Application to Become a Participating HUD Housing Counseling Agency
🏛 Virginia Housing Development Authority
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofit organizations seeking HUD approval to provide housing counseling services. Applicants must be nonprofits and can apply through a HUD participating intermediary or state housing finance agency. The program supports organizations that meet HUD's Housing Counseling Program criteria, including organizational capacity and financial stability.
Organizations must comply with Housing Counseling Program Handbook 7610.1 requirements. Counseling services help homebuyers, renters, and borrowers access affordable housing and related financial products. Virginia Housing Development Authority administers this application.
Applicants should have experience in housing-related services or community development. Approval enables agencies to receive HUD funding for counseling services and serve as designated counseling providers in their region.
This grant is for nonprofit organizations seeking HUD approval to provide housing counseling services. Applicants must be nonprofits and can apply through a HUD participating intermediary or state housing finance agency. The program supports organizations that meet HUD's Housing Counseling Program criteria, including organizational capacity and financial stability.
Organizations must comply with Housing Counseling Program Handbook 7610.1 requirements. Counseling services help homebuyers, renters, and borrowers access affordable housing and related financial products. Virginia Housing Development Authority administers this application.
Applicants should have experience in housing-related services or community development. Approval enables agencies to receive HUD funding for counseling services and serve as designated counseling providers in their region.
Program description
Application to Become a HUD Housing Counseling Agency Virginia Housing February 2025 Section 106(a)(2) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 USC 1701x) provides the legislative authority for HUD to provide housing counseling services. Applicants to be a Housing Counseling Agency may apply through a HUD participating intermediary or state housing finance agency. Detailed information and additional requirements of the housing counseling program are provided in the Housing Counseling Program Handbook 7610.1 . This handbook lists the qualifying criteria that all applicants must meet to receive HUD approval. Requirements include: Nonprofit
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for nonprofit organizations seeking HUD approval to provide housing counseling services. Applicants must be nonprofits and can apply through a HUD participating intermediary or state housing finance agency. The program supports organizations that meet HUD's Housing Counseling Program criteria, including organizational capacity and financial stability.
Organizations must comply with Housing Counseling Program Handbook 7610.1 requirements. Counseling services help homebuyers, renters, and borrowers access affordable housing and related financial products. Virginia Housing Development Authority administers this application.
Applicants should have experience in housing-related services or community development. Approval enables agencies to receive HUD funding for counseling services and serve as designated counseling providers in their region.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- HUD Housing Counseling Program Handbook 7610.1 review
- Nonprofit status documentation (501(c)(3) letter or equivalent)
- Organizational capacity statement
- Financial statements or evidence of financial stability
- Proposed counseling service plan
- Staff qualifications and training plan
- Letters of support from community partners
Program contact
- 👤 Frank Curbeira
- 📧 Frank.Curbeira@virginiahousing.com
- 📞 (804) 343-5818
FAQ
Who can apply to become a HUD Housing Counseling Agency?
Only nonprofits can apply. You can apply through a HUD participating intermediary or state housing finance agency like Virginia Housing Development Authority.
What does HUD Housing Counseling involve?
Agencies provide housing counseling to homebuyers, renters, and borrowers. Services include financial literacy, homebuyer education, and mortgage default assistance.
Where is this grant available?
Virginia Housing Development Authority administers applications. Check with HUD or your state housing finance agency for availability in other states.
What are the main requirements to qualify?
Organizations must be nonprofits and meet criteria in HUD Housing Counseling Program Handbook 7610.1. This includes organizational capacity and financial stability.
Is there a deadline?
This program uses rolling acceptance. Submit applications as they are ready, but contact the administering agency for specific timelines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review HUD Housing Counseling Program Handbook 7610.1 thoroughly before applying. This document outlines all qualifying criteria and program expectations.
- Document your organization's experience in housing-related services or community development. Demonstrate financial stability and organizational capacity.
- Connect with your state housing finance agency early. They can clarify local requirements and answer questions about the application process.
- Plan staff training on HUD housing counseling standards. Approval requires meeting specific service delivery and counselor certification requirements.
- Prepare evidence of your organization's ability to track, report, and evaluate counseling outcomes. HUD requires detailed performance data from approved agencies.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants overlook HUD Housing Counseling Program Handbook 7610.1 requirements and submit incomplete organizational documentation. Organizations without demonstrated housing or community development experience struggle to meet qualifying criteria. Many fail to plan for counselor training and HUD certification before applying.
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