Yesterday, in Los Angeles, the White House, HUD and Neighborworks honored eleven housing counselors and HUD-approved organizations for their tireless efforts in their communities.  Since the beginning of the housing crisis, housing counselors have been on the front lines battling against foreclosure and educating their communities on their housing rights.

One of the Champions recognized today was Helen Taylor of Denver, Colorado.  A Program Director at the Northeast Denver Housing Center, Helen has been giving back to her community for over 10 years.  Along with the Northeast Denver Housing Center, she provides services to individuals and families to help them meet their housing goals.  Not only does she educate potential home buyers purchase a home, she also educates senior citizens on various reverse mortgage products.  To Helen, a housing counselor isn’t just an advisor but a valued friend for life.

Also recognized during today’s event was Hee Joo Yoon of Los Angeles, California.  Hee started providing foreclosure prevention services in 2008 at the Korean Resource Center (KRC).  As Program Director at KRC, Hee has been working to serve the needs of underserved communities and the low-income limited English proficient Korean American immigrants.  At KRC, she provides workshops on foreclosure prevention, housing counseling, volunteer income tax assistance, and credit education.

Helen and Hee are just two of the extraordinary housing counselors that were recognized today.  Visit WhiteHouse.gov/Champions to learn more about our Champions of Change.