Safe, stable housing is the foundation for financial well-being. At Advantage Credit Counseling Service, we are proud to be a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, providing professional, unbiased support to individuals and families throughout our region. Our counselors are HUD-certified, meaning they meet national training and qualification standards to ensure accurate, reliable guidance for renters, homeowners, and first-time homebuyers.
This article explains what housing counseling is, who benefits from it, why HUD funds these services, and how individuals can get started. We also include direct links to HUD data and research to support grant reporting and impact documentation.
What Is HUD Housing Counseling?
HUD’s Housing Counseling Program supports a network of national nonprofit organizations that provide consumers with one-on-one counseling and group education on housing topics. These services are designed to help people:
- Understand and prepare for homeownership
- Maintain stable rental housing
- Avoid foreclosure or housing loss
- Improve budgeting and credit health
- Access community housing assistance programs
HUD Housing Counseling Program Overview:
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc
Housing Counselor Certification Requirements:
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/housing-counseling/counselor-certification/
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Who Uses Housing Counseling and What Are the Outcomes?
Housing counseling supports a wide range of households, including:
- First-time homebuyers preparing for mortgage approval
- Renters seeking stable housing or facing eviction risk
- Homeowners behind on payments and seeking foreclosure alternatives
- Individuals rebuilding credit or recovering from financial hardship
National Outcomes
HUD tracks service outcomes annually using Form HUD-9902 data. The most recent public dashboard shows measurable results, including:
- Successful loan modifications for homeowners to prevent foreclosure
- Increased financial capability and sustainable budgeting
- Improved credit profiles among counseling participants
- Increased preparedness for first-time homeownership
HUD 9902 National and Agency-Level Data:
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/housing-counseling/housing-counseling-9902-data/
Research: Housing Counseling Works
HUD’s research consistently finds that homebuyers who receive housing counseling are less likely to become delinquent on their mortgages, and homeowners who receive counseling while delinquent are more likely to obtain a sustainable workout.
HUD Research Summary – “Housing Counseling Works”:
https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/4067/housing-counseling-works/
How HUD Funds Counseling Services
HUD supports agencies through competitive grants such as:
- Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grants
- Training and Education Grants
- Supplemental Service Grants
These grants enable community-based nonprofit agencies like AdvantageCCS to provide low-cost or free housing counseling services and expand outreach to underserved populations.
What AdvantageCCS Offers
As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, AdvantageCCS provides:
| Service Type | What It Includes |
| Pre-Purchase Counseling | Mortgage-readiness planning, budgeting, lender requirements, and down-payment program referrals. |
| Foreclosure Prevention Counseling | Loss mitigation guidance, loan modification readiness, and strategy planning. |
| Reverse Mortgage Counseling | Budget support, lender requirements, communication strategies with the lender, and support to understand the pros and cons. |
| Free Credit Counseling | Debt analysis, credit building, spending plans, and long-term stability strategies. |
All counseling is confidential, non-judgmental, and focused on achieving measurable progress.
How to Get Help
To schedule housing counseling, contact us:
Advantage Credit Counseling Service
Phone: 1-866-699-2227
Website: https://www.advantageccs.org
