HUD Convenes New York Metro Area Housing Counseling Agencies

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing Counseling Sarah Gerecke makes a presentation to housing counseling agencies.

HUD's Housing Counseling agencies are a valuable resource for homeowners, homebuyers, and affordable housing seekers. A growing body of research shows that pre-purchase housing counseling is extremely effective, reducing delinquencies and defaults dramatically and helping lenders, homeowners, and neighborhoods to thrive. Many housing counselors are also a front-line resource on the local rental market, helping families and individuals find affordable housing as they build their credit and prepare for homeownership.

Recognizing the vital role housing counselors play, the New York Regional Office convened a roundtable of housing counseling agencies in the New York Metropolitan Area on July 28, 2016. Nearly 70 practitioners from dozens of agencies located in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and Northern New Jersey participated in the event. The attendees heard an update from Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing Counseling Sarah Gerecke, learned about localized resources available on hud.gov/newyork and hud.gov/newjersey, and had an opportunity to discuss their experiences providing housing counseling in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Agencies located within New York City also received an update from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development on the City's Housing Ambassador Program (http://www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/renters/housing-ambassadors.page), and about a new Help Desk to offer assistance to homeowners in recently rezoned neighborhoods.

To find a housing counseling agency near you, visit hud.gov/counseling.

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