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Evanston Restorative Housing Program (Reparations)

Administered by: City of Evanston Reparations Committee · City · Grant

Funding status: Active

How much assistance

Up to $25,000 (Grant)

Grant — no repayment required when eligibility conditions are met. Intended for down payment, mortgage assistance, or home improvement.

Eligibility

  • Income limits: No general income limit; eligibility is ancestry-based.
  • First-time buyer required: No
  • Geographic restrictions: Limited to Black Evanston residents who qualify as ancestors (lived in Evanston 1919-1969) or direct descendants, or those who experienced housing discrimination due to City policies/practices after 1969. Property must be in Evanston, IL.
  • Homebuyer education required: No

How to Apply for Evanston Restorative Housing Program (Reparations)

Step 1: Apply to the City of Evanston Reparations Committee during an open application round. Must provide documentation of ancestry qualifying as ancestor or direct descendant, or documentation of post-1969 housing discrimination. Applicants must be at least 18 and of African-American ancestry.

Visit program website

Notes

First publicly funded municipal reparations program in the U.S. Funded by Municipal Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax. Program has been subject to legal challenges — verify current funding and application availability with the City of Evanston before planning around it.

Cities Where This Program Is Available