Becoming HUD Approved

1. Becoming HUD Approved

2. Overview • Program Administration • Program Goals and Objectives • Benefits of HUD Approval • Approval Criteria • Housing Counseling Resources • Qualifications • Application Process

3. Housing Counseling Program Objectives • Provide basic housing counseling services • Outreach to potential first-time homebuyers • Enable clients to become more knowledgeable about housing programs • Assist renters to locate and qualify for assisted rental units • Help eligible homeowners obtain affordable housing • Help homeowners avoid foreclosure or evictions

4. Housing Counseling Program Goals • Reduce losses to Single Family (SF) insurance fund • Reduce mortgage defaults and foreclosures • Reduce losses to Multifamily (MF) insurance fund caused by rent delinquencies and evictions • Increase Homeownership participation • Stabilize and Revitalize Communities • Promote Economic Growth • Assist homeless, renters, and potential and distressed homeowners

5. Benefits of HUD Approval • Eligible to apply for HUD Housing Counseling Grants • Eligible for Community Development Block Grants through local governments • Have access to a larger audience through HUD’s web site/toll-free number • Receive technical assistance and training from HUD

6. Other Benefits • Form partnerships with local municipalities or state agencies to administer housing programs • Form partnerships with other housing industry members • Apply for grants from other financial institutions, nonprofits, or local governments

7. Acquire 501 (C) (3) Tax Exempt Status • Acquire a 501 (C) (3) status from the Internal Revenue Service if you do not already have one. • It establishes a protective layer between your church, mosque, temple, etc; and provides the legal responsibilities associated with provision of social services. • A 501 (C) (3) Non-Profit organization is a Business. • It is operated according to sound business principles.

8. Why Plan? • “Will you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?” said Alice. • “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the cat. • “I don’t much care where,” said Alice. • “Then it doesn't matter which way you go,” said the cat.

9. Design a Housing Counseling Plan • Develop a comprehensive housing counseling and education program plan which includes: • Type of services Provided • Experience • Staff • Facilities • Budget • Target Area

10. Identify Your Resources • Approval depends on how you demonstrate that you have adequate resources needed to run a successful Housing Counseling Program. • Partnerships/Community Resources • Funding Resources

11. Focus on Your Community • HUD requires that you serve the community in which you are located. You must identify: • Your area population • Social economic Factors (NEED in Community) • Racial & Ethnic make-up of the population • Age and condition of the housing

12. Get Started • Evaluate your present program structure. • Identify your outcomes • Describe anticipated results to be achieved • What has changed because you were funded • Secure needed documentation. • Have clear understanding of the process. • Prepare to submit.

13. APPROVAL • Notice of Approval. If the application package meets all requirements, HUD has the ability to approve an agency for a period of up to three years. • HUD will advise the agency of its approval in the form of an approval letter to the agency's main office.

14. SUBMIT APPLICATION • Local/Multi-state applications: • Atlanta Homeownership Center • Attn: Gayle F. Knowlson, Director • Single Family, Program Support Division • 40 Marietta Street, 9th Floor • Atlanta, GA 30303 • Phone: 404 331-5001, ext. 2345

15. Contact Information • Carolyn Hogans, Branch Chief Phone:  (404) 331-5001 ext. 2129 Email: E.Carolyn.Hogans@HUD.Gov • Tracy Fields, Housing Program Specialist Phone: 404-331-5001 x2126 Email: Tracy.C.Fields@HUD.Gov • Vivien King, Housing Program Specialist Phone:  404-331-5001 x2096 Email: Vivien.T.King@Hud.Gov