Navigating the Jargon

Illinois Housing & Homelessness Acronyms

Housing Action Illinois has compiled a running list of common acronyms used in discussions on affordable housing and homelessness in Illinois. Click on each acronym for more information.

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AFFH | Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Provides program participants (cities, counties, states, and public housing agencies) with a planning approach to aid them in taking meaningful actions to overcome historic patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities that are free from discrimination.
CDBG | Community Development Block Grants
Grants administered by HUD that are distributed to states, counties with populations of 200,000 or more, and cities with populations of 50,000 or more. Used for housing and community development activities, principally benefiting low and moderate-income people.
CHDO | Community Housing Development Organization
Federally defined type of nonprofit housing provider; must receive a minimum of 15% of all HOME Investment Partnership Funds.
CoC | Continuum of Care
Most commonly, a CoC refers to the local or regional planning body that coordinates the efforts of all stakeholders involved in addressing homelessness in a given geographic area. CoC also refers to a HUD grant program that supports homelessness and housing programs and services.
CSBG | Community Services Block Grant Program
Provides assistance and funding to organizations such as Community Action Agencies and homeless shelters, which in turn help low-income individuals move toward self-sufficiency.
ESG | Emergency Solutions Grants
HUD grant to states and larger cities that funds rapid re-housing and homeless prevention programs, as well as emergency shelters.
HAP | Housing Assistance Payments
A payment made according to a specific contract between HUD and a property owner to provide rental assistance. The term applies to both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance Program.
HCA | Housing Counseling Agency
HUD-approved agencies where trained housing counselors assess an individual’s financial situation and provide connections to a variety of foreclosure prevention/mortgage programs.
HCV | Housing Choice Voucher
A rental assistance program funded by HUD. The program helps eligible families rent private housing. Families pay a percentage (generally not more than 30%) of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The federal subsidy pays the balance of the rent to the property owner.
HEARTH | Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009
Revises the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, placing an increased priority on homeless families with children, increasing resources to prevent homelessness, providing incentives for developing permanent supportive housing, and creating new tools for rural areas.
HFA | Housing Finance Agency
Typically, independent, state-chartered authorities approved by HUD that operate under a board of directors as appointed by each state’s government; e.g., Illinois Housing Development Authority. Responsible for allocating and administering federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) as well as other federal and state housing financing sources.
HMDA | Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
HMDA requires most financial institutions that make mortgage loans, home improvement loans, or home refinance loans to collect and disclose information about their lending practices.
HOME | Home Investment Partnerships Program
HUD formula grants to participating jurisdictions to fund activities that build, buy, or rehabilitate affordable housing or to provide direct rental assistance to low-income individuals.
HOPWA | Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS
Program that provides funding to eligible jurisdictions to address the housing needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Helps ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS can access and maintain necessary medical care and other services by assisting them with stable housing and related supportive services.
HPP | Homeless Prevention Program
Provides rental assistance, utility assistance, and supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure, or homelessness or who are currently homeless.
HTF | National Housing Trust Fund
Primarily for production, rehabilitation, preservation, and operation of rental housing for extremely low-income households; provides block grants for states; priorities set through Consolidated Plan.
NSP | Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Congress established the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in order to stabilize communities that suffered from foreclosures and abandonment, through the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties.
PBRA | Project-Based Rental Assistance
Administered by HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing, Section 8 PBRA takes the form of a contract between HUD and building owners who agree to provide housing to eligible tenants in exchange for long-term subsidies. Project-Based Assistance limits tenant contributions to 30% of the household’s adjusted income.
PBV | Project-Based Voucher
A component of a public housing agency’s (PHAs) housing choice voucher program. A PHA can attach up to 20% of its voucher assistance to specific housing units if the owner agrees to either rehabilitate or construct the units, or the owner agrees to set aside a portion of the units in an existing development for lower-income families. In general, no more than 25% of a property’s units can be subsidized with PBVs.
PSH | Permanent Supportive Housing
Decent, safe, and affordable permanent community-based housing, targeted to vulnerable very-low-income households with serious, long-term disabilities, that is linked with an array of voluntary and flexible services to support successful tenancies.
AMI | Area Median Income
Median income in the area where one resides, the measure counts all income of residents over the age of 18. This includes wages, salaries, unemployment insurance, disability payments, and child support, as well as any personal, business, or investment incomes received regularly.
CAA | Community Action Agencies
Offer a variety of services to assist individuals and families in moving towards self-sufficiency. Federal funding is provided to Community Action Agencies to deliver locally designed programs and services for low-income individuals and families. CAAs may partner with local governments, community-based organizations, and the private sector to provide services.
CDC | Community Development Corporation
Nonprofit, community-based organizations that work to revitalize the neighborhoods in which they are located by building and rehabilitating housing, providing services, developing community facilities, and promoting or undertaking economic development.
CDFI | Community Development Financial Institution
A specialized financial institution that works in market niches that have not been adequately served by traditional financial institutions. CDFIs provide a wide range of financial products and services, including mortgage financing, commercial loans, financing for community facilities, and financial services needed by low-income households.
CHIP | Children’s Health Insurance Program
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost health coverage to eligible children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. States administer CHIP according to federal requirements. States and the federal government jointly fund the program.
CIL | Center for Independent Living
Provides independent living services, advocacy, and referral/support/transition services for people with disabilities; staff and board must be compromised of at least 50% people with disabilities.
CRA | Community Reinvestment Act
Prohibits lending institutions from discriminating against low- and moderate-income and minority neighborhoods. The CRA also imposes an affirmative obligation on banks to serve these communities. Banks must proactively assess community needs, conduct marketing and outreach campaigns in all communities, and consult with community stakeholders in developing financing options for affordable housing and economic development activities.
EITC | Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit, known as the EITC or EIC, is a benefit for working people with low- to moderate-income. In order to qualify, one must have earned income and adjusted gross income within certain limits, based on filing status and number of children claimed as dependents.
ELI | Extremely Low Income
A household income below 30% of the area median income, as defined by HUD.
EZ | Empowerment Zone
The Empowerment Zone Program consists of three U.S. congressional designations. The Renewal Communities (RCs), Empowerment Zones (EZs), and Enterprise Communities (ECs) are highly distressed urban and rural communities that may be eligible for a combination of grants, tax credits for businesses, and other benefits. Highly distressed refers to communities that have experienced poverty and/or high emigration based upon definitions in the law.
FMLA | Family and Medical Leave Act
A labor law requiring larger employers to provide employees job-protected unpaid leave due to a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform his or her job, or to care for a sick family member, or to care for a new child (including by birth, adoption or foster care).
FMR | Fair Market Rent
HUD’s estimate of the actual market rent for a modest apartment in the conventional marketplace. FMRs include utility costs (except for telephones).
FY | Fiscal Year
The accounting period for the federal government. The fiscal year for the federal government begins on October 1 and ends September 30 of the next year. It is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, FY16 began on October 1, 2015, and ended on September 30, 2016.
IZ | Inclusionary Zoning
Requirement or incentive to reserve a percentage of units in new developments for moderate-income households.
LIHEAP | Low Income Energy Assistance Program
Designed to assist eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. Provides a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used for energy bills. The amount of payment is determined by income, household size, fuel type, and geographic location. LIHEAP also provides one-time reconnection assistance for households whose utility service has been disconnected for nonpayment.
MID | Mortgage Interest Deduction
Federal tax deduction for mortgage interest paid in a year to acquire, construct, or improve a residence.
MSA | Metropolitan Statistical Area
The basic census unit for defining urban areas and rental markets.
NOFA | Notice of Funding Availability
A notice by a federal agency, used to inform potential applicants that program funding is available.
SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Formerly called Food Stamps, SNAP helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. The most important factors that determine the amount of and eligibility for SNAP benefits include income and expenses and the number of persons who live and eat together.
SSDI | Social Security Disability Income
Social Security pays disability benefits to people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
SSI | Supplemental Security Income Program
Managed by the Social Security Administration, SSI makes monthly payments to people who have low income and few resources, and who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
TANF | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Provides block grants to states administered under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which established a new welfare system. The TANF block grant replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).
VLI | Very Low Income
A household with income at or below 50% of area median income, as defined by HUD.
WIC | Women, Infants and Children
Helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby; infants and children under 5 years old (including foster children); and families with a low- to medium-income are eligible.
AAA | Area Agency on Aging
In accordance with federal regulations, the Illinois Department on Aging has divided Illinois into thirteen Planning and Service Areas (PSAs), each managed and served by an Area Agency on Aging. Area Agencies have the primary task of planning and coordinating services and programs for older people in their respective areas. Area Agencies contract with local agencies, which provide services to the older people who live in the same community.
AG | Attorney General
The Attorney General is the state’s chief legal officer and is responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and its people. The Attorney General’s Office administers a fund of $70 million from the national foreclosure settlement with the country’s five largest bank mortgage servicers for housing counseling services and relief efforts for Illinois communities fraught with vacant and abandoned properties that have been hardest hit by foreclosure.
CCP | Community Care Program
The Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program helps senior citizens, who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services.
DCEO | Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State agency with the mission to provide economic opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents. The DCEO Office of Community Assistance administers:
• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services
• The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP), which helps low-income households reduce heating and cooling costs by making energy efficiency upgrades to homes
• The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program, which assists low-income individuals and families with job preparedness, education, income management, emergency services, nutrition, family stabilization, and health and medical assistance in local communities.
DCFS | Department of Children and Family Services
Protects children who are reported to be abused or neglected and increases their families’ capacity to safely care for them; provides for the well-being of children in their care; provides appropriate, permanent families as quickly as possible for those children who cannot safely return home; and supports early intervention and child abuse prevention activities and work in partnerships with communities to fulfill this mission.
DHFS | Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Responsible for providing healthcare coverage for adults and children who qualify for Medicaid, and for providing child support services to help ensure that Illinois children receive financial support from both parents.
DHS | Department of Human Services
Provides residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving to move from welfare to work and economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency.
HRC | Human Rights Commission
State agency committed to fighting discrimination based on the following protected classes identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status (with regard to employment) ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, familial status (with regard to housing), physical or mental disability, arrest record, military status, sexual orientation, and unfavorable discharge from military service.
IDES | Illinois Department of Employment Security
Supports economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing employment services to Illinois residents and employers, analyzing and disseminating essential labor market information, and administering unemployment unsurance programs.
IDHR | Illinois Department of Human Rights
Takes and investigates charges of discrimination involving commercial and residential real estate transactions. IDHR also conducts education and outreach activities for home seekers, landlords, property owners, advertisers, and community organizations.
IDOA | Illinois Department on Aging
The Illinois Department on Aging helps older adults live independently in their own homes and communities.
IDOC | Illinois Department of Corrections
Administers the Illinois state prison system.
IDOR | Illinois Department of Revenue
Serves as the tax collection agency for state and local government, oversees local property tax assessments, and functions as the funding agent for the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health
Protects the health and wellness of the people of Illinois by promoting health and through the prevention and control of disease and injury.
IDVA | Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Assists veterans and their families navigate the system of federal, state, and local resources and benefits; provides long-term health care for eligible veterans; and partners with other agencies and nonprofits to help veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges.
IHDA | Illinois Housing Development Authority
IHDA is a self-supporting agency that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing across Illinois.
IHWAP | Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program
Helps low-income households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient. Energy conservation measures provided through home weatherization can ensure citizens have access to more affordable energy services.
PTAB | The Property Tax Appeal Board
Provides an unbiased forum for taxpayers and taxing bodies that are dissatisfied with property assessments.
SHPO | State Historic Preservation Office
Each state and territory has a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which is charged with administering federal and state preservation programs and laws, including reviewing federal and state undertakings (such as road projects) for their impact on cultural resources and administering rehabilitation tax incentives for qualified historic buildings. The Illinois Historic Preservation Division operates historic sites, as well as helps homeowners, businesses, and communities preserve their own historic resources.
CFPB | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulates the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under federal consumer financial laws and educates and empowers consumers to make better informed financial decisions.
CNCS | Corporation for National and Community Service
Engages Americans in service through its core programs, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and the Social Innovation Fund, and national volunteer efforts. The mission of CNCS is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
FDIC | Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Guarantees (within limits) funds on deposits in member institutions, and makes loans to or buys assets from member institutions to facilitate mergers or prevent failures.
FEMA | Federal Emergency Management Agency
Supports citizens and emergency personnel to build, sustain, and improve the nation’s capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA provides Disaster Housing Assistance that can be used to meet uninsured housing needs after a disaster, including reimbursement for short-term rent or hotel expenses, and money to repair or replace a damaged or destroyed home.
FHA | Federal Housing Administration
A part of HUD that insures lenders against loss on residential mortgages.
FHEO | Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Enforces federal laws and establishes policies to ensure that all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice.
FHFA | Federal Housing Finance Agency
Created in 2008 to regulate Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
FHLB | Federal Home Loan Bank
Federal Home Loan Banks help member institutions meet the credit needs of communities everywhere in all economic cycles. Members include banks, thrifts, credit unions, insurers, and community development financial institutions.
FHLMC (Freddie Mac) | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
A government-sponsored enterprise that purchases mortgages from originators to facilitate new mortgage lending.
FNMA (Fannie Mae) | Federal National Mortgage Association
A government-sponsored enterprise that purchases and securitizes mortgages to ensure that funds are consistently available to institutions that lend money to home buyers.
GNMA (Ginnie Mae) | Government National Mortgage Association
Part of HUD, Ginnie Mae guarantees payment on mortgage-backed securities, which represent pools of residential mortgages insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, the Veterans Administration, or the Rural Housing Service.
HHS | Department of Health and Human Services
Enhances and protects the health and well-being of all Americans by providing effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services.
HUD | Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; and build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination.
RD | Rural Development
As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), RD administers grant and loan programs to promote and support housing, public facilities and services such as water and sewer systems, health clinics, emergency service facilities, and electric and telephone service in rural communities.
RHS | Rural Housing Service
Part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), RHS is responsible for administering a number of rural housing and community facilities programs, including providing loans and grants for single-family homes, apartments for low-income people, housing for farm workers, child care centers, fire and police stations, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, and schools.
SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission
The Securities and Exchange Commission oversees securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds in an effort to promote fair dealing, to disclose important market information, and to prevent fraud.
SSA | Social Security Administration
Provides financial protection to Americans through retirement, disability and survivors’ benefits.
USDA | United States Department of Agriculture
Provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, scientific research, and effective management. The USDA administers housing assistance in rural areas through its Rural Development agencies and offices.
VA | Veterans’ Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs connects homeless and at-risk veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services, and other required supports. The VA also helps service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners by providing a home loan guaranty benefit and other housing-related programs.
AHRMA | Assisted Housing Risk Management Assessment
BCMW | Bond Clinton Marion Washington Community Services, Inc.
CEFS | Christian Clay Effingham Fayette Montgomery Moultrie and Shelby Economic Opportunity Corporation
CAFHA | Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance
CASL | Chinese American Service League
CCH | Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
CCLF | Chicago Community Loan Fund
CCRPC | Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
CCS | Comprehensive Community Solutions
CCT | Chicago Community Trust
CEDA | Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc.
CHA | Chicago Housing Authority
CLCCRUL | Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.
CRN | Chicago Rehab Network
CSH | Corporation for Supportive Housing
ERBA | Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc.
FHCSO | Ford Heights Community Service Organization
GPCC | Garfield Park Community Council
HACC | Housing Authority of Cook County
HCP | Housing Choice Partners of Chicago
IACAA | Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies
IFF | Illinois Facilities Fund
IHC | Illinois Housing Council
IHDA | Illinois Housing Development Authority
JMLS | John Marshall Law School
LCBH | Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing
LINC | Living Independently Now Center
LISC | Local Initiatives Support Corporation
LUCHA | Latin United Community Housing Association
MCCA | Mid-Central Community Action, Inc.
NACEDA | National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations
NAEH | National Alliance to End Homelessness
NCRC | National Community Reinvestment Coalition
NCSHA | National Council of State Housing Agencies
NHS | Neighborhood Housing Services
NLIHC | National Low Income Housing Coalition
OPRHC | Oak Park Regional Housing Center
PICB | Partners in Community Building Inc.
PRC | People’s Resource Center
RBC | Responsible Budget Coalition
RCAC | Rural Community Assistance Corps
SCH | Spanish Coalition for Housing
SHPA | Supportive Housing Providers Association
SSFS | South Suburban Family Shelter
SSHC | South Suburban Housing Center
VCHA | Vermillion County Housing Authority
WCCCC | Will County Center for Community Concerns
WEEOC | Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council
AAA | Area Agency on Aging
In accordance with federal regulations, the Illinois Department on Aging has divided Illinois into thirteen Planning and Service Areas (PSAs), each managed and served by an Area Agency on Aging. Area Agencies have the primary task of planning and coordinating services and programs for older people in their respective areas. Area Agencies contract with local agencies, which provide services to the older people who live in the same community.
AFFH | Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Provides program participants (cities, counties, states, and public housing agencies) with a planning approach to aid them in taking meaningful actions to overcome historic patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities that are free from discrimination.
AG | Attorney General
The Attorney General is the state’s chief legal officer and is responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and its people. The Attorney General’s Office administers a fund of $70 million from the national foreclosure settlement with the country’s five largest bank mortgage servicers for housing counseling services and relief efforts for Illinois communities fraught with vacant and abandoned properties that have been hardest hit by foreclosure.
AMI | Area Median Income
Median income in the area where one resides, the measure counts all income of residents over the age of 18. This includes wages, salaries, unemployment insurance, disability payments, and child support, as well as any personal, business, or investment incomes received regularly.
CAA | Community Action Agencies
Offer a variety of services to assist individuals and families in moving towards self-sufficiency. Federal funding is provided to Community Action Agencies to deliver locally designed programs and services for low-income individuals and families. CAAs may partner with local governments, community-based organizations, and the private sector to provide services.
CCP | Community Care Program
The Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program helps senior citizens, who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services.
CDBG | Community Development Block Grants
Grants administered by HUD that are distributed to states, counties with populations of 200,000 or more, and cities with populations of 50,000 or more. Used for housing and community development activities, principally benefiting low and moderate-income people.
CDC | Community Development Corporation
Nonprofit, community-based organizations that work to revitalize the neighborhoods in which they are located by building and rehabilitating housing, providing services, developing community facilities, and promoting or undertaking economic development.
CDFI | Community Development Financial Institution
A specialized financial institution that works in market niches that have not been adequately served by traditional financial institutions. CDFIs provide a wide range of financial products and services, including mortgage financing, commercial loans, financing for community facilities, and financial services needed by low-income households.
CFPB | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulates the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under federal consumer financial laws and educates and empowers consumers to make better informed financial decisions.
CHDO | Community Housing Development Organization
Federally defined type of nonprofit housing provider; must receive a minimum of 15% of all HOME Investment Partnership Funds.
CHIP | Children’s Health Insurance Program
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost health coverage to eligible children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. States administer CHIP according to federal requirements. States and the federal government jointly fund the program.
CIL | Center for Independent Living
Provides independent living services, advocacy, and referral/support/transition services for people with disabilities; staff and board must be compromised of at least 50% people with disabilities.
CNCS | Corporation for National and Community Service
Engages Americans in service through its core programs, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and the Social Innovation Fund, and national volunteer efforts. The mission of CNCS is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
CoC | Continuum of Care
Most commonly, a CoC refers to the local or regional planning body that coordinates the efforts of all stakeholders involved in addressing homelessness in a given geographic area. CoC also refers to a HUD grant program that supports homelessness and housing programs and services.
CRA | Community Reinvestment Act
Prohibits lending institutions from discriminating against low- and moderate-income and minority neighborhoods. The CRA also imposes an affirmative obligation on banks to serve these communities. Banks must proactively assess community needs, conduct marketing and outreach campaigns in all communities, and consult with community stakeholders in developing financing options for affordable housing and economic development activities.
CSBG | Community Services Block Grant Program
Provides assistance and funding to organizations such as Community Action Agencies and homeless shelters, which in turn help low-income individuals move toward self-sufficiency.
DCEO | Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State agency with the mission to provide economic opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents. The DCEO Office of Community Assistance administers:
• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services
• The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP), which helps low-income households reduce heating and cooling costs by making energy efficiency upgrades to homes
• The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program, which assists low-income individuals and families with job preparedness, education, income management, emergency services, nutrition, family stabilization, and health and medical assistance in local communities.
DCFS | Department of Children and Family Services
Protects children who are reported to be abused or neglected and increases their families’ capacity to safely care for them; provides for the well-being of children in their care; provides appropriate, permanent families as quickly as possible for those children who cannot safely return home; and supports early intervention and child abuse prevention activities and work in partnerships with communities to fulfill this mission.
DHFS | Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Responsible for providing healthcare coverage for adults and children who qualify for Medicaid, and for providing child support services to help ensure that Illinois children receive financial support from both parents.
DHS | Department of Human Services
Provides residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving to move from welfare to work and economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency.
EITC | Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit, known as the EITC or EIC, is a benefit for working people with low- to moderate-income. In order to qualify, one must have earned income and adjusted gross income within certain limits, based on filing status and number of children claimed as dependents.
ELI | Extremely Low Income
A household income below 30% of the area median income, as defined by HUD.
ESG | Emergency Solutions Grants
HUD grant to states and larger cities that funds rapid re-housing and homeless prevention programs, as well as emergency shelters.
EZ | Empowerment Zone
The Empowerment Zone Program consists of three U.S. congressional designations. The Renewal Communities (RCs), Empowerment Zones (EZs), and Enterprise Communities (ECs) are highly distressed urban and rural communities that may be eligible for a combination of grants, tax credits for businesses, and other benefits. Highly distressed refers to communities that have experienced poverty and/or high emigration based upon definitions in the law.
FDIC | Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Guarantees (within limits) funds on deposits in member institutions, and makes loans to or buys assets from member institutions to facilitate mergers or prevent failures.
FEMA | Federal Emergency Management Agency
Supports citizens and emergency personnel to build, sustain, and improve the nation’s capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA provides Disaster Housing Assistance that can be used to meet uninsured housing needs after a disaster, including reimbursement for short-term rent or hotel expenses, and money to repair or replace a damaged or destroyed home.
FHA | Federal Housing Administration
A part of HUD that insures lenders against loss on residential mortgages.
FHEO | Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Enforces federal laws and establishes policies to ensure that all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice.
FHFA | Federal Housing Finance Agency
Created in 2008 to regulate Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
FHLB | Federal Home Loan Bank
Federal Home Loan Banks help member institutions meet the credit needs of communities everywhere in all economic cycles. Members include banks, thrifts, credit unions, insurers, and community development financial institutions.
FHLMC (Freddie Mac) | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
A government-sponsored enterprise that purchases mortgages from originators to facilitate new mortgage lending.
FMLA | Family and Medical Leave Act
A labor law requiring larger employers to provide employees job-protected unpaid leave due to a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform his or her job, or to care for a sick family member, or to care for a new child (including by birth, adoption or foster care).
FMR | Fair Market Rent
HUD’s estimate of the actual market rent for a modest apartment in the conventional marketplace. FMRs include utility costs (except for telephones).
FNMA (Fannie Mae) | Federal National Mortgage Association
A government-sponsored enterprise that purchases and securitizes mortgages to ensure that funds are consistently available to institutions that lend money to home buyers.
FY | Fiscal Year
The accounting period for the federal government. The fiscal year for the federal government begins on October 1 and ends September 30 of the next year. It is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, FY16 began on October 1, 2015, and ended on September 30, 2016.
GNMA (Ginnie Mae) | Government National Mortgage Association
Part of HUD, Ginnie Mae guarantees payment on mortgage-backed securities, which represent pools of residential mortgages insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, the Veterans Administration, or the Rural Housing Service.
HAP | Housing Assistance Payments
A payment made according to a specific contract between HUD and a property owner to provide rental assistance. The term applies to both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance Program.
HCA | Housing Counseling Agency
HUD-approved agencies where trained housing counselors assess an individual’s financial situation and provide connections to a variety of foreclosure prevention/mortgage programs.
HCV | Housing Choice Voucher
A rental assistance program funded by HUD. The program helps eligible families rent private housing. Families pay a percentage (generally not more than 30%) of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The federal subsidy pays the balance of the rent to the property owner.
HEARTH | Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009
Revises the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, placing an increased priority on homeless families with children, increasing resources to prevent homelessness, providing incentives for developing permanent supportive housing, and creating new tools for rural areas.
HFA | Housing Finance Agency
Typically, independent, state-chartered authorities approved by HUD that operate under a board of directors as appointed by each state’s government; e.g., Illinois Housing Development Authority. Responsible for allocating and administering federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) as well as other federal and state housing financing sources.
HHS | Department of Health and Human Services
Enhances and protects the health and well-being of all Americans by providing effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services.
HMDA | Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
HMDA requires most financial institutions that make mortgage loans, home improvement loans, or home refinance loans to collect and disclose information about their lending practices.
HOME | Home Investment Partnerships Program
HUD formula grants to participating jurisdictions to fund activities that build, buy, or rehabilitate affordable housing or to provide direct rental assistance to low-income individuals.
HOPWA | Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS
Program that provides funding to eligible jurisdictions to address the housing needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Helps ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS can access and maintain necessary medical care and other services by assisting them with stable housing and related supportive services.
HPP | Homeless Prevention Program
Provides rental assistance, utility assistance, and supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure, or homelessness or who are currently homeless.
HRC | Human Rights Commission
State agency committed to fighting discrimination based on the following protected classes identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status (with regard to employment) ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, familial status (with regard to housing), physical or mental disability, arrest record, military status, sexual orientation, and unfavorable discharge from military service.
HTF | National Housing Trust Fund
Primarily for production, rehabilitation, preservation, and operation of rental housing for extremely low-income households; provides block grants for states; priorities set through Consolidated Plan.
HUD | Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; and build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination.
IDES | Illinois Department of Employment Security
Supports economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing employment services to Illinois residents and employers, analyzing and disseminating essential labor market information, and administering unemployment unsurance programs.
IDHR | Illinois Department of Human Rights
Takes and investigates charges of discrimination involving commercial and residential real estate transactions. IDHR also conducts education and outreach activities for home seekers, landlords, property owners, advertisers, and community organizations.
IDOA | Illinois Department on Aging
The Illinois Department on Aging helps older adults live independently in their own homes and communities.
IDOC | Illinois Department of Corrections
Administers the Illinois state prison system.
IDOR | Illinois Department of Revenue
Serves as the tax collection agency for state and local government, oversees local property tax assessments, and functions as the funding agent for the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health
Protects the health and wellness of the people of Illinois by promoting health and through the prevention and control of disease and injury.
IDVA | Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Assists veterans and their families navigate the system of federal, state, and local resources and benefits; provides long-term health care for eligible veterans; and partners with other agencies and nonprofits to help veterans address education, mental health, housing, employment, and other challenges.
IHDA | Illinois Housing Development Authority
IHDA is a self-supporting agency that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing across Illinois.
IHWAP | Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program
Helps low-income households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient. Energy conservation measures provided through home weatherization can ensure citizens have access to more affordable energy services.
IZ | Inclusionary Zoning
Requirement or incentive to reserve a percentage of units in new developments for moderate-income households.
LIHEAP | Low Income Energy Assistance Program
Designed to assist eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. Provides a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used for energy bills. The amount of payment is determined by income, household size, fuel type, and geographic location. LIHEAP also provides one-time reconnection assistance for households whose utility service has been disconnected for nonpayment.
MID | Mortgage Interest Deduction
Federal tax deduction for mortgage interest paid in a year to acquire, construct, or improve a residence.
MSA | Metropolitan Statistical Area
The basic census unit for defining urban areas and rental markets.
NOFA | Notice of Funding Availability
A notice by a federal agency, used to inform potential applicants that program funding is available.
NSP | Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Congress established the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in order to stabilize communities that suffered from foreclosures and abandonment, through the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties.
PBRA | Project-Based Rental Assistance
Administered by HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing, Section 8 PBRA takes the form of a contract between HUD and building owners who agree to provide housing to eligible tenants in exchange for long-term subsidies. Project-Based Assistance limits tenant contributions to 30% of the household’s adjusted income.
PBV | Project-Based Voucher
A component of a public housing agency’s (PHAs) housing choice voucher program. A PHA can attach up to 20% of its voucher assistance to specific housing units if the owner agrees to either rehabilitate or construct the units, or the owner agrees to set aside a portion of the units in an existing development for lower-income families. In general, no more than 25% of a property’s units can be subsidized with PBVs.
PSH | Permanent Supportive Housing
Decent, safe, and affordable permanent community-based housing, targeted to vulnerable very-low-income households with serious, long-term disabilities, that is linked with an array of voluntary and flexible services to support successful tenancies.
PTAB | The Property Tax Appeal Board
Provides an unbiased forum for taxpayers and taxing bodies that are dissatisfied with property assessments.
RD | Rural Development
As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), RD administers grant and loan programs to promote and support housing, public facilities and services such as water and sewer systems, health clinics, emergency service facilities, and electric and telephone service in rural communities.
RHS | Rural Housing Service
Part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), RHS is responsible for administering a number of rural housing and community facilities programs, including providing loans and grants for single-family homes, apartments for low-income people, housing for farm workers, child care centers, fire and police stations, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, and schools.
SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission
The Securities and Exchange Commission oversees securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds in an effort to promote fair dealing, to disclose important market information, and to prevent fraud.
SHPO | State Historic Preservation Office
Each state and territory has a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which is charged with administering federal and state preservation programs and laws, including reviewing federal and state undertakings (such as road projects) for their impact on cultural resources and administering rehabilitation tax incentives for qualified historic buildings. The Illinois Historic Preservation Division operates historic sites, as well as helps homeowners, businesses, and communities preserve their own historic resources.
SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Formerly called Food Stamps, SNAP helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. The most important factors that determine the amount of and eligibility for SNAP benefits include income and expenses and the number of persons who live and eat together.
SSA | Social Security Administration
Provides financial protection to Americans through retirement, disability and survivors’ benefits.
SSDI | Social Security Disability Income
Social Security pays disability benefits to people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
SSI | Supplemental Security Income Program
Managed by the Social Security Administration, SSI makes monthly payments to people who have low income and few resources, and who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
TANF | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Provides block grants to states administered under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which established a new welfare system. The TANF block grant replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).
USDA | United States Department of Agriculture
Provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, scientific research, and effective management. The USDA administers housing assistance in rural areas through its Rural Development agencies and offices.
VA | Veterans’ Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs connects homeless and at-risk veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services, and other required supports. The VA also helps service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners by providing a home loan guaranty benefit and other housing-related programs.
VLI | Very Low Income
A household with income at or below 50% of area median income, as defined by HUD.
WIC | Women, Infants and Children
Helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby; infants and children under 5 years old (including foster children); and families with a low- to medium-income are eligible.