By: Hanna Guerrero  

October 8, 2025  

Longtime residents of Pilsen and the lower west side of Chicago have noticed how quickly their neighborhood is changing. Rising housing costs and aging homes can make it tough for longtime residents to stay. That’s where the Resurrection Project (TRP) comes in. TRP understands that stability starts at home – and that’s exactly what the Pilsen Stay in Place Forgivable Loan program is designed to guarantee. 

The program was born out of conversations between TRP’s Full Circle Homes team and The Chicago Community Trust. They saw a troubling trend: too many households being priced out of the neighborhood because they couldn’t afford the critical repairs needed to stay in their homes. 

At its core, the program is straightforward: qualifying homeowners in Pilsen can receive up to $60,000 in forgivable loans to make essential home repairs. 

This is a critical resource for Pilsen and its residents. Victor Lua, TRP’s SEIP Program Manager says, “If you live in a 2–4 unit building in the target neighborhood and need repairs, we can help cover those costs. As long as you stay in your home and follow the program requirements, the loan is completely forgiven after five years.” 

That means no monthly payments, no interest rates, and no crushing debt—just the support families need to keep their homes safe and livable. 

Pilsen has long been home to working-class and immigrant families. In the past decade, gentrification has impacted Pilsen. According to the DePaul Institute of Housing Studies, from 2010 to 2020, the share of households earning less than $50,000 fell by 30%, while those making more than $100,000 more than tripled.  

To qualify, the property must be in Pilsen or in the lower west side. The property must have been owned for 10 years or more. It must have a 2–4–unit residential building and needs essential repairs tied to health, safety, and habitability. The household income must be at or below 120% of the area median income (AMI). TRP will review income, credit history, and assess financial sustainability.  

What Repairs Are Covered? 

The focus is on health, safety, and long-term stability—not luxury upgrades. Homeowners can apply for funding to cover things like: 

• Roof replacements 
• Tuckpointing 
• Plumbing or electrical work 
• Porch repairs 
• Heating systems 

“These are the kinds of fixes that could make the difference between staying in your home or being forced to leave due to not being able to make necessary repairs,” Victor says. 

Applying for financial support can feel daunting, but TRP’s team is ready to help every step of the way. 

“Start with one step at a time,” Victor advises. “Don’t worry about having everything perfect on day one. Call us or stop by our office any day from noon to 4:00 p.m., and we’ll walk you through it.” 

Counselors and navigators are available to help gather documents, explain requirements, and ease the stress of the application process. 

Counselors and navigators are available to help gather documents, explain requirements, and ease the stress of the application process. 

What You Need to Apply:  

• Valid government ID (driver’s license, passport, REAL ID, ITIN, etc.) 
• Proof of income: tax returns, W-2s / 1099s, bank statements, Social Security / pension letters, etc. 
• Proof of home ownership and mortgage information
• A detailed scope of work for needed repairs, including at least three written estimates from licensed & bonded contractors
• Household size & income affidavit, plus other documentation as needed

Applicants can find a downloadable checklist here. 

The affidavit concerning household size and income is here.  

For 35 years The Resurrection Project has been a trusted anchor in the community and offering affordable homes through rental developments and homeownership. 

Pilsen Stay in Place isn’t just about repairs – it is about preserving the heart of the neighborhood. It’s through collaborations with organizations like The Chicago Community Trust, we help homeowners stay in place, we keep families rooted, preserve culture and history, and make sure Pilsen remains a place where longtime residents can thrive.  

Although the program is still in its early stages, the demand makes it clear that it’s filling a critical gap. Many families are applying for help with major repairs—roofs, porches, heating systems—that would otherwise push them toward selling or losing their homes. 

“When people can’t afford repairs, properties fall into disrepair, tenants move out, and homes are often scooped up by investors,” Victor notes. “That changes the fabric of the neighborhood. Programs like this keep homes in the hands of the people who live in them.” 

Applications are open until October 15, so now is the time to apply.  

To learn more about the program, visit our website or connect with TRP’s homeownership Counseling Team. Call us at (312) 666-1323.  

Visit our office Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm at 1818 S. Paulina Street, Chicago, Illinois 60608.  

TRP and/or TRP Lending, LLC reserve the right to request more information or documentation; to conduct additional review of the applicant and property; and to approve or deny any application.

#

About The Resurrection Project

The Resurrection Project (TRP) builds trusting relationships to educate and propel individuals, immigrants, and families to achieve their social and economic aspirations, stable homes, and equitable participation in their community. TRP is a leading provider of affordable housing, financial education, and immigration services on Chicago’s Southwest side.

During the past three decades TRP has worked to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating wealth, building assets, and engaging residents to be catalysts for change. Rooted in the Pilsen community, TRP’s impact now extends across the City of Chicago and through the State of Illinois; we are making steady progress towards leveraging and preserving more than $1 billion in community wealth in 2025.