Celebrating 50 Years
For a half century, we have been opening up homeownership opportunities for working-class families in Chicago
Since 1975
$0M
Funds Loaned
0
Homeowners Created
0
Homeowners Saved from Foreclosure
Neighborhood Revitalization
NHS began as a partnership to combat redlining in Chicago’s neighborhoods. Since our founding, we have stayed focused on closing the racial wealth gap through the creation and promotion of sustainable homeownership and neighborhood investment programs.
Our History
Through the years, we have adapted and delivered for residents. We have formed longstanding partnerships to respond to emerging problems, while also innovating new ways to help homeowners.
Our belief has always been that homeownership is vital to community development.
1970s
1975 – NHS forms as a partnership with residents, banks, and the city to combat redlining and revitalize neighborhoods
1978 – The NHS Redevelopment Corporation begins developing new homes and rehabilitating vacant buildings
1979 – Incorporate insurance companies into partnership to make more products available in communities of color
1980s
1981 – With high interest rates, NHS secures an interest-free loan to help homeowners repair and stay in their homes
1986 – Building on rehab lending experience, Neighborhood Lending Services (NLS) is formed to administer $25 million in home improvement loans
1988 – NHS/NLS makes 700 loans for neighborhood investment
1990s
1993 – In recognition of homeownership value, we establish a full cycle homeownership educational curriculum
1995 – Expanded vacant building purchase and rehab through the Family Housing Fund and direct development in target neighborhoods
1997 – Launch citywide foreclosure intervention program after recognizing emerging predatory lending
2000s
2000 – Launch pilot loan fund to assist homeowners in danger of losing their homes due to predatory lending
2006 – Preserve homes in North Lawndale through Historic Greystone Initiative
2009 – Host series of “fix your mortgage” events to help thousands of residents facing foreclosure
2010s
2011 – Expand operations to address foreclosure crisis and help homeowners with mortgage payment assistance, reinstatement assistance, unemployment assistance, and loan modification assistance
2012 – Administer $8.2 million in down payment grants to break down barriers to homeownership
2016 – Create 44 new homeowners by redeveloping properties in Woodlawn
2020s
2020 – Respond to COVID-19 by moving all educational courses online and offering resources for food security
2021 – Spearhead the Lending Equity Ordinance, increasing transparency and public accountability from banks
2022 – Convene the Chicago Flats Initiative, focusing on supporting small-unit landlords and preserving 2-4 flats to create wealth-building opportunities for Black and Brown Chicagoans
Our work isn't done!
Thank you for your continued support. Please consider making a donation to ensure we can continue to make homeownership possible for the next 50 years.
Share Your Story
Tell us about the impact NHS has made on YOU!
In honor of our 50-year anniversary, we’re asking our neighbors, partners, and staff to share how our organization has empowered them.
We’re collecting any stories, photos, and videos.
We’re planning many upcoming events to celebrate our rich legacy! Sign up for notifications to stay up to date:
“I am proud to announce, that as of March of last year, my home is paid in full. Thank you, NHS! Your organization was a blessing for my family. Happy Anniversary! I hope you have many more years to make other families’ dreams come true, just like mine.”
