Sorensen Announces $293,000 for Affordable Housing and Jobs in Central and Northwestern Illinois
WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced $293,000 in funding to develop affordable housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and create jobs in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. The funding was awarded by NeighborWorks America to two local organizations, NW HomeStart, Inc.in Rockford and Freeport and Mid Central Community Action in Bloomington, to expand housing opportunities in Central and Northwestern Illinois.
"I am focused on lowering the cost of living for Illinoisans and creating good-paying, sustainable jobs across our region," said Sorensen. "I applaud NW HomeStart, Inc. and Mid Central Community Action for securing this important funding to make housing more affordable for families and connect workers to new opportunities.”
“NW HomeStart is committed to neighbor-hood based solutions, connecting people to housing resources that lead to equitable communities and financial empowerment. NW HomeStart has offices in both Freeport and Rockford and serves a ten county region that includes: Boone, Carroll, Dekalb, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Winnebago, and Whiteside counties. This funding supports our Housing Counseling Program and Community Building and Engagement Programs,” said NW HomeStartExecutive Director, Claire Rees.
"Mid Central Community Action is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides proactive support, advocacy, and education for individuals and families in McLean and Livingston Counties. Our important work serves to eliminate domestic violence, combat homelessness, and create a community hub for financial stability. This funding supports our Next Step program that consists of HUD Certified Housing Counseling, Financial Capabilities Coaching, Employment Coaching, and Income Supports,” said Mid Central Community Action Executive Director, Tami Foley.
NW HomeStart, Inc. and Mid Central Community Action received $171,000 and $122,000, respectively. Funding comes from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.
NeighborWorks America is a public nonprofit organization, established by Congress in 1978 as the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. It supports and enhances a network of nearly 250 local and regional nonprofit organizations that bring together residents, private-sector business leaders, and representatives of local government to create communities of opportunity.
Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
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