This weekend was a blast. A once in a lifetime opportunity popped up last year revealing that Star Wars Celebration 2019 was to take place in Chicago, Illinois at McCormick Place. Being a huge Star Wars Fan (and just a ridiculous nerd in general) I needed to attend, if only to see what it was [...]
IHDA’s stabilization and planning strategies provide guidance and funding to help local governments effectively tackle their most urgent problems and grow their communities. The City of Decatur was awarded grant funding from IHDA in 2018, which allowed them to turn vacant and blighted properties into assets, helping renew their neighborhoods for overall community revitalization [...]
With the help of his loan officer at Oak Leaf Community Mortgage and IHDA’s Access Mortgage Program, Chris Brady found the down payment boost he needed to begin a new chapter as a first-time homebuyer. Chris received $10,000 in down payment assistance that not only made homeownership a reality, but also ensured he had [...]
After being employed by the same company for more than 20 years, Selena was suddenly laid off with a mortgage, an auto loan, medical bills and college tuition for her daughter. Uncertain of her immediate future, Selena found help through the Illinois Hardest Hit Program (HHF). The assistance enabled Selena to look for new [...]
With the help of the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s (IHDA) Home Accessibility Program, Eve Salazar was able to install a stair lift in her Chicago home. Special thanks to UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago and Greg Grill, Sr. Director of Programs, for working with IHDA and the HAP program to ensure senior citizens and [...]
Yorkville residents, Geneva and David Fiore Sr., share their experience moving into Anthony Place Senior Apartments, a new two-story building offering 50 one- and two-bedroom units for residents 55 and older. Financed with an IHDA First Mortgage and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, the development brings much-needed senior housing to Kendall County. The property includes [...]
A picture is worth a thousand... bites? The images below are a culmination of food photography that I have captured over the years. I am often contacted and commissioned at the request of restaurants, magazine publications and culinary minds looking to feature their dishes via social media or print. I have worked with several of [...]
Well, it's that time of the year again. A time for dragons, fairies, wizards, warlocks, witches and food. Yes, the Bristol Renaissance Faire is back in town and I'm packing my bags to head back home to the land where Fantasy rules. Its was a quick day for the most part but I was [...]
This video is very close to my heart. We met with Melissa Williams and her family a couple weeks ago. Melissa used one of my company's programs and was able to rehab some things around her house. We spent the day with them just to see what a day in the life with them [...]
An honor and a pleasure to be working with some of the most warm hearted individuals in Illinois to create and preserve affordable housing in Illinois. Take a peak at our newest video, a look behind the curtain diving into the Culture at the Illinois Housing Development Authority. IHDA was created by the state legislature [...]
