HUD Regional Administrator Ophelia Basgal, HUD-approved housing counselor Hee Joo Yoon and Acting FHA Commissioner Carol Galante at the White House Champions of Change

Acting FHA Commissioner Carole Galante and HUD Regional Administrator Ophelia Basgal co-presented the White House Champions of Change - Leadership in Housing Counseling event held in Los Angeles on March 1. The White House-hosted awards ceremony honored eleven exemplary housing counselors from across the country. Ms. Basgal spoke about the importance of the work that HUD-approved housing counselors do and how with skill and experience they are easing the impact of the housing crisis for many Americans. The eleven award recipients were recognized for outstanding commitment and achievement representative of the collective work of thousands of housing counselors across the United States.

"Dedicated to service, housing counselors educate and assist individuals and families navigate the complex process for sustainable homeownership," said HUD Regional Administrator Ophelia Basgal. "Guiding renters and potential homeowners in managing their housing choices, counselors provide critical information on rights and responsibilities, the importance of savings, ways to manage credit and debt responsibly, and how to be a good neighbor."

The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama's "Winning the Future" initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

View the recognition ceremony online.