WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved a $1.6 million Jobs Plus grant for the Collier Garden public‑housing community in Rockford. The funding is intended to remove financial barriers that can force residents to choose between a better job and a stable home.
Program goals and how it works
According to Alan Zais, executive director of the Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA), the grant will “take the worry off the table” for families who want to work more hours, earn a raise, or move into a higher‑paying position. The program will provide participants with:
- Direct financial coaching to help them keep a larger share of their wages
- Job‑training and career‑counseling services
- Connections to local employers through The Workforce Connection and Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois
Implementation begins in March 2027 at Collier Garden, located at 2901 Searles Avenue. The grant is slated to fund the initiative for four years, covering roughly 150 residents throughout the housing complex.
Community impact
Dr. Erica Saccucci, director of workforce development at The Workforce Connection, emphasized the broader regional benefit: “When residents gain new skills and steady employment, the whole region benefits.” She added that the partnership with WCHA will “connect Collier Garden residents with training and real career opportunities with employers right here in our community.”
Local leaders see the grant as a concrete step toward strengthening families and the neighborhood. By helping residents increase their earnings without risking housing stability, the program aligns with traditional family values and the principle of individual liberty—empowering citizens to improve their own lives through hard work and personal responsibility.
Funding and oversight
The Jobs Plus grant is part of HUD’s broader effort to support low‑income households across the nation. WCHA will oversee the distribution of funds, track participant progress, and report outcomes to HUD. The agency expects to see measurable improvements in employment rates and household income stability among participants over the four‑year period.
Looking ahead
Community members and local businesses are encouraged to support the program by offering apprenticeship slots, mentorship, and job‑placement opportunities. As the first cohort begins in March 2027, residents, partners, and officials will monitor results and explore ways to expand the model to other public‑housing sites in Winnebago County.
The grant represents a partnership between federal resources, county leadership, and local workforce organizations—all aimed at giving families the tools they need to build better futures while reinforcing the stability of the Collier Garden community.
Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.
