Cold weather’s coming, along with an annual estimate of homelessness, so advocates for the homeless are preparing for winter – amid the worsening pandemic.

Meanwhile, Illinois’ public health department issued recommendations urging people to stay home, which is literally impossible for those with no home to stay in.

Government aid – most from federal COVID assistance – was helpful, but it’s either gone or runs out this week. The absence of assistance such as the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program and an eviction moratorium, plus questions about the actual extent of the problem, cause concerns.

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CHICAGO (WGEM) -- Gov. JB Pritzker announced on Tuesday the creation of two new programs designed to help bring additional assistance to working class families and underrepresented communities of color across the State of Illinois.

Offered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the SmartBuy and Opening Doors programs were designed to aid communities of color, which have historically endured many barriers in their path toward homeownership.

According to the governor's office these programs will help contribute the financial assistance necessary to begin addressing pitfalls that traditionally have created financial barriers, with a goal to provide equal opportunities for all Illinois residents. Both programs launch December 1, 2020 and will continue until funding is exhausted.

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Representatives from Macoupin Housing Services (MHS) and the Macoupin County Housing Authority (MCHA) cut the ribbons on three tax credit housing developments in the county at ceremonies held Sept. 23.

Home tours were available to area residents and local dignitaries at the 14 homes built in Staunton, nine in Bunker Hill and 15 in Gillespie. The homes were built through a low-income housing tax credit created under the 1986 Tax Reform Act. It gives incentives for the use of private equity in the development of affordable housing aimed at low-income Americans. The program is administered at the state level through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), which receives a fixed allocation of credits based on population.

The homes have to meet strict requirements with regard to construction standards and energy efficiency.

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