Resources for Near West Side Renters and Homeowners
Near West Side Partners is dedicated to increasing homeownership in the Near West Side and assisting tenants to ensure housing stability. If you are a homeowner, looking to become a homeowner or stay on the Near West Side in a rental property, consult the resources below for home repair grants, rental assistance and additional resources.
Live Work Play Incentive
Near West Side Partners is committed to improving homeownership opportunities and housing quality in the seven Near West Side neighborhoods. In order to support new and existing residents, NWSP offers three incentives through the Live, Work, Play program:
- Matching grants for home repairs;
- Down payment incentive grants to assist with the purchase of a home in the Near West Side; and
- Rental incentive grants for Near West Side employees.
This program is administered by Near West Side Partners and supported by ACTS Housing, Housing Resources, Inc. & Associated Bank.
Home Repair Grant
In order to support homeowners interested in repairing and improving their residences, Near West Side Partners offers dollar-for-dollar matching grants, up to $1000, for home repairs and improvements.
Home repair grant applications are closed for 2024 and will reopen in 2025.
Homeownership Incentives
NWSP offers down payment incentives to residents currently renting in the Near West Side and employees of Near West Side businesses who would like to live in the area. Down payment incentives of $3,000 are available to assist eligible homebuyers with the purchase of homes in the seven Near West Side neighborhoods. Participants will receive both financial and technical assistance as part of the program.
To qualify for a Homeownership Incentive, the applicant must:
- Be a current renter in good standing in the Near West Side -or- be employed at Near West Side business;
- Agree to purchase a home in one of the seven the Near West Side neighborhoods;
- Agree to occupy that home as their primary residence; and
- Agree to participate in a homebuyer education program.
Rental Incentives
If you are interested in calling the Near West Side home but are not yet ready to buy, the Live, Work, Play Rental Incentive is for you. Employees of Near West Side businesses are eligible for a $500 rental incentive when they sign a lease with any certified Good Neighbor landlord.
In order to qualify for a Rental Incentive, the applicant must:
- Be employed at Near West Side business;
- Agree to sign a new one-year lease with a Good Neighbor property; and
- Agree to occupy the leased unit as their primary residence during the lease term.
