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WiFi @ the Library
Bring your laptop! Visit any of our branches for free WiFi!
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Featured Resource
Illinois Legal Aid »
Ayuda Legal Illinois » 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 non-Library 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.
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 as well as divorces, misdemeanors, felonies and DUI arrests.
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 Foreclosure Prevention Network »
This resource brings together the services of state agencies and nonprofits to assist homeowners facing foreclosure. Find a housing counseling agency and foreclosure prevention workshops. The Foreclosure Process Timeline details what to expect for those behind on mortgage payments.
- 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.
- 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.