, to allocating funds directly to help them begin their homeownership journey."

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Mortgage payments often provide more predictable long-term housing costs compared to rising rents, allowing families to build equity and create assets that can be passed down to future generations.

Assistance is targeted by income and geography, with eligible properties set in Zone A or Zone B. Zone A includes areas where neighborhoods have experienced significant increases in home sale prices. Zone B includes low-income census tract areas where 70% or more families have incomes below 80% of the statewide median family income.

ZONE A	Grant Amount	ZONE B	Grant Amount
80% AMI and below	$70,000	80% AMI and below	$50,000
81 - 90% of AMI	$60,000	81 - 90% of AMI	$40,000
91 - 100% of AMI	$50,000	91 - 100% of AMI	$30,000
101 - 120% of AMI	$40,000	101 - 120% of AMI	$20,000
		121 - 150% of AMI	$10,000

Eligible homebuyers must meet income and mortgage requirements, complete homebuyer education counseling, and contribute at least 1% of the original purchase price from personal funds. Grant funds may not exceed 25% of the property purchase price before any other purchase assistance is applied.

Neighborhood Lending Services, INC. (NLS) an affiliate of NHS Chicago (NHS) and TRP Lending, LLC. (TRP) an affiliate of The Resurrection Project were selected via Request For Proposal (RFP) to administer the program.

"Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools individuals and families have to build stability, create generational wealth, and contribute to safe, strong communities," said Kristen Komara, Vice President of Full Circle Homes at The Resurrection Project. "Through the HomeGrown Grant initiative and The Resurrection Project's integrated housing model — which includes financial education, realty services, and lending support, we are expanding access and opportunity for new homeowners across Chicago. This is more than purchasing a home; it's about building community and championing housing justice for families, neighborhoods, and the future of our city."

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"Many working families are financially capable of sustaining homeownership but remain locked out by the upfront cost barriers that have accelerated in today's challenging housing market," said Anthony E. Simpkins, President and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, the parent company of Neighborhood Lending Services. "The HomeGrown Program is important because it directly addresses that gap while creating a way for more residents to build equity through ownership, remain rooted in their communities, and participate in the long-term economic future of their neighborhoods. Through Neighborhood Lending Services, our lending affiliate, we are proud to help ensure these resources are deployed effectively to reach those who need the additional push toward homeownership and deeper participation in community development."

To protect the City's investment and support long-term neighborhood stability, participating homebuyers must occupy the purchased home as their principal residence for a minimum of five years.

The HomeGrown Program reflects the City's continued commitment to investing in equitable housing opportunities and ensuring more Chicago residents have the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership.

The program will launch June 8, with residents able to apply at:

• www.resurrectionproject.org/homegrown OR
• www.NHSChicago.org/

For more information about the program, visit www.chicago.gov/homegrown or contact 312-744-3653.

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