Housing

Project NOW Housing Division offers a variety of programs to the residents of Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties.  These programs, funded primarily by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, bring essential services to help improve the communities we serve.

Homebuyer Education Homebuyer and Rehabilitation Services Foreclosure Prevention Property
Rentals		 Weatherization

Homebuyer Education

Homebuyer Classes

Project NOW offers Homebuyer Education classes that emphasize:

  • Budgeting & Credit Reports
  • Mortgage Loan Basics
  • The Real Estate Agent & Looking for a Home
  • Taxes, Insurance and The Closing
  • Inspections, Maintenance and Ongoing Responsibilities

Classes are held monthly on a Saturday from 9 a.m.  to 1 p.m.  They are free and open to the public.  To find out the date and place, please call 309-793-6391.

Housing Counseling

Project NOW has experienced, trained staff who can set up an appointment for individualized assistance and planning for Pre-Purchase and Credit Counseling.  We may also be able to assist individuals in need of Foreclosure Prevention Counseling.

Home Purchase and Rehabilitation

Clients who have completed the Homebuyer Education Class may qualify for one of Project NOW’s forgivable mortgage loan programs.  Project NOW offers the following programs:

  • Homebuyer with Rehab
  • American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI)

These funds are available for the purchase of single-family homes and awarded to income eligible residents of Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties.  Loans carry 0% interest.  Loans are foregivable after a 5 year or 10 year period of home owner occupancy. 

Homebuyer with Rehab Program

This program offers help for the following:

  • Down Payment Assistance
  • Closing Costs
  • Needed Repairs

American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI)

Designed for first time home buyers living in Rock Island, Henry or Mercer counties able to pre-qualify for a first mortgage through a bank.  ADDI provides:

  • Down Payment Assistance
  • Closing Cost Assistance

Repayment is not required within the first 5 years as long as the owner occupies the property.  After the 5 years, the assistance is fully forgiven.

Funds for existing homeowner home repair and funds for small rental property rehab may be available through:

  • Single Family Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program (SFOOR)
  • Small Rental Properties Program (SRPP)
  • Lead Hazard Control Program

Single Family Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program (SFOOR)

Assists existing homeowners with necessary home repairs to bring your home to Housing Quality Standards (HQS).  Funds are typically used for updates and repairs to:

  • Plumbing
  • Electrical Repairs
  • Roof Repair or Replacement
  • Furnaces
  • Kitchens and Bathrooms

Small Rental Properties Program (SRPP)

Offered by Project NOW in partnership with the City of Rock Island, the Small Rental Properties Program assists rental property owners with needed repairs and updates designed to:

  • Bring the Property Up to Housing Quality Standards
  • Improve the Quality of Rental Housing Within the Program’s Target Area

Property owners can also receive assistance with refinancing a rental property to ensure their long-term ability to maintain these properties.

Lead Hazard Control Program

This program is a collaborative effort headed by the City of Rock Island and in partnership with the City of Moline, Project NOW, Rock Island Economic Growth and the Rock Island County Health Department. 

The Healthy Homes Initiative provides rehabilitation assistance for homeowners who need to correct or reduce lead hazards within their home.

For more information on Project NOW’s rehabilitation programs, please call 309-793-6391.

Foreclosure Prevention:

Foreclosure Prevention Counseling:

For home owners who have fallen behind on mortgage payments, we can help.  The housing counselor reviews the home owner’s budget and mortgage issues, in order to develop an action plan.  Options can include seeking direct funding assistance, contacting the loan servicer to work out a payment agreement, or other measures aimed at preventing a foreclosure.  Home owners are urged to call us sooner, rather than later, especially if you have just begun to fall behind on your payments

Pre-Purchase and Credit Counseling

For persons wanting to make the move from renter to home owner, our counselors are available.  Along with our classes, one-on-one counseling sessions can help you take the steps along the path to owning a home.  Our staff works with clients to:

  • Review Credit History
  • Resolve Credit Issues
  • Establish a Manageable Budget

For further information on Project NOW’s Homeowner Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention programs please call (309) 793-6391.