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Housing Counseling Program (HUD) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Housing Counseling Program (Funding Opportunity Number FR 5200 N 18A)?

The Housing Counseling Program (Funding Opportunity Number FR 5200 N 18A) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It supports organizations that deliver housing counseling services designed to strengthen housing stability for households across the housing continuum.

What is the purpose of this HUD grant opportunity?

The program funds client-focused housing counseling that helps households make informed housing decisions, access safe and affordable housing options, and maintain long-term housing security. It is intended to reduce housing instability and prevent avoidable housing crises through practical guidance.

Who is the program intended to help?

The program is designed to support counseling services for people at different points in the housing continuum, including first-time and repeat homebuyers, current homeowners, low- to moderate-income renters, and individuals or families experiencing homelessness.

What are the main goals of the Housing Counseling Program?

The main goals described for this opportunity are to expand homeownership opportunities, improve access to affordable housing, and preserve homeownership for households at risk of losing it.

What kinds of housing counseling activities does HUD emphasize under this program?

HUD emphasizes practical, client-focused counseling that helps people understand what they can realistically afford, how to navigate housing and mortgage processes, and how to meet ongoing responsibilities tied to renting or owning a home.

Does the counseling cover budgeting and credit?

Yes. The information provided states the counseling includes guidance on budgeting and credit, along with other responsibilities and obligations tied to renting or homeownership.

Does this program support renters as well as homeowners and buyers?

Yes. The opportunity description includes low- to moderate-income renters, as well as homebuyers and current homeowners, among the groups intended to benefit from funded counseling services.

How does this program relate to consumer protection?

A major component described is consumer protection. Housing counselors funded through this opportunity help borrowers avoid harmful lending or purchasing situations by identifying red flags and steering clients toward safer financing and housing decisions.

What types of risky lending or purchasing situations are counselors expected to help clients avoid?

The description highlights risks such as inflated appraisals, unreasonably high interest rates, unaffordable repayment terms, and other risky conditions that can strip equity and push households into unsustainable debt.

Is foreclosure prevention part of the program?

Yes. Foreclosure prevention is specifically identified as a major component. Counseling aims to reduce delinquency and default and ultimately prevent foreclosure by helping clients recognize problems early and take corrective steps when financial trouble begins.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligibility is not open to the general public. Eligible applicants are specific HUD-recognized entities involved in housing counseling, including HUD-approved Local Housing Counseling Agencies (LHCAs), HUD-approved national and regional intermediaries, State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs), and HUD-approved Multi-State Organizations (MSOs).

Is the general public eligible to apply?

No. The opportunity states that eligible applicants are not open to the general public and are limited to specified HUD-recognized housing counseling entities.

What type of funding is this opportunity (grant, contract, etc.)?

This opportunity is funded as a grant.

Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What is the maximum amount of funding available under this competition?

The award ceiling listed is $15,840,000, which indicates the maximum amount available under the competition as posted in the source data.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is associated with CFDA number 14.169, identified as the Housing Counseling Assistance Program.

When was this funding opportunity posted and when was it due?

The announcement was posted May 5, 2008, created June 12, 2008, and had an application deadline of July 9, 2008. The archive date is July 10, 2008.

Is this a current funding opportunity?

Based on the dates provided (posted in 2008 with an application deadline in July 2008 and archived July 10, 2008), this specific posting reflects a historical competition cycle.

Are there special notices or corrections applicants needed to review?

Yes. The listing references a technical correction published in the Federal Register, noted as being available in the application instructions download. Applicants were expected to review that correction as part of preparing a compliant application.

Where were applicants directed to get the application materials?

Applicants were directed to an application download webpage for the full materials.

Who can be contacted for access issues with the announcement?

For access issues with the announcement, the program contact listed is Terri Ames at 202-402-3025.