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WiFi @ the Library
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Featured Resource
Illinois Legal Aid »
Illinois Legal Aid (Spanish) » en español
Illinois Legal Aid’s website features helpful articles, videos and step-by-step guides regarding legal issues, such as foreclosure. It also provides contact information for local organizations that may be able to offer assistance.
Related Databases
Use these resources on any Chicago Public Library computer or on other computers with your Chicago Public Library card.
Chicago Sun-Times/SouthtownStar »
Follow recent financial developments and their impact on local issues. Learn how the national mortgage crisis is impacting metropolitan Chicago and how local leaders are responding.
CQ Researcher plus Archive »teen pick
Find overviews of current public policy issues, including issues related to housing and banking.
Illinois Public Records »
What’s the real estate in your neighborhood selling for? Search recent real estate transactions by community area, ZIP code and/or street name among other criteria. Also available are foreclosure, bankruptcy and new business filings.
National Newspapers »teen pick
Find articles from dozens of U.S. newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Some suggested topics are housing prices, mortgages and foreclosure.
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Helpful Websites
- City of Chicago: Housing »
The Department of Housing and Economic Development provides information, services and programs for prospective and current homeowners, developers, landlords and renters in an effort to increase access to housing in Chicago. Through the Home Ownership Preservation Initiative, Chicago residents who are having trouble paying their mortgage may call 3-1-1 to connect with a financial counselor.
- Illinois Association of Realtors Market Stats »
Research the local and state housing markets through statistics from the Illinois Association of Realtors. Available statistics include monthly home sales and median prices for the Chicago region and quarterly statistics for the city.
- Illinois Hardest Hit Program »
This program offers temporary mortgage payment assistance to households that are struggling with income loss due to unemployment or underemployment, but are working to regain sufficient income to keep their home.
- Illinois Housing Development Authority »
The Illinois Housing Development Authority works to increase the availability of homeownership for residents with low and moderate income. Resources for those facing foreclosure include who to contact for help and tips for avoiding scams.
- Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago »
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago offers programs to help make housing affordable for low- and moderate-income homebuyers and homeowners. Services include homebuyer training and education, assistance in obtaining financing, budget and credit counseling, and counseling for families at risk of losing their homes. Homebuyer classes are available in English and Spanish.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development »
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers essential information for homebuyers and homeowners, including information for people facing foreclosure.