Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) are looking for development teams to participate in the Supportive Housing Institute (SHI), a program designed to help teams navigate the complexities of developing and financing affordable housing.
The program provides technical assistance, training, and resources to help teams secure funding through state and federal programs, such as IHDA’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Development Program.
Potential applicants who are interested in learning more about SHI are strongly encouraged to attend the upcoming webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. Participants are asked to register in advance here.
Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. SHI program information and the application can be found online here.
Over the past two years, SHI graduates have secured more than $76 million in funding for supportive housing developments
With a goal of creating affordable housing solutions for vulnerable populations, teams selected for the program will gain skills and knowledge to successfully apply for funding and develop projects that combine affordable housing with services to help residents achieve stability and improve their quality of life.
“My administration remains committed to reaching functional zero homelessness in Illinois, and the Supportive Housing Institute is key to making that a reality,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “This program is an invaluable resource that equips housing development teams with the tools they need to build stable, affordable housing for those facing the toughest barriers. I encourage housing development teams across the state to apply and help transform lives through safe, supportive housing.”
To participate in SHI, teams must include a developer, a property manager, and a supportive services partner. Teams are also encouraged to include a person with lived experience of homelessness or housing instability, who can offer valuable insights into designing buildings that best support residents in maintaining stable housing.
Participants will complete a four-month training, with sessions held each month from March through June 2025 in Springfield. During training, teams will refine their project plans, learn about the affordable housing development process, and receive guidance on creating housing that aligns with the needs of the target population. By the end of the program, teams will have a detailed project plan that can be used to apply for funding through IHDA’s PSH Development Program.
“Without a safe, stable roof over your head, it is nearly impossible to improve one’s health, employment status, or escape the cycle of housing instability,” said Kristin Faust, IHDA executive director. “SHI is a vital resource in IHDA’s approach to increasing the number of affordable housing units throughout Illinois, helping residents live independently while accessing the services necessary to thrive.”
At the end of the training, SHI participants will have a fully developed supportive housing project plan, ready to apply for funding through IHDA’s PSH Development Program. Teams may also be eligible to apply for pre-development financing through CSH’s Project Initiation Loan Fund.
“Through participation in SHI, teams will gain the skills needed to create and operate supportive housing projects for people who traditionally face multiple barriers to stable housing,” said Angela D. Brooks, Illinois director for CSH. “Teams will leave SHI with a powerful network of peers and experts, and the technical assistance needed to troubleshoot challenges in project development.”
Earlier this year, IHDA announced the largest award in the history of its PSH Development Program – $123 million to support 14 new supportive housing developments across the state. Half of those projects were led by SHI graduate teams, highlighting the program’s impact on successful project outcomes.
