The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is offering $40.25 million in grant funding to support housing counseling services for homebuyers, homeowners, and renters.
HUD stated it expects to award more than 150 housing counselors and intermediary organizations with funds to equip individuals and families with the education and tools needed to make informed decisions about their housing needs. The funds will also support “an array” of counseling services provided by HUD-approved agencies. These services will provide information on financial management and literacy, homeownership, and affordable rental housing.
“Housing counselors across the country connect Americans – particularly those from disadvantaged communities – to affordable, safe, and quality housing in the communities of their choice,” HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a release. “The funding we are announcing will help hardworking people find homes for themselves and their families.”
Historically Black colleges and universities, other minority serving institutions, and agencies that help to repair the racial homeownership gap and support underserved communities will receive $3 million of the available funding, to be distributed by the Office of Housing Counseling Comprehensive Notice of Funding Opportunity.
“We’re pleased to make these funds available to housing counselors to help American households identify and address their housing needs,” HUD Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner Julia Gordon said. “Housing counseling continues to play a vital role in helping homebuyers, homeowners, and renters access and sustain suitable housing, particularly as housing instability and costs are on the rise.”
Parties wishing to participate must submit an application by Feb. 8.
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