Housing Action Illinois in Chicago, IL

Housing Action Illinois is a statewide nonprofit organization that has operated for nearly 40 years as a coalition builder and advocacy organization focused on housing security and affordability across Illinois. The organization does not provide direct consumer services but rather mobilizes a network of member organizations—including housing counseling agencies, homeless service providers, affordable housing developers, and policymakers—to advance shared housing goals. Their work encompasses policy advocacy to change housing laws and regulations, education and organizing to shift narratives around housing issues, and capacity building support for member organizations to expand their resources and reach.

Housing Action Illinois operates as a HUD-approved Intermediary, manages an AmeriCorps network that places volunteers with community organizations, and runs a Housing Counseling Training Center that certifies housing counselors. The organization has documented impact including tens of thousands of new homes built, hundreds of thousands of people transitioned from homelessness or housing insecurity to stable housing, and millions of renters gaining better legal protections. What distinguishes Housing Action Illinois is its focus on systemic change and member support rather than direct consumer counseling—they build capacity in the housing counseling field rather than counsel individuals directly.

They also provide a "Critical Connections for Housing Counseling" referral service that connects consumers to HUD-approved housing counselors in their network without confusing forms or lengthy searches. An honest assessment notes that this organization is best suited for those seeking to connect with trained housing counselors through their network, policymakers interested in housing advocacy, nonprofit organizations seeking capacity building, or AmeriCorps members seeking placement opportunities. Those seeking immediate individual housing counseling should be aware that Housing Action Illinois functions as a coordinator and trainer of counselors rather than a direct service provider.