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Housing Counseling Program (Funding Opportunity Number FR 5200 N 18B) - FAQs

What is the Housing Counseling Program grant opportunity (FR 5200 N 18B)?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund housing counseling services for a broad range of households. The counseling is described as practical, front-line support that helps people make informed housing decisions, stabilize their housing situations, and handle the responsibilities tied to renting or owning a home.

What types of households are intended to be served by funded counseling?

The opportunity is designed to support counseling for homebuyers, current homeowners, low- to moderate-income renters, and people experiencing homelessness.

What are the main goals of the program?

The program is centered on three main goals: (1) expanding homeownership opportunities, (2) improving access to affordable housing, and (3) preserving homeownership once it is achieved.

What kinds of services or issues can housing counseling address under this funding?

Based on the description, funded counseling is meant to help households address real-world barriers such as understanding mortgage options, budgeting for housing costs, resolving tenancy challenges, and developing plans to move from unstable housing to more secure arrangements.

How does this program focus on prevention and housing stability?

HUD describes this funding as an investment in prevention and stability, with the intent to reduce housing crises before they escalate into eviction, default, or foreclosure.

Is consumer protection part of the counseling focus?

Yes. A major focus described in the opportunity is consumer protection and risk reduction for borrowers. The counseling role includes helping clients avoid harmful or unsustainable loan conditions and improving their ability to evaluate housing-related financial decisions.

What loan risks or harmful practices are counselors expected to help clients avoid?

The announcement specifically mentions avoiding inflated appraisals, excessively high interest rates, unaffordable repayment terms, and other practices that can drain equity, increase debt burdens, and lead to default and foreclosure.

What does "risk reduction for borrowers" mean in practice within this program?

In practice, the opportunity explains that counselors may help clients compare loan terms, understand long-term affordability, recognize red flags, and build financial readiness to sustain homeownership or stable tenancy over time.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed in the provided opportunity details.

What CFDA number is associated with this HUD counseling support?

The opportunity references CFDA number 14.169, Housing Counseling Assistance Program.

What is the award ceiling listed for this announcement?

The award ceiling is shown as $26,000,000, which indicates the maximum amount available under the announcement.

Who is eligible to apply for this HUD Housing Counseling Program funding?

Eligible applicants are limited to specific HUD-recognized or HUD-approved entities involved in housing counseling systems. These include 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). The listing also notes "Others (see text field...)," but the detailed eligibility language provided emphasizes these HUD-approved or recognized categories.

Does the opportunity indicate that it is currently open?

No. The key dates show the opportunity was posted on May 5, 2008, had a closing date of July 9, 2008, and an archive date of July 10, 2008. Based on those dates and the archived status, it is historically time-bounded and not presented as currently open in the information provided.

What were the posted and closing dates for this opportunity?

The announcement was posted and created on May 5, 2008. The original and current closing date is listed as July 9, 2008. The archive date is listed as July 10, 2008.

How were applicants directed to access the application materials?

Applicants were directed to retrieve materials through the application package download link referenced in the announcement.

Who is the program contact for questions or issues accessing the announcement electronically?

The program contact listed is Terri Ames, reachable at 202-402-3025, for questions or issues accessing the full announcement electronically.

Which federal agency is offering this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

What is the overall purpose of HUD funding housing counseling organizations?

HUD is supporting established counseling infrastructure so organizations can provide front-line counseling that helps households make informed decisions, stabilize their housing, and avoid preventable crises like eviction, default, or foreclosure.