Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program
The Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program (Housing Counseling Resource Program) provides grants to housing counseling agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin to facilitate expanded service to low- and moderate-income and underrepresented homebuyers and existing homeowners.
Housing counseling helps individuals and families prepare for homeownership through financial education, homebuyer education and one-on-one guidance.
Through the Housing Counseling Resource Program, FHLBank Chicago partners with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to strengthen the capacity of HUD-certified housing counseling agencies across Illinois and Wisconsin. Together, they expand access to housing counseling services that help prepare individuals and families for sustaintable homeownership and support them throughout the journey.
Housing Counseling Resource Program Overview
- FHLBank Chicago funds the Housing Counseling Resource Program through partnerships with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
- IHDA and WHEDA administer the program and award grants to HUD-certified housing counseling agencies throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. Agencies apply for funding through IHDA and WHEDA’s structured application rounds. The funding expands the capacity of housing counseling agencies to serve more individuals and families on the journey to sustainable homeownership.
Housing counseling helps individuals and families prepare for homeownership by providing:
- Financial education to build budgeting and money management skills
- Credit counseling to strengthen financial readiness
- Homebuyer education to help navigate the homebuying process
- Ongoing guidance that supports sustainable homeownership
The Housing Counseling Resource Program invests in the homeownership journey by strengthening the organizations that prepare future homebuyers.
- Expands the pipeline of mortgage-ready homebuyers
- Supports future homeownership and mortgage lending opportunities
- Strengthens connections with trusted housing counseling agencies and community partnersCreates pathways to additional FHLBank Chicago resources, including the Downpayment Plus® (DPP®) Programs
Program Impact
Since its launch in 2022, the Housing Counseling Resource Program has strengthened housing counseling agencies across Illinois and Wisconsin, expanding access to trusted education and guidance that helps individuals and families prepare for successful homeownership.
$13M+
Awarded since 2022
105,000+*
Households received services
9,000*
Achieved homeownership44
44 HUD-certified housing counseling agencies supported in 2025
Program impact reflects cumulative results through the end of 2025.
* Data provided by IHDA, WHEDA, and HUD Exchange based upon HUD fiscal years
Preparing Homebuyers for Success
Angela and Luis, a hardworking couple in their mid-50s who immigrated to Illinois from Colombia in 2020, decided to pursue homeownership for the first time after facing years of increasing rent. FHLBank Chicago member, Midland States Bank, referred them to Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a beneficiary of our Housing Counseling Resource Program in partnership with IHDA. They received pre-purchase counseling which enabled them to receive $10,000 in down payment assistance through our DPP Program. Angela and Luis proudly achieved the American Dream, closing on their home in Elgin, Illinois in September 2023. Their journey underscores the transformative impact of accessible housing counseling and down payment assistance in achieving homeownership.
Building Stronger Homeownership Pathways
Hear how FHLBank Chicago members are partnering with HUD-certified housing counseling agencies to prepare future homebuyers, strengthen referral networks and connect eligible borrowers with mortgage financing and FHLBank Chicago resources, including DPP.