Breakthrough Rental
Affordable rent today. Homeownership tomorrow.
Break the wealth barrier.
If you’re like many, paying rent makes it hard to save—and without savings, it feels like you’ll renting forever. You’re stuck in a cycle.
Breakthrough Rental is your way out.
The Neighbor Project’s flagship program offers an innovative twist on affordable housing. Live in one of our apartments for two years, then graduate with the tools, support, and savings you need to become a homeowner.
Affordable rent–and half comes back to you.
In Breakthrough Rental, you’ll pay affordable rent—but thanks to donors, grants, and other Neighbor Project support, half of what you pay goes into a savings account in your name.
You’ll graduate from the program in about two years with an entire year’s worth of rent saved—typically between $10,000 and $18,000. That’s your key to breaking the wealth barrier— and stepping into homeownership.
A wealth of resources.
Families and individuals in Breakthrough Rental program also participate in our Homebuyer Education course, meet with financial counselors, and take other key steps to get them ready them for homeownership.
These opportunities don’t just equip you with knowledge—but they also unlock access to additional grants, loans, and other resources to help supplement what you save for a home.
Neighborhoods with more homeowners are statistically safer, more stable, and more connected.
If you are ready to buy, your city’s rooting for you.
So are we.
Do you qualify?
Breakthrough Rental is a 2 year program. Our WAITLIST is currently open. Click the button at right to set up a 15 min screening. You won’t need to bring anything.
Breakthrough Rental is for households who:
Have one or two full-time income earners. If you only have one full-time income earner, their income must fall between 40-80% of Area Median Income for your family size.
Have been working in the U.S. for at least one year.
File income taxes for all household income.
Have a credit report with all collections totaling $500 or less.
Are first-time homebuyers wanting to buy a home in Aurora, IL.
Are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have an ITIN.
The program’s NOT for you if...
You need immediate housing
You use Section 8 vouchers
You need help finding work
The program IS for you if...
You meet all requirements on the left
You understand that moving into a Neighbor Project home may take 6 months or more
You understand that shifts in the housing market could affect your homebuying timeline
We need you.
Aurora’s greatest asset is the people who live here. Empower them - and we all prosper.
To learn how you can help, leave your email in the box on the right.
