Connecting Capital & Community (3C)
Charting a new path for West Side residents to build wealth through homeownership
What is 3C?
3C Chicago is a collaborative initiative that unites a diverse network of residents, community organizations, and partners from private, public, and philanthropic sectors. Together, they work to pave a sustainable pathway for residents of underinvested communities to achieve affordable homeownership, build generational wealth, and keep their homes for years to come. This collaborative leverages its experience and funding to create supply and demand solutions for homebuyers in East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park, shaping a new homeownership model for Chicago that can be scaled across other communities
Start Now, Here's How
1. Attend Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Education is the best place to start your journey. In this comprehensive course, you will learn about the homebuying process from start to finish. Led by HUD-Approved Housing Counselors, Homebuyer Education will set you up for success by providing excellent reference guides and toolkits, the chance to hear from real estate experts, and live question-and-answer time. Courses are currently offered in-person and virtually by NHS and Spanish Coalition for Housing.
2. Meet with a HUD-Approved Counselor
This is where you receive a personalized homeownership plan! HUD-Approved Counselors develop a strategy to help you achieve your homeownership goals and prepare you financially. Your HUD-Approved Counselor can also answer any and all questions you may have. Both NHS and Spanish Coalition for Housing have virtual appointments available.
3. Get Pre-Approved with New 3C Loan Program
This new 3C Loan Program features low interest rates, down payment assistance, closing costs assistance, and does not require private mortgage insurance. Your HUD-Approved Counselor will help you apply for this program.
4. Search for a Home
3C development partners have new homes for sale on the West Side of Chicago! Our team can help facilitate tours.
New Loan Program
Our new loan program is centered on making homeownership more affordable for you. Our new, unrivaled mortgage product features:
- 3.5% interest rate
- No private mortgage insurance
- Down payment assistance up to $100,000
- Closing costs assistance
3C Orientation Classes
In this orientation course, we will walk you through the 3C program from start to finish. You will hear about eligibility, next steps, and how to achieve sustainable homeownership on the West Side of Chicago.
Homeownership 101: 3C Program Orientation 9/09/25
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Webinar ID: 834 8435 2379
This 60-minute webinar will highlight key points of the 3C Chicago initiative that is tailored to building wealth through homeownership in two of Chicago’s black and Latinx West Side communities: East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park. This workshop will give a detailed overview of the 3C initiative, the 3C home buying process, information on development partners and available homes and floorplans, mortgage products specifically curated for 3C borrowers, and down payment assistance. Learn more about: – 3C: Connecting Capital and Community Initiative – Affordable newly developed, single family and 2-flat homes for sale in East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park – Low interest Mortgage products specifically curated for 3C borrowers – Down payment assistance
Developer Webinars
Get an upcoming look at homes that qualify for the 3C program.
NHS Developer Spotlight: Citizens Building a Better Community
Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Webinar ID: 89346306104
3C Developer Spotlight: Citizens Building a Better Community (CBBC)
In this 60-minute session, we’ll take a closer look at one of the 3C Developer partners, CBBC and the NLS 3C Loan product.
Maha Joudeh from CBBC will cover:
- New development home purchase opportunities
- Available properties and lots through CBBC
- Detailed specs of CBBC homes
- Down Payment Grants
Homes for Sale
3C Homeowner Stories: Desmond
In partnership with
Contact Us
Have questions about the 3C program? Fill out the below form and we will reach out! You can also email 3clending@nhschicago.org directly. Thank you and we look forward to speaking with you!
