The City of St. Charles is launching a new initiative, in partnership with Lazarus House, to provide long-term housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable residents.
On Feb. 17, 2026, the St. Charles City Council approved a 10-year grant from the City’s Housing Trust Fund to Lazarus House, establishing the City of St. Charles – Lazarus House Permanent Supportive Housing Program. The program is designed to support chronically homeless and disabled individuals by offering stable housing — paired with supportive services — through Lazarus House, a St. Charles shelter serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout Kane County.
"By working with Lazarus House, the City can offer not only a place to live, but the resources that help individuals rebuild their lives," said City Community Development Director Russell Colby. "This partnership marks an important step in helping provide some of our most vulnerable residents with the housing and support they need to thrive."
The Housing Trust Fund is supported by developer contributions mandated by the City’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, under which developers either include affordable housing units in their residential projects or pay a fee-in-lieu. The Fund is restricted exclusively to affordable housing-related initiatives.
As part of the approved resolution, the City will allocate up to $224,515 from the Housing Trust Fund over a 10-year period. The allocation reflects a recommended annual investment of approximately $17,850, with potential annual increases of up to 5 percent. Funding will support rent, utilities, and case management services essential to long-term housing stability.
“This investment reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to serving all members of our community,” said Kristi Athas, Lazarus House executive director. "The City of St. Charles has supported Lazarus House since 1997 in serving our homeless neighbors, and we’re grateful for their continued commitment and partnership over three decades."
Funds allocated to the Lazarus House program will remain within the Housing Trust Fund and be disbursed on a quarterly reimbursement basis upon request. The structured, long-term funding approach is intended to ensure program sustainability while maintaining fiscal oversight.
The St. Charles Housing Trust Fund currently supports several programs, including:
• Home Rehab and Accessibility Loan Program — A 0% interest, deferred-payment loan for income-eligible homeowners
• First-Time Homebuyer Loan Program — A 0% interest, deferred-payment loan for eligible buyers
• Kane County Affordable Housing Fund — Development financing for affordable housing projects, such as the Habitat for Humanity’s Dean Street House, and Spillane and Sons Home Rehab/Resale Project
• Urgent Need Home Rehab Program — A grant initiative in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley
For more information about the St. Charles Housing Trust Fund or other housing-related programs, visit stcharlesil.gov.