Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing announced the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program on June 1, an initiative aimed at helping eligible homebuyers with down payments and closing costs. The program is funded with $21 million from Mayor Johnson’s $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond, targeting affordability challenges for low and moderate-income families in Chicago.
“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 HomeGrown Program seeks to expand access to affordable homeownership by offering targeted assistance based on income levels and property location. Eligible properties are located within Zone A—areas with significant increases in home sale prices—or Zone B—low-income census tracts where at least 70% of families have incomes below 80% of the statewide median family income. Grant amounts range from $10,000 up to $70,000 depending on income category and zone.
“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.”
Neighborhood Lending Services (an affiliate of NHS Chicago) and TRP Lending (an affiliate of The Resurrection Project) were selected through a Request For Proposal process as administrators for the program. Kristen Komara of The Resurrection Project said: “Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools individuals and families have to build stability, create generational wealth, and contribute to safe, strong communities… 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.” Anthony E. Simpkins of Neighborhood Housing Services added: “The HomeGrown Program is important because it directly addresses that gap while creating a way for more residents to build equity through ownership…”
To participate in the program—which launches June 8—homebuyers must meet income requirements based on area median income percentages as well as mortgage qualifications; complete education counseling; contribute at least 1% toward purchase price; not exceed grant limits relative to property value; occupy homes as principal residence for five years minimum; among other criteria.
The Department works across all 77 communities in Chicago combatting historical segregation while advancing housing equity initiatives such as managing federal funding allocations or enforcing local ordinances related to affordability, according to the official website.
