USAID addressed this problem by providing a grant to the Femina 2000 Association in order to establish a consulting center called “My House - From Dream to Reality.” The center provides information for prospective homeowners on all aspects of building private homes including financing, legislation, house models, contractors, and materials suppliers.

The Femina 2000 Association used the grant to organize and equip the center, as well as to join forces with five banks, 65 construction companies, eight real estate companies, and the Chamber of Commerce and housing industry of Neamt County, in offering counseling services on housing issues. This makes implementation of the program easier at all stages, from designing and funding the project, to obtaining permits and putting up the building.

The grant was also used to produce and distribute the Housing Guide, a comprehensive publication for citizens interested in building a house. This resource is key to inform members of the Neamt community that building a house is possible, and encourages them to use consultancy services which offer alternatives for different price ranges, as well as a network of banks, contractors, and real estate agencies to “customize” housing to meet financial needs.