Housing and Homeowner Support

Homeowners' Assistance Programs

Des Plaines homeowners are invited to learn more about assistance programs available from our regional partners. Whether you're a Senior Citizen in need of minor repairs to your home, or a first-time homebuyer seeking cash assistance, we'd like to share with you a few programs that are currently available.

Senior Handyman Program


The North West Housing Partnership (NWHP) operates a “Handyman Program” for those who are age 60+ and in need of minor repairs to their homes. All income levels are welcome. This program is provided by NWHP for all residents in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and all communities in Wheeling and Palatine Townships. The City of Des Plaines has supported this program since 2017. Through the program, home repairs are done by an experienced and licensed handyman who is vetted by NWHP.

The service is limited to basic repairs that take no more than two hours to complete. The types of repairs provided are:

  • Faucet repairs
  • Toilet repairs
  • Light fixtures
  • Door locks
  • Ceiling fans
  • Grab bars
  • Replacing light bulbs
  • Hanging shelves, blinds, pictures, and curtains.

Time-sensitive emergency repairs are not included in this program.

Typically, the resident is responsible for purchasing the materials needed to make the repairs, but some exceptions may apply. There is a small service fee that ranges from $20 to $40 per hour, depending on the resident’s annual household income. Some income qualified residents may obtain these services at no charge through funding by AgeOptions. Repairs are completed by insured and reliable professionals.

To learn more about this program or to sign up for this service, call NWHP at 847-969-0561, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about other NWHP home repair programs for seniors or the disabled, please visit their website at nwhp.net.

NWHP is a HUD approved non-profit housing counseling agency. Funding in whole or in part is provided by AgeOptions, the City of Des Plaines, and the Northwest Housing Partnership. NWHP adheres to non-discriminatory practices and is an equal employment employer and serves seniors with the greatest economic and social need, low-income minority & persons with limited English proficiency.

 

IHDA Mortgage Assistance

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) operates the IHDA Mortgage program, which can provide down payment and closing cost assistance for qualifying residents. IHDA loans offer competitive mortgage rates, and borrowers may be eligible for a $10,000 down payment assistance loan.

For more information, visit the IHDA website linked above, or the IHDA Mortgage website.


Resources

  • CDBG Funding
    Financial assistance for low-and moderate-income household repairs.
  • Fair Housing
    Equal opportunity and non-discriminatory housing.
  • Sewer Program
    Financial assistance for residents facing sanitary sewer complications.
  • Emergency Assistance Program
    Assists residents at risk of having their water disconnected.
  • NWHP
    Affordable housing resources via North West Housing Partnership.
  • Resource Guide
    Information on a variety of services and local resources.
  • Flood Rebate Program
    Homeowners who have had flood mitigation/prevention work performed may apply.