
Stronger Together: Carrying the Momentum Forward
From September 15–17, leaders from 25 Affiliate Support Organizations (ASOs) gathered in Chicago for the 2025 ASO Alliance Annual Meeting. Together, we put our heads and hearts into thinking about how we can better serve affiliates across the country and…

First Home Under Construction at Aurora’s New ‘Smart Neighborhood’
By R. Christian Smith | rsmith@chicagotribune.com | Aurora Beacon-NewsPUBLISHED: July 8, 2025 at 4:26 PM CDT The foundation has been laid and the walls are going up for the very first home in Aurora’s new “Smart Neighborhood,” part of a…

Celebrating 40 Years and 200 Homes
In 2025, Habitat for Humanity of McLean County is celebrating a remarkable double milestone—its 40th anniversary and the construction of its 200th home! The celebration kicked off with a wall build and groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, April 26, marking both…

Beyond the Blueprint: Building Impact into the Future
2025 Habitat for Humanity Midwest Regional Conference Summary The inaugural Midwest Regional Conference took place April 1–3, 2025, in Rochester, Minnesota. Hosted in partnership by the Affiliate Support Organizations (ASOs) from Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota, the event united staff and…

A Breakthrough Partnership for Rural Homeownership
A groundbreaking partnership between USDA, IHDA, and Habitat for Humanity has led to the first successful closing using USDA’s 502 loan product paired with IHDA’s down payment assistance—unlocking new opportunities for affordable homeownership in designated rural communities. This innovative collaboration…