Cook County Partners with Elevate to Provide Free Whole-Home Upgrades to Cook County Families

Healthy Homes for Healthy Families supports suburban Cook County families by providing free safety, energy efficiency, water conservation and whole-home upgrades

 Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES), Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and nonprofit Elevate today to announce the launch of Healthy Homes for Healthy Families, a $30 million program that provides free whole-home upgrades to suburban Cook County families. The Healthy Homes for Healthy Families program aims to complete upgrades to up to 200 homes each year over the next three years. 

“I am excited to announce this innovative, whole home approach to improving resident well-being while increasing energy efficiency and reducing the cost burden of utilities for families in suburban Cook County,” said President Preckwinkle. “This program offers lead abatement, water conservation and deep energy retrofits to provide the maximum benefit for residents with the lowest disruption to their daily lives. Not only do the homeowners and renters in the program benefit, but all of Cook County will through the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of energy efficiency upgrades and electrification in the units.”

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Healthy Homes for Healthy Families addresses home health hazards that can have adverse effects on residents of all ages but can be especially dangerous for infants and children. The program addresses lead, radon, mold and other home health hazards that can help keep families safe and healthy. Residents may be eligible to receive upgrades such as lead abatement, structural repairs, water conservation upgrades, weatherization and installation of high-efficiency appliances. All upgrades are performed by licensed contractors. 

“Home health hazards, such as lead, can cause children to experience learning disabilities and developmental delays; and mold can trigger coughing, wheezing and asthma,” said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, chief operating officer of CCHDP. “Healthy Homes for Healthy Families is an essential step toward ensuring that the homes of our residents are as healthy as possible.”

Healthy Homes for Healthy Families is available at no cost to eligible residents, either owner or renter, of single family and multi-family (up to four-unit) residential buildings in suburban Cook County. The program is open to residents earning up to 120% of area median income who reside in a high-risk zip code for pediatric lead poisoning or in a disadvantaged census tract defined by the federal government. Residents can learn more about the program, confirm eligibility and enroll by visiting HealthyHomesCC.org or calling 872-205-6382. Customer support is available in English and Spanish.

 "I’m grateful for this opportunity to collaborate on a comprehensive approach to household improvements in suburban Cook County. This means free safety, energy efficiency, water conservation and whole home upgrades for owners and renters of single-family homes and 2- to 4-unit multifamily buildings. The results will improve the quality of life in suburban Cook County by creating and preserving healthier homes," said Anne Evens Elevate CEO.

Healthy Homes for Healthy Families is a $30 million investment in Cook County communities led by DES and CCDPH. Elevate is the administrator of the program. The program helps households unable to maintain or improve their homes’ physical structure in historically under-resourced Cook County communities. 

The program started as a pilot in 2023. Sixty-six families have enrolled and received completed assessments. 

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About Cook County

Cook County is the second largest county in the United States, representing 5.2 million residents in Illinois. The President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Cook County, oversees the Offices Under the President, and presides as president of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. 

About Elevate

Elevate works to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, power, and water in their homes and communities. Learn more about Elevate at www.ElevateNP.org.