Local government advocacy and relief for homeowners, renters, landlords and small business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic were just a few of the topics discussed when Illinois REALTORS® local Governmental Affairs Director Neeley Erickson virtually visited a Rockford-area sales office for Dickerson & Nieman.

Erickson fielded questions about Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) programs that provide financial assistance for low-income renters and homeowners who are behind on rent or mortgage payments. The deadline to apply for the rental assistance program is Aug. 28. Applications for mortgage assistance will be accepted through Sept. 4, according to IHDA.

Illinois REALTOR® Keith Kelly, general manager for the Dickerson & Nieman office in Roscoe, Ill., hosted the event.

To invite a member of the Illinois REALTORS® Member Outreach Team to a future meeting, go to www.IllinoisRealtors.org/outreach.