The Neighborhood Network Alliance — Next Level Block Club Organizing

Chicago Neighborhood Recovery Program

CNRP in South Shore.

Understand the City’s recovery program, NNA’s local outreach role, and the designated South Shore area. Eligibility and available assistance must be confirmed under current City and provider rules. Below, find related homebuyer information on the City’s separate HomeGrown program.

Chicago Neighborhood Recovery Program

CNRP: neighborhood
recovery, block by block.

The City’s Department of Housing runs CNRP to revitalize distressed neighborhoods by lowering barriers to homeownership and encouraging investment in vacant buildings within selected blocks. Formerly the Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP), it also helps prospective owners and developers understand how to invest in those properties.

Read the City’s CNRP details (opens a new tab)
NNA’s outreach area: 75th–79th Streets, Yates Boulevard to South Shore Drive and the lakefront
NNA outreach area: 75th Street on the north, 79th Street on the south, Yates Boulevard on the west, and South Shore Drive and the lakefront on the east. This schematic is an outreach guide; it does not establish parcel eligibility.

NNA’s role · A South Shore community partner

NNA shares information and connects residents with the program. The City and program administrators confirm property eligibility, available assistance, and application requirements. Start with the City’s CNRP details above.

Homeownership information

Connect homeowners and prospective buyers with program information.

Housing preservation

Bring condo and co-op repair and financial concerns into the preservation conversation.

Resident outreach

Share housing education and identify neighborhood preservation concerns.

CNRP overview summarized from the City of Chicago Department of Housing. The area graphic is a schematic, not a parcel eligibility map.

Related homebuyer resource · Separate City program

HomeGrown launch ·

HomeGrown purchase
assistance.

HomeGrown is separate from CNRP. This City program helps eligible Chicago homebuyers with down-payment and closing costs. Grant amounts depend on household income and the property’s zone: up to $70,000 in Zone A or $50,000 in Zone B, capped at 25% of the purchase price.

What to have in place

  • A mortgage preapproval and signed purchase contract before applying.
  • At least 1% of the purchase price from your own funds.
  • Required HUD-approved homebuyer education.
  • A plan to use the home as your primary residence for five years. Leaving early can require repayment.

Check the address and full criteria.

Neighborhood Lending Services and TRP Lending administer the assistance. Awards depend on eligibility and available funds. NNA shares information; the program administrators determine eligibility and awards.

HomeGrown requirements & application (opens a new tab)

Sources: City of Chicago HomeGrown program information and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago. Reviewed October 5, 2026.

More City housing announcements (opens a new tab)