Evanston Green Homes is a pilot residential retrofit program that offers Evanston homeowners and rental properties no-cost health and safety improvements, along with energy conservation and efficiency upgrades. Our goal is to create healthier living spaces while reducing utility costs.
What types of improvements are available? A variety of improvements are eligible, including lead and asbestos remediation, new electrical systems, enhanced insulation, updated appliances, and more.
Why should I participate? Joining this program can lower your property’s utility bills, enhance energy efficiency, and improve your property’s health and safety. Participation can also help you access similar programs that can enhance the health and safety of your home and reduce utility costs even further. Rental properties may achieve enhanced compliance with benchmarking ordinances.
How does the program work? To enroll, homeowners, landlords, and tenants can submit an application, then project staff will follow up within three business days to confirm eligibility. After confirming eligibility, an energy assessment will be scheduled, and participants will receive a detailed report with observations and recommendations. After selecting desired upgrades, the project team will hire a qualified contractor and oversee the construction process, ensuring consistent communication throughout. Staff will maintain contact post-completion to ensure upgrades meet expectations.
How do I prove eligibility? Depending on your property and ownership status, you can prove eligibility in the following ways:
Eligibility Criteria
Single-Family Homeowners
can provide:
Rental Property Owners
can provide:
Proof of Ownership & Geography
Mortgage, deed, or Certificate of Trust
Mortgage, deed, or Certificate of Trust
Proof of Income
Copy of 1040 tax return or three months’ pay stubs (if tax return is unavailable—must note reason)
Rent rolls showing rent is at or below 24% of the income limit based on household size (for at least 51% of units)
Alternative Proof of Income
Qualification for SNAP, Medicaid, Section 8, or other federal programs with stricter income requirements
Qualifying tenants’ 1040 tax return or 3 months’ pay stubs, or qualification for SNAP, Medicaid, Section 8, or other federal programs with stricter income requirements
Economic Hardship
Attest to experiencing an economic hardship on or after March 3, 2021
Attest to experiencing an economic hardship on or after March 3, 2021, and request economic hardship attestation from qualifying tenants
*Tenants who submit an application will only be asked for rental property owner contact information. Project staff will not request the documentation listed above directly from tenants.
