Business Wire

FHLBank Chicago and WHEDA Recognize Housing Counseling Grant Supporting Waukesha-Area Homebuyers

Business Wire

Check presentation celebrates housing counseling agency helping Wisconsin families prepare for sustainable homeownership

WAUKESHA, Wis., August 31, 2026--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) joined the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) today in Waukesha, Wis., to recognize one of the 14 Wisconsin organizations receiving grants through the Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program (HCRP): La Casa de Esperanza.

The grants, funded by FHLBank Chicago and administered by WHEDA in Wisconsin, expand access to housing counseling services that prepare individuals and families for successful, sustainable homeownership and support FHLBank Chicago members with a pipeline of mortgage-ready applicants.

The HCRP strengthens the capacity of HUD-certified housing counseling agencies across Illinois and Wisconsin. FHLBank Chicago funds the program through partnerships with WHEDA in Wisconsin and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) in Illinois, helping agencies provide financial education, credit preparation, homebuyer education and individualized guidance for prospective and current homeowners.

"Successful homeownership requires more than overcoming affordability barriers. It also requires preparation, trusted guidance and local organizations that can meet families where they are," said Katie Naftzger, SVP and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank Chicago. "Through HCRP and our partnerships with WHEDA and IHDA, we are proud to support agencies like La Casa de Esperanza as they help more Wisconsin families take informed, confident steps toward homeownership."

Since its launch in 2022, through year-end 2025, the HCRP has awarded $13 million to strengthen housing counseling across Illinois and Wisconsin. Supported agencies provided services to more than 105,000 households, with nearly 9,000 achieving homeownership. In 2025, the program supported 44 HUD-certified housing counseling agencies across the two states.

"WHEDA brings deep expertise and relationships across Wisconsin, while housing counseling agencies provide trusted and personal guidance directly in the communities they serve," said Elmer Moore Jr., CEO and Executive Director of WHEDA. "These grants strengthen that network and help more Wisconsin families confidently navigate the path to successful homeownership."

La Casa de Esperanza will use the funding to strengthen housing counseling services for individuals and families in the Waukesha area.