(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A state program, called Opening Doors, is helping some people in Illinois overcome challenges in buying homes.
Andrew Field of the Illinois Housing Development Authority said the Opening Doors program is aimed at low and moderate income home buyers and is especially focused on people of color.
"Certain communities in Illinois, especially [Latino] and Black communities, have had increased barriers to home ownership, so what we're trying to do under the governor's direction is to try and break down these barriers and create new opportunities for everyone in the state," said Field.
The program provides $6,000 to help homebuyers with down payments and closing costs.
As long as buyers stay in their home for five years, that money doesn't have to be repaid.
U.S. Census data shows about 75% of white families in Illinois home their homes. That percentage drops to 53% for Latino families and 39% for Black families.
More information about the Opening Doors program is available on the Illinois Housing and Urban Development website.
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