Housing Counseling Program
The Housing Counseling Program delivers a wide variety of housing counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners, low- to moderate-income renters, and people experiencing homelessness. Counselors provide guidance and advice to help families and individuals improve their housing conditions and meet the responsibilities of tenancy and homeownership. The Housing Counseling Program helps prevent homelessness by helping those at risk of homelessness find permanent, transitional or emergency housing. Homeless persons and individuals at risk of homelessness can visit HUD-approved and HUD-funded housing counseling agencies and receive guidance, including referrals to emergency and transitional housing providers. The Housing Counseling Program NOFA encourages this activity. It also directs housing counseling agencies to participate in their local consolidated planning process, facilitating increased coordination among housing counseling agencies, community development organizations, and emergency service providers.
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.