Housing Taskforce

In July 2007, the City of Hoopeston formed a Housing Taskforce to identify and address the City’s housing needs. The high priority goal for the committee is for the City to have a wide array of housing. The taskforce has identified enforcing current building codes and developing a work plan for accessible housing as a high priority strategy to meet this goal.

What is the Task Force doing NOW?

1.) Enforcing current building codes

· Clarifying condemnation process for existing structures

· Discussing the allocation of funds annually for condemnation

· Researching the possibility of obtaining possession of abandoned and distressed properties

· Working these locations into an overall housing work plan

2.) Developing and implementing a work plan to provide accessible housing for all

· Recruiting more people to be involved

· Obtaining training to do an assessment

· Conducting a housing assessment to identify housing needs.

· Prioritizing housing needs and develop a work plan

· Investigating housing options

· Implementing the work plan

The taskforce has gone through housing assessment training as part of the Rural Community Initiative Grant through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. The taskforce has surveyed the community as part of the housing assessment. Data is currently being compiled to create a community housing profile. The taskforce is currently investigating options for new housing development in Hoopeston.

Housing Assistance Programs
USDA Home Repair Loans and Grants program assists home owners in addressing health, safety, or accessibility needs through grants and loans.  Please click here for program guidelines.  For more information contact Nancy Bitto at 217-352-3536 ext. 4.