June 18, 2013

Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce HUD Funding for Housing Counseling

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced that federal funding has been awarded to support housing counseling services to expand homeownership opportunities and improve access to affordable housing in West Virginia.

“Every family deserves access to quality, affordable housing that is safe and secure. It not only promotes self-sufficiency, but also strengthens our neighborhoods, communities and local economy. These kinds of federal investments, coupled with the support of the local community, can make a difference, and in a big way,” said Rahall.

“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions for any family. So it’s crucial that West Virginians have access to resources that give them the ability to make informed decisions throughout the home buying process,” said Rockefeller. “I hope any West Virginian who has a question about homeownership, or renting a home or an apartment, taps into the expertise of these organizations.”

“Accessing affordable housing is important for all West Virginians, and it is crucial that all the available options are easily available as they make such an important decision,” Manchin said. “These grants will offer counseling services to people across southern West Virginia to help them make the best financial decision possible, especially during these tough economic times.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Housing Counseling Program has awarded nearly $51,000 in grants to three HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies in southern West Virginia to support a wide variety of housing counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners, low- to moderate-income renters, and the homeless. Consumer Credit Counseling of Huntington, Division of Goodwill Industries will receive $20,012; the Housing Authority of Mingo County, $16,690; and, the Southern Appalachian Labor School Foundation, Inc. was awarded $14,107.

The Housing Counseling Assistance Program provides counseling to consumers on seeking, financing, maintaining, renting, or owning a home. The program also addresses homelessness through counseling and assists homeowners in need of foreclosure assistance. The program enables anyone who wants to, or already does, rent or own housing to get the counseling they need to make their rent or mortgage payments and to be a responsible tenant or owner in other ways.


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