Housing Counseling Program
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low cost advice related to buying a home, renting, default, foreclosure avoidance, credit issues and reverse mortgages. Organizations receive funding from HUD to equip counselors with the resources needed to help individuals and families stay in their homes, educate individuals and families on financing homes, and help facilitate the move of low-income and homeless individuals into safe and affordable housing. Housing Counselors work with a wide variety of individuals, including homebuyers, homeowners, low-income renters, and people experiencing homeless.
This program helps prevent homelessness for low-income individuals at risk of losing their homes by connecting them to resources and income supports from other agencies, and helps individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness find access to emergency/temporary shelter and/or permanent housing. Foreclosure prevention and homeless counseling services are provided free of charge.
To search for a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in your area: Use HUD’s interactive map.
Eligible Applicants:
Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply to become HUD –approved housing counselors and can then apply for competitive funding.
Eligible Beneficiaries:
Anyone in need of housing-related counseling can benefit from this program regardless of income level.
Funding Mechanism:
Funding is awarded to nonprofit Housing Counseling Agencies or nonprofit organizations specializing in housing to develop or sustain certified housing counselors through an annual competition.
