What does our HUD approval mean?
Section 106 (a) (2) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 provides the legislative authority for HUD to provide housing counseling services directly, or through private or public organizations with special competence and knowledge in counseling low and moderate income families. Our housing counselors are familiar with various HUD housing and community programs and know what course of action makes the most sense for you. Having this knowledge enables our counselors to inform the client in detail regarding what housing is available for which the client is eligible and the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in particular housing transactions-laws, mortgages, notes, contracts, etc.
Certification/Training of our Counselors
Shalom Center’s commitment to providing an effective housing counseling program is evident through the knowledge and experiences of its staff. On average, each housing counselor has been counseling for at least two years. They are required to complete certification in the housing counseling area administered by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (Institutes for Personal Finance), designating Counselors as Certified Housing Counselors upon completion. The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education is recognized nationally for their certification programs. One of the requirements to maintain membership in the Association for Independent Consumer Credit counseling Agencies, our national affiliate, is to achieve and maintain the Accredited Financial Counselor status.
Counselors participate regularly in continuing education programs to increase their knowledge in specialized subjects. They are required to attend necessary training education programs in order to uphold a current, high level of knowledge in the housing counseling area. Continuing education programs include topics such as; loans, mortgages, terms, mortgage default, the foreclosure process, etc. All housing counselors are required to be fully knowledgeable in areas of Federal, State, and local fair housing laws and regulations. Because of this training and certification process, our housing counselors are familiar with various HUD housing and community programs and know what course of action makes the most sense for you.
Counselors participate regularly in continuing education programs to increase their knowledge in specialized subjects. They are required to attend necessary training education programs in order to uphold a current, high level of knowledge in the housing counseling area. Continuing education programs include topics such as; loans, mortgages, terms, mortgage default, the foreclosure process, etc. All housing counselors are required to be fully knowledgeable in areas of Federal, State, and local fair housing laws and regulations. Because of this training and certification process, our housing counselors are familiar with various HUD housing and community programs and know what course of action makes the most sense for you.
