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Seniors

Housing

Housing is an essential component of the St. Charles community. With over 12,000 households, St. Charles offers a diverse stock of owner- and renter-occupied housing, from apartments and townhomes to single-family homes and senior housing. The City of St. Charles recognizes the importance of good quality, attainable housing options for our residents. As such, the City's housing efforts have focused on preserving and maintaining St. Charles' affordable housing stock.


Rental Assistance Resources 

Kane County renters and landlords in need of assistance may be eligible for the Illinois Rental Assistance Program. For more
information and to apply, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services Illinois Housing Help page

Information about additional rental assistance in St. Charles and Kane County may be found at:


City Housing Initiatives 

The Housing Commission is a group of citizens appointed to: 

  • Preserve the existing affordable housing stock
  • Promote public awareness of the need for affordable housing
  • Encourage and guide market forces to build affordable housing
  • Maintain/increase the availability of attainable/affordable housing for all members of the community by working with the private sector and major employers in the community.
  • Assist City Council with the operation and implementation of the Housing Trust Fund. 

The Housing Trust Fund was established by the City as a separate fund for the sole purpose of providing and preserving affordable housing opportunities in St. Charles. Housing Trust Fund resources are to be utilized to:

  • Preserve and produce affordable housing
  • Provide housing-related financial support and services to income-eligible households
  • Provide financial support for non-profit organizations that actively address the affordable housing needs of income-eligible households. 

The Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) was adopted to provide a mechanism for requiring new residential developments to include affordable dwelling units, or to pay a fee in-lieu of providing units. The IHO helps to ensure an adequate stock of affordable housing in St. Charles. Fee in-lieu contributions are placed in the Housing Trust Fund. The IHO offers several incentives to off-set the cost of developing affordable housing. 

What is Vial of Life?

The Vial of Life is a program for seniors and people with special needs to assist rescue teams with medical treatment. A magnet is placed on the outside of the refrigerator stating a Vial of Life can be found inside.  A medical data sheet containing vital information is inserted into a Vial (large prescription bottle) and placed on the top right hand shelf of the refrigerator door. The Vial of Life kit is free. Please call 630-377-4458 to obtain your kit.

Elder Watch

Elder Watch is a free program that is designed to assist police, fire, and ambulance personnel with information that may be needed to help seniors in a crisis or medical emergency. Citizens aged 60 and over can download the two-page Elder Watch Application Form (PDF - 53k) or pick one up at the Police Department, located at 1515 W. Main Street.

RTA Ride Free and Reduced Fare Programs

The Senior Ride Free Smart Permit allows senior citizens to ride all RTA services for free and the Reduced Fare Card allows qualified persons with disabilities to ride all RTA services for a reduced fare. Both programs are offered by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). These services include CTA buses and rapid transit, Pace buses, and Metra trains in the six-county region served by the RTA (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will counties).