Employer-assisted housing (EAH) is a cost effective, easy to administer, hassle free way for employers to help their employees buy or rent homes close to work. When working families are not able to live close to work, their long commutes contribute to traffic congestion, dependence on foreign oil, and air pollution. Unstable and unaffordable housing markets, as well as neighborhoods and families devastated by foreclosures affect businesses with increased stress levels, reduced worker productivity, and unsafe neighborhoods.

In Illinois, the Metropolitan Planning Council, Housing Action Illinois, and more than a dozen REACH partners make it easy and financially compelling for employers to offer EAH programs to their employees. These local housing experts administer the program, provide homeownership education and financial counseling, and manage the down payment or rental assistance provided by employers. Special state incentives, including tax credits and matching funds, make REACH Illinois even more compelling. Through REACH Illinois, more than 1,800 employees have bought homes since 2000.

Click here to browse a list of participating employers.