COVID Relief Fund

CommunityAugust 10, 2020

In partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), GLCU is to assist those experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) and Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) programs. As an approved, funded partner agency, GLCU will provide support to Illinois residents across Northern Illinois with rental and mortgage assistance, personalized one-on-one housing and financial counseling to help those negatively impacted by the pandemic.

"The road to recovery from the ongoing financial impacts from COVID-19 is still under construction. GLCU strives to pave the way for those in our local communities to alleviate hardships wherever possible," said GLCU President / CEO, Steve Bugg. "Any assistance we can provide for the betterment of our community is a top priority for us."

GLCU's partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), will aid in operating the ERA and EMA programs by helping Illinois residents with the online application process and providing follow-up housing counseling services. The program will provide one-time payments of up to $5,000 for rental assistance and up to $15,000 for mortgage assistance on a first-come, first-serve random selection basis for those that qualify. Funds are to be utilized for rent or mortgage, and homeowners association dues for one adult per household.

"It's important to us that we educate our community on the resources available to them," said GLCU Board Chair, Stephen Park. “When our community is in need, we want to ensure that they know that GLCU is behind them, advocating for tools and solutions to help them. We need to live up to those standards without exception."

Benefits and Additional Information

  • The program will assist households with up to $5,000 in rental assistance or up to $15,000 in mortgage assistance (granted through a lottery system)
  • This program is open to anyone in the State of Illinois - including GLCU members and non-members that meet the program requirements
  • The application for rental assistance will be open from August 10– August 21, 2020
  • The application for mortgage assistance will be open from August 24 – September 4, 2020
  • Due to the anticipated high volume, the application window may close early
  • The selection process is randomized; this means an application does not guarantee assistance

For ERA applicants, approximately 30,000 tenants are expected to receive funding

For EMA applicants, approximately 10,000 homeowners are expected to receive funding

Please click here for more information on updated programs and assistance.

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