It starts with home.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to save your home from foreclosure, we’re here for you. As a HUD-certified housing counseling agency, we are dedicated to securing your housing situation through individual and group counseling, education, and advocacy.
“The one thing we had was our house—the only constant thing in our life. And with this program, we will not have to move and start over.”
— FRAN
Rental Counseling
Looking for a place to rent? We’ll work with you through our affiliate organization Northwest Side Community Development Corporation to search for an apartment in your budget. We also help landlords find tenants, draft leases, and provide know-your-rights-and-responsibilities trainings.
Foreclosure
Prevention
If you’re facing foreclosure or experiencing hardship that has made your monthly mortgage unaffordable, our housing counselors are ready to work with your bank to help you keep your home.
First-Time Homebuyer Counseling
Buying your first home? We offer free group workshops and individual counseling to explore the home-buying process, build your credit, and close the deal. Explore your options below.
Group Workshop
Our free First-Time Homebuyer Workshop is a two-part group course that outlines the entire buying process, from building your credit to getting that first set of keys. You’ll learn alongside other community members with similar goals in a welcoming environment.
Can't make it in-person? Take an online class from our nonprofit partner, Housing and Education Alliance. This online class is $100, and upon completion we’ll contact you for a follow-up appointment.
1-on-1 Counseling
After completing our group workshop, we strongly recommend 1-on-1 pre-purchase counseling to sharpen your skills and build confidence. Whether you're ready now or new to the process, we’ll help you plan to purchase your home.
Home Improvement Loan & Delinquent Tax Resources
Home Improvement Loan
The Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) is a a membership benefit offered by the Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program (NWHEAP). An individual and/or household desiring to take advantage of the HILP must first become a member of NWHEAP.
Delinquent Property Tax Program
The Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program and the Northwest Center is partnering up to bring you the Delinquent Property Tax Program, for the homeowners residing on the northwest side of Chicago.