Local Housing Trust Fund
Investing in Cook County’s Housing Future
A Community Fund Designed to Support Attainable Housing
The Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) is a critical tool for expanding safe, stable, and attainable housing across Cook County. Established by the Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the LHTF provides a dedicated, flexible source of funding to support the creation, preservation, and rehabilitation of homes for residents of all income levels. By building and maintaining this fund, the HRA can respond more effectively to local housing needs, leverage additional investments, and ensure that Cook County remains a place where individuals and families can thrive.
Program Overview
The Local Housing Trust Fund is designed to strengthen housing opportunities throughout Cook County by providing financial resources for both new development and preservation efforts. Through the LHTF, the HRA can support a wide range of activities—including affordable housing development, rehabilitation of aging homes, energy-efficiency improvements, and other initiatives that enhance long-term community stability.
Key features of the program include:
- Dedicated Local Funding: Allows the HRA to address urgent housing needs and long-term priorities.
- Flexible Use: Supports development, preservation, and rehabilitation projects for a variety of household income levels.
- Strategic Planning Alignment: Directly supports goals identified in Cook County’s strategic and comprehensive housing plans.
- Partnership Opportunities: Enhances collaboration with public agencies, nonprofit developers, local businesses, and community organizations.
The LHTF strengthens the county’s capacity to creatively and sustainably address housing challenges as they arise.
Funding & Eligibility
The Local Housing Trust Fund is built through contributions from a variety of sources, including public funds, grants, private donations, and voluntary business contributions. These resources allow the HRA to maximize impact and pursue matching opportunities available through statewide and federal programs.
Eligible Uses
Projects supported by the LHTF may include:
- Construction of new affordable or mixed-income housing
- Rehabilitation or preservation of existing homes
- Energy-efficiency upgrades and infrastructure improvements
- Down payment or rental assistance programs (as funds allow)
- Other housing solutions aligned with the HRA’s mission and community needs
Funding & Eligibility
Eligible Uses
Eligibility for LHTF-supported programs or funding may vary based on the specific project or initiative. In general, eligibility may extend to:
- Income-qualified households
- Developers or builders of affordable or mixed-income housing
- Nonprofit housing organizations
- Property owners seeking rehabilitation or preservation support
- Community partners working on HRA-aligned initiatives
The HRA will publish program-specific eligibility guidelines as individual funding rounds or initiatives are developed.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The Countywide Housing Plan represents a shared commitment to strengthening Cook County’s housing landscape. By working collaboratively with residents, partners, and local leaders, the HRA aims to create a clear, actionable path toward a future where housing is accessible, sustainable, and supportive of a thriving community.
Cook County’s natural beauty and strong sense of place make it extraordinary—this plan ensures that its housing opportunities reflect the same strength and promise for generations to come.
A Foundation for Long-Term Community Impact
By establishing the Local Housing Trust Fund, Cook County is taking a proactive step toward building sustainable, community-centered housing solutions. The fund enables the HRA to address both immediate needs and long-term goals, ensuring that Cook County remains an inclusive and accessible place to live. As the fund grows, so does the county’s capacity to strengthen housing stability for generations to come.