A new city program could put homeownership within reach for thousands of Chicagoans who’ve been waiting on the sidelines.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) announced the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program on June 1, 2026 — a new initiative offering eligible homebuyers up to $70,000 in grant funding toward down payments and closing costs. The program officially opens for applications on June 8, 2026.
For Chicago REALTORS®, this is meaningful news to pass along. Many of your clients may qualify — and some may not even know it.
What is the homeGrown Program?
HomeGrown is funded with $21 million from Mayor Johnson’s $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond. It was created to close the affordability gap that keeps many working families from reaching homeownership — particularly the upfront costs that make an otherwise financially capable buyer feel stuck on the sidelines.
The program provides direct grant assistance (not a loan) for down payments and closing costs. Grants sizes are determined by the buyer’s income and the location of the property they’re purchasing.
How much assistance is available?
Grants are determined by the buyer’s income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI) and which zone the property falls in.
zone a
Areas that have experienced significant increases in home sale prices
Income Level | Grant Amount |
80% AMI and below | $70,000 |
81–90% AMI | $60,000 |
91–100% AMI | $50,000 |
101–120% AMI | $40,000 |
zone b
Low-income census tract areas where 70% or more of families earn below 80% of the statewide median family income
Income Level | Grant Amount |
80% AMI and below | $50,000 |
81–90% AMI | $40,000 |
91–100% AMI | $30,000 |
101–120% AMI | $20,000 |
121–150% AMI | $10,000 |
NOTE: Grant funds may not exceed 25% of the property’s purchase price before any other purchase assistance is applied.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the HomeGrown Program, buyers must:
- Meet income and mortgage requirements based on their AMI level
- Complete a homebuyer education counseling program
- Contribute at least 1% of the original purchase price from their own personal funds
- Purchase a property in a designated Zone A or Zone B area
- Occupy the home as their principal residence for a minimum of five years
That last point is especially worth noting for your buyers — this program is designed for people committed to putting down roots in Chicago, not investors or short-term owners.
Why this matters
Rising rents and upfront costs have pushed homeownership out of reach for many working families — not because they can’t afford a mortgage, but because they can’t get over the initial hurdle. The HomeGrown Program directly addresses that barrier.
Homeownership builds equity, provides more predictable long-term housing costs than renting and creates generational wealth. Programs like this one are part of a broader city investment in neighborhood stability and economic opportunity across Chicago communities.
“Many working families are financially capable of sustaining homeownership but remain locked out by the upfront cost barriers that have accelerated in today’s challenging housing market.” – Anthony E. Simpkins, President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Who administers the program?
Two experienced organizations were selected through a competitive Request for Proposal process to run the program:
- Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS) — an affiliate of NHS Chicago, offering lending support and community development resources
- TRP Lending, LLC. (TRP) — an affiliate of The Resurrection Project, which provides an integrated housing model including financial education, realty services and lending support
Both organizations bring deep roots in Chicago neighborhoods and a track record of helping residents achieve and sustain homeownership.
How to apply
Applications open June 8, 2026. Buyers can apply through either program administrator:
- The Resurrection Project: www.resurrectionproject.org/homegrown
- NHS Chicago: www.NHSChicago.org
For general program information, visit www.chicago.gov/homegrown or call 312-744-3653.
What Chicago REALTORS® Can Do Now
This program is a powerful tool to share with clients — especially first-time buyers and renters who’ve been on the fence. Here’s how to put it to work:
- Share this post with clients who’ve expressed concern about upfront costs
- Check property zones when working with buyers in eligible neighborhoods
- Encourage clients to apply early — program funds are limited and distributed as available
- Connect buyers with an approved counseling program to satisfy the homebuyer education requirement before they apply
As always, Chicago REALTORS® are here to help guide your clients through every step of the homebuying journey — and programs like HomeGrown make that journey more possible for more people.
For questions about the program, visit www.chicago.gov/homegrown or call 312-744-3653.