Avelar Announces Grant Program For Bolingbrook, State Homeowners

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Area homeowners who fell behind on their mortgages during the COVID-19 pandemic have the opportunity to get federal financial assistance as part of a grant program being offered to Illinois residents.

State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar (D-Bolingbrook) is reminding local residents about the availability of the grants, which are being offered through the Illinois Housing Development Authority in conjunction with the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund.

The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund is a federally funded program that provides housing assistance to those impacted by the financial hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistance fund will offer grants of up to $30,000 of assistance to approved applicants to eliminate or reduce delinquent mortgage and property tax payments.

Applications will be considered based on several criteria, such as the degree of need and household income.

“Many households still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are struggling to make their mortgage payments, which could lead to foreclosure, housing insecurity, and displacement,” Avelar said in a news release. “The (grant program) will ensure those most at risk of foreclosure receive the aid they need to stay safe in their homes.”

Avelar said that the grant program is another example of the support being offered by state officials in the continued fight against the financial challenges associated with the pandemic.

The official application window will open in April, Avelar said. The Housing Authority is hosting informational webinars on program eligibility and how to apply in English and Spanish, the representative said.

English webinars will be at 11 a.m. Thursday and again at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The Spanish webinar will take place at 11 a.m. on March 31.

More information about the grant program can be found here.