COVID-19 Relief Fund

March of 2020 was a gamechanger for many of us due to COVID-19.  Shutdowns were implemented and business came to a screeching halt for many.  But not for the building industry.  Why is that?  That is because the Home Builders Association of Illinois stepped up and went to bat for all of us.  HBAI sent a letter to Governor Pritzker asking him to deem construction as an essential business.  Local municipalities all around the country began closing their building departments, including Springfield.  But we, as an association, reached out and asked for construction to continue.  As you know, our efforts throughout the state worked!! The Governor agreed, and construction kept going.  Many of our members have reported that they did not slow down at all this year.  In fact, many of them are busier than ever, despite the global pandemic.  This is an example of your dues money at work for YOU. 

What the pandemic did affect is us, as an association.  As you know, many of our meetings and events have been or will be cancelled.  We will not be able to hold the Home Expo in February.  It was postponed to October of 2021, but that means delayed income for us.  This event is approximately 60% of our annual income, and the event being postponed greatly affects our current cash flow.  We have worked hard to protect your business and now we must ask you to help protect us.  While many businesses were able to receive PPP funds or other financial assistance, we do not qualify for any of the programs.  We have slashed our budget, and frozen all spending but we need to make sure it’s enough to keep our doors open so we can continue to be here as resource for you, the community, and the entire industry.  We are asking for donations to help with our loss of revenue caused by COVID-19.  Any amount helps, and we greatly appreciate your support!