BECOMING HUD APPROVED

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

Housing Counseling Program Objectives 3  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

Housing Counseling Program Goals 4  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

Benefits of HUD Approval 5  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

Other Benefits 6  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

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. 7

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.

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 9

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 10

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 11

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. 12

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. 13

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

Contact Information  Carolyn Hogans, Branch Chief Phone: (404) ext  Tracy Fields, Housing Program Specialist Phone: x  Vivien King, Housing Program Specialist Phone: x