The Community Development Department actively supports several housing programs and initiatives including:  

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Programs (HUD), including Single Family Rehabilitation Loans and Home Weatherization Grants
• Fair Housing initiatives
• Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative (details below)

The Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative (NWSHC) was created in 2011 to help five municipalities - Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Palatine, and Rolling Meadows - develop regional solutions to address the short and long-term housing needs of the participating communities.   NWSHC reports and initiatives include the following:

• Homes for a Changing Region - The NWSC received a technical assistance grant from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to conduct a Homes for a Changing Region analysis for the collaborative area. The Homes analysis provides an analysis of current conditions and projected housing needs the area is expected to experience in the future. See CMAP’s website for additional information.
• Senior Housing Needs Assessment – NWSHC contracted for a in-depth study of the housing needs of senior citizens in the Collaborative area which was completed in November 2013. Building on the Needs Assessment, the Collaborative is working to implement Senior Housing Activities such as the Handyman Program and Senior Resource guide, detailed below. 

CAPABLE Program - NWHP in partnership with Attuned Care and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus has a new project called CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders). The CAPABLE program aims to help individuals live independently in their home and more fully engage in daily activities.  This program is for seniors 65 years of age and older residing at home. For more information, please contact NWHP at  847-969-0561.

Handyman Program - Realizing home repairs is a common concern for many seniors, the North West Housing Partnership provides a Senior Handyman Program for Mount Prospect residents 60+ years of age. Feedback has been positive and the number of seniors using the program continues to grow each month!

Senior Resource Guide - In the Senior Housing Needs Assessment it was concluded that many seniors are unaware of resources available to them. The Collaborative has recently completed this comprehensive guide which provides information on transportation, housing, and senior services available in the 5-community area. Check it out!

NWSHC will continue to explore ways to improve transportation options and determine how seniors can make their homes safer and easier to live in as they age. Several partner agencies have provided the funding, technical expertise, and resources to make this vision a reality, including:

• Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) Senior with Agent
• Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC)
• Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)
• The Chicago Community Trust (CCT)
• Wintrust Financial
• BMO Harris Bank

Learn more about NWSHC initiatives and partner agencies.  For any additional questions, contact the Community Development Department at (847) 818-5328.