Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program
(HAFHR)
Serving DeKalb County, Illinois homeowners
Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR) – DeKalb County
Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), offers the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR) to eligible homeowners within DeKalb County, Illinois. This program provides assistance for essential health and safety home repairs that were delayed or became more critical due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the launch of this program, the response has been extraordinary, reflecting a significant need throughout DeKalb County. While we appreciate the strong interest, please note that funding is limited and not all applicants can be served.
To stay informed about application opening dates, we encourage you to visit this page regularly and complete the contact form. Applicants are strongly advised to review all program details carefully to confirm county residency and eligibility requirements prior to applying.
Please be aware that this program is not able to provide immediate or emergency assistance, as all requests must go through a formal application, review, and selection process.
Funding Preference Disclaimer:
Due to the first round of HAFHR funding being primarily focused on residents within the City of DeKalb, preference for this funding round may be given to eligible DeKalb County residents living outside the City of DeKalb. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee assistance.
The application timeframe runs from January 5th – January 11, 2026. Individuals that are eligible can obtain the application from by clicking Application PDF and email it to Kim McIver at kim.mciver@habitatdcil.org by January 11. This is a lottery process and there will be a follow-up done after the deadline.
About the HAFHR Program – DeKalb County, Illinois
Are applications open?
Currently, applications are not open. However, if you visit our website and complete the contact form, you will be notified when applications open for the DeKalb County affiliate. Please note that being notified does not guarantee your application will be approved. Funding is limited, and applications may be subject to a lottery-based or prioritized selection process.
What is the Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair (HAFHR) program?
The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR) assists eligible homeowners in DeKalb County, Illinois with home maintenance and repair needs that were delayed or worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible repairs are intended to maintain the habitability of the home and help prevent homeowner displacement.
What types of home repairs are covered under the HAFHR program?
Examples include, but are not limited to:
Addressing health, safety, and code violations
Roofing, soffit, fascia, gutters, drainage, and runoff management
Electrical and plumbing systems
Foundations, existing decks, and existing porches
Accessibility modifications to allow elderly or disabled homeowners to age in place
Environmental modifications and improvements
Other vital and necessary repairs specific to the home’s needs
How much grant funding is available to repair my home?
Eligible homeowners with critical home repairs delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic may receive up to $60,000 toward critical home repairs through a forgivable loan. Habitat for Humanity receives the funds and completes the work and/or pays qualified contractors to complete the repairs.
Is the program offered in my area?
This HAFHR program is offered only to eligible homeowners residing in DeKalb County, Illinois.
How do I know if I qualify?
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Have experienced a financial hardship on or after January 21, 2020, related to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Have a total household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for household size; and
Meet other eligibility requirements, which may include property value limits and additional program guidelines.
Application Process
How can I apply for the HAFHR program?
If you have not already done so, complete the contact form at h4hdcil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Application-Intake.pdf
Based on your DeKalb County residence, you will be notified when applications are being accepted. If you live within the DeKalb County service area, the corresponding affiliate will provide instructions on how to complete the application.
What documents are required for the HAFHR application?
Documents needed for a complete application include, but are not limited to:
a. Employment Income
Most recent W-2
Three (3) most recent pay stubs
Most recent tax return (2022)
b. Benefit and Support Income
Unemployment compensation
Pension
Social Security (2023 “Your New Benefit Amount” document)
Supplemental Security Income
Disability income
Alimony
Child support
Welfare or public assistance
Regular support from family members or friends
c. Additional Real Estate You Own
If you own rental property, submit income and expense information (most recent Schedule E tax form)
d. Stocks, Bonds, Trusts, or Other Investments
Statements showing value and any income from investments
e. Gifts or Other Income
Information on any assets sold or given away in the past two years
Any additional household income documentation available
f. Proof of Homeowner’s Insurance
Current homeowner’s insurance policy showing active coverage dates
g. Proof of Up-to-Date Mortgage
Mortgage statement showing most recent payment and current status
h. Bank Statements
Most recent two (2) bank statements for all checking and savings accounts for all applicants
Repair Process
How will I receive the funds if I am approved?
Approved homeowners do not receive funds directly. Habitat for Humanity receives the funds and either completes the repairs or pays licensed and insured contractors to complete the work.
Can I choose my own contractor?
No. Habitat for Humanity will solicit bids and select contractors who are properly licensed, insured, and best qualified to complete the approved scope of work.
Homeowner Commitments to the Program
Are there any repayment terms for the HAFHR assistance?
No repayment is required as long as you remain in your home for three (3) years. The assistance is provided as a three-year forgivable loan, with forgiveness occurring monthly (1/36th per month). If the home is sold before the three-year term ends, any unforgiven balance will be due from the net proceeds of the sale.
Eligible Households
DeKalb County, Illinois
To be considered for the Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR), households located in DeKalb County, Illinois must meet the following criteria:
Certify to experiencing a financial hardship on or after January 21, 2020, related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Own and occupy the property as their primary residence
Be current on mortgage payments, or not have a mortgage
Reverse mortgages, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), contracts for deed, or ownership held in a trust are not eligible ownership models under this program
Homeowners who previously received Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) housing assistance remain eligible to apply
Have a household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for DeKalb County
Priority consideration may be given to households at or below 80% of AMI (see income chart below)
Meet additional program requirements, which may include property value limits and other eligibility criteria
Eligible Properties
DeKalb County, Illinois
Properties must be located in DeKalb County, Illinois and meet one of the following criteria:
Single-family homes
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): a smaller residence located on the same lot as a single-family home
Two- to four-unit residential buildings where the homeowner occupies one unit
Common areas and the owner-occupied unit are eligible for repairs
Manufactured homes that are on a permanent foundation
In all eligible cases:
The homeowner owns the land, and
The property is taxed as real estate
Condominium or cooperative units
Ineligible Properties
DeKalb County, Illinois
The following property types are not eligible for HAFHR assistance:
Properties with reverse mortgages
Investment properties or non-owner-occupied homes
Properties with a home equity line of credit (HELOC)
Properties owned through a trust or contract for deed
Properties primarily used for business purposes (more than 50% of the total floorspace used for business activity)
AMI & Property Value Charts
Questions or Application Submissions Contact INformation
The application timeframe runs from January 5th – January 11, 2026. Individuals that are eligible can obtain the application from by clicking Application PDF and email it to Kim McIver at kim.mciver@habitatdcil.org by January 11. This is a lottery process and there will be a follow-up done after the deadline.