Slaughter-Backed Budget Provides Assistance to Homeowners and Renters

CHICAGO – To ensure Illinois families are able to continue to make mortgage and rent payments, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, helped to pass a budget that includes over $390 million in assistance for homeowners and renters struggling to make payments.

“Although our nation’s economy is finally reopening and people are heading back to work, I know that there are still countless people who are still struggling to make ends meet and keep up with their rent or mortgage payments,” said Slaughter. “We need to continue to look for ways to keep people in their homes and not on the streets.”

During this year’s special session, Slaughter supported a compassionate state budget that appropriates $396 million in funding from the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide direct assistance to those struggling to make either rent or mortgage payments. This funding will provide $150 million in grants to both homeowners and tenants to pay outstanding debts. These funds will be paid directly to landlord and mortgage loan servicers. Homeowners and renters interested in applying for relief can visit ihda.org for more information and to apply.

“The number one goal of this program is to keep our families off the streets and in their homes,” said Slaughter. “I know that these times are increasingly difficult for our community, and we need to make sure that no one is left behind.”