This page is a summary of key resources for HUD-approved housing counseling agencies.
Announcements
On March 29, 2021, the CDC extended the federal moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent through June 30, 2021.
Past Training
CARES Act & Other COVID-19 Response Funding Chart
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), and various FY 2021 Federal appropriations legislation have been geared toward addressing the COVID-19 health and economic emergency. Understanding the funding that may be available for housing assistance enables housing counselors to identify state/local programs and determine grantees to contact. Some of the available key programs by Federal agency include:
|
Federal Agency |
Program and Allocation |
Description of Funding |
Applicable Eligible Activities |
Housing Counseling Related Uses |
Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Treasury
|
Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) |
Treasury disburses payments to states and eligible units of local government, D.C. and U.S. Territories, and tribal governments to cover necessary expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Each unit of government is responsible for making determinations regarding which expenses are necessary due to the public health emergency. |
Eligible expenses may include:
|
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
View CRF allocations |
|
Emergency Rental Assistance Program |
Passed on December 21, 2020 the Emergency Rental Assistance program makes available $25 billion to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided directly to States, U.S. Territories, local governments, and Indian tribes. Grantees use the funds to provide assistance to eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs. |
Eligible expenses include:
|
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
The Treasury Department has issued its methodology for allocations and eligible units of local government. Update: March 5, 2021 ARPA allocations TBD. |
|
|
Homeowner Assistance Fund |
The fund will provide money to the states, territories, and tribes to establish foreclosure-avoidance and other homeowner-relief programs for homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Once the programs are set up, at least 60 percent of the funds must be used to serve household at or below 100 percent of area median income, the balance can be determined by the entity to serve those who are socially disadvantaged individuals. There is also $39 million to assist rural homeowners through USDA’s Section 502 and Section 504 direct loan programs. |
Eligible expenses related to mortgage relief are expected to include:
|
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
TBD |
|
HUD
View CPD Program Formula Allocations and CARES Act Supplemental Funding for FY 2020 to explore how grantees are implementing the program funds. |
Community Development Block Grant – CARES Act (CDBG-CV) |
Congress provided $5 billion in the CARES Act for CDBG programs to states, metropolitan cities, urban counties, and insular areas. Jurisdictions have a lot of flexibility in how they use their block granted funding, so eligible activities may vary among grantees. |
To be eligible for CDBG-CV, all funded activities must be carried out to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
Activities must benefit residents within the jurisdiction of the grantee or as permitted by the CARES Act. |
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
Find a grantee by HUD program |
|
Emergency Solutions Grant – CARES Act (ESG-CV) |
ESG recipients typically consult with their local Continuums of Care to determine how to use ESG-CV funds in their communities for homeless prevention. Jurisdictions have a lot of flexibility in how they use their block granted funding, so eligible activities may vary among grantees. |
To be eligible for ESG-CV, all funded activities must be carried out to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The ESG program provides funding to:
Funds can be used for eligible activities such as emergency rental assistance. ESG-CV funding cannot be used for emergency rental payments until after the CDC eviction moratorium expires. |
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
Find a grantee by HUD program (search by state and/or HUD program). |
|
|
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS – CARES Act (HOPWA-CV) |
HUD grants funds to local communities, States, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. |
HOPWA grantees offer eligible activities to HOPWA eligible households in need of housing services related to COVID-19. |
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
Find a grantee by HUD program (search by state and/or HUD program). |
|
|
Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) |
Supplemental COVID-19 FHIP and FHAP funds were awarded to help organizations address potential fair housing issues related to COVID-19 and create and disseminate fair housing education and outreach materials as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Update: An additional $20 million is available until September 30, 2023. |
FHIP eligible activities developing and distributing educational material and conducting educational activities that inform people of their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. FHAP eligible activities include partnering with community organizations to conduct COVID-19 related education and outreach to people of different backgrounds, contracting with qualified organizations to conduct fair housing testing, and establishing hotlines or websites for fair housing issues. Read the FHAP CARES Act press releases from September 2020 and June 2020. |
Housing counselors can search for FHIP and FHAP organizations to learn how funding is being applied in their community. |
Find FHIP organizations and FHAP agencies (search by state). |
|
|
Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) and Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) |
The IHBG program allocates formula funding to Tribes or Tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) for the delivery of a range of affordable housing opportunities and housing-related activities to low- and moderate-income members of Federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and native Hawaiians. The ICDBG Program provides eligible grantees with direct grants for use in developing viable Indian and Alaska Native Communities, including decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities, primarily for low- and moderate-income persons. |
Eligible activities could include:
|
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
Find tribes and TDHES (search by region). |
|
|
Housing Counseling |
Congress appropriated funding through ARPA, 40 percent of which shall be provided to counseling organizations that:
|
Eligible activities include:
|
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
TBD - NeighborWorks will be administering this program. |
|
|
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) |
Congress appropriated funding through ARPA, to be used for incremental emergency vouchers and renewals of these vouchers, fees for the cost of administering the voucher program and leasing expenses, such as security deposit related to housing retention, and increases in voucher per-unit costs. |
Eligible activities include housing vouchers for those who are:
|
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
Find your local public housing authority. |
|
|
Homelessness Assistance and Supportive Services Program |
Congress provided funding through ARPA via the HOME Program for homelessness assistance, supportive services, and affordable housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Funding will be allocated pursuant to the 2021 HOME formula to states, metropolitan cities, urban counties, and insular areas. HUD will allocate funds within 30 days of enactment of ARPA. Eligible activities include housing activities pursuant to the HOME Program and housing and supportive services activities under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. |
Eligible activities include:
|
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
Find a grantee by HUD program |
|
Health and Human Services (HHS)
|
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) |
CSBG funds are a block grant to states, 90 percent of which goes to local designated Community Action Agencies. These agencies provide a broad array of programs and services to help low-income communities and individuals or families with incomes at or below 125 percent of the Federal poverty threshold to address the causes and conditions of poverty. Jurisdictions have a lot of flexibility in how they use their block granted funding, so eligible activities may vary among grantees. |
Eligible activities include helping clients obtain and maintain adequate housing and emergency assistance to address and prevent economic instability. |
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
Find your State Official and Program Coordinator (search by state). Find a Community Action Agency (search by name, zip code, state, or county). |
|
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) |
Congress appropriated funding through ARPA. LIHEAP helps households with energy costs, including those associated with home energy costs. For this supplemental allocation, Home Energy Grants will be granted to states. In addition, supplemental payments to states will also be made. |
Eligible activities include help for home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs. |
Eligible activities include help with utility bills. |
See a list of grantees at the state and territory or tribal level. See a list of LIHEAP Local Providers for a list of local intake agencies in each county. |
|
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
|
Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) |
This needs-based program administered by FEMA provides shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals, families, and households who are experiencing or at risk of hunger and/or homelessness. The program is governed by a National Board that uses a formula to allocate funds to counties and cities with the highest need for food and shelter assistance. Local Boards award funds to local recipient organizations that provide program services. |
Local private or public organizations that receive EFSP funds may use these funds to provide the following services:
|
Uses specific to housing counseling include:
|
Find your Local Board (search by state and jurisdiction – county or city). |
|
Other options to search for state or local program grantees |
NCSHA State HFA Emergency Housing Assistance Programs: Search by state Housing Finance Agency. NLIHC COVID-19 Rental Assistance Database: Search by state, city, county, or locality. Legal Help FAQ on Evictions and Renter Protections (includes financial assistance): Search by state, county, or city. |
||||
Housing Counseling COVID-19 Resources
Select each category to view resources by topic area.
| Resource Title | Author and Date Published | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Clarification on Client File Requirements in a Remote Counseling Environment |
HUD | February 10, 2021 |
OHC has received inquiries from housing counseling agencies regarding file management and recordkeeping in a remote environment. OHC seeks to highlight flexibility regarding client signature collection, disclosures, credit reports, and other financial analysis documents while conducting remote counseling or delivering remote group education. This guidance addresses HUD requirements. Housing counselors should consult their agency leadership, Intermediary, State Housing Finance Authority (SHFA), or others to clarify additional internal policy and processes for client file management and recordkeeping. |
|
Temporary Partial Waiver of Maximum Arrearage for Subsequent HECM Property Charge Repayment Plan |
HUD | December 11, 2020 |
This temporary partial waiver of policy, originally introduced in ML 2015-11, builds on the previous HECM COVID-19 repayment waiver, dated April 14, 2020, that expired on October 30, 2020. It gives mortgagees authority to offer HECM borrowers a repayment plan for unpaid property charges, regardless of the total outstanding arrearage, by waiving certain requirements outlined in ML 2015-11, and allowing them to repay property tax arrearages of any amount if they are unable to make two consecutive payments during the COVID-19 National Emergency. This temporary partial waiver is effective through February 21, 2021. |
| HUD | June 1, 2020 |
These FAQs provide guidance for housing counselors on Housing Counseling Program guidance during COVID-19. Topics covered include remote counseling, temporary suspension of activities, eligible costs, and more. |
|
|
Extension to FY 2019 Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grant Performance Period |
HUD | April 27, 2020 |
In response to the challenges housing counseling agencies are facing as a result of the COVID-19 National Emergency, HUD's Office of Housing Counseling (OHC) implemented an automatic extension of the performance period for all fiscal year (FY) 2019 Comprehensive Housing Counseling (CHC) grants to the maximum allowable timeframe. Agencies operating under the FY 2019 CHC grant requirements are not required to submit requests to obtain the extension. This extension supersedes all extensions for the FY 2019 grants previously approved by OHC. The new period of performance end date will be March 31, 2021. |
|
Partial Waiver of 24 CFR § 214.300(a)(3) In-Person Service Housing Counseling Requirement |
HUD | April 20, 2020 |
On April 20, 2020, Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner Brian Montgomery signed a one year waiver stating that all agencies participating in HUD’s Housing Counseling Program may provide housing counseling in the office of the housing counseling agency, at an alternate location, or by telephone, as long as mutually acceptable to the housing counselor and client. This temporary waiver is in effect through April 21, 2021. |
The following COVID-19 resources have been released by HUD and other federal agencies and cover consumer protection information, HUD guidance, and other options that may be helpful for housing counselors to understand and share with their clients.
| Resource Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CFPB |
This video helps renters understand the CDC moratorium on residential evictions. Share this video with your clients to help them understand how they may be protected from eviction. |
|
| CDC |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order extending the federal moratorium on evictions for nonpayment of rent through June 30, 2021. Other CDC resources include: |
|
| CFPB |
The CFPB released this report on March 1, 2021 summarizing some of the relevant data and research on the impact of the pandemic on the rental and mortgage market, and particularly its impact on low income and minority households. |
|
| HUD |
OHC released electronic outreach materials in February 2021 to assist HUD-approved housing counseling agencies with their client outreach on the web and social media. |
|
| HUD |
Due to the COVID-19 national emergency, as well as other disasters and emergencies, scams and frauds are surfacing that target individuals in vulnerable situations. This guide will assist housing counselors in helping their clients cautiously navigate suspicious circumstances. This guide, originally posted in September 2020, was updated in March 2021 to include additional information on vaccine-related scams and economic impact payments. For more information about vaccine-related scams and cyberattacks, view the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Notice. |
|
| A coalition led by CFPB, Mortgage Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, Housing Policy Council, and NeighborWorks America |
This campaign raises awareness to ensure customers who need payment relief due to COVID-19 know that programs are available and who to call. Housing Counselors can use this campaign for mortgage customers experiencing financial stress, especially 1) customers who are behind in their payments, but have not reached out for help and 2) customers who are in a forbearance plan but don’t fully understand their options when the payment relief ends. |
|
| FEMA |
The purpose of the COVID-19 Housing Resource Roadmap is to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial leaders and stakeholders with navigating some of the challenges and resources associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This document describes how supplemental appropriated funds, in particular under the CARES Act and certain ongoing annually funded federal programs, can be used to implement potential solutions. |
|
| HUD |
Find HUD and FHA resources and guidance related to COVID-19 for program participants across HUD programs, as well as homeowners and renters. |
|
| FHA |
View COVID-19 guidance from FHA, including:
|
|
|
HUD FHA Waiver Suspending Face-to-Face Meeting Requirements with Default Mortgage Borrowers |
FHA |
This partial waiver of 24 CFR §203.604 Servicing Responsibilities is to limit face-to-face contact due to public health concerns around the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Please note that this guidance is relevant to loan servicing and is not an Office of Housing Counseling (OHC) requirement. |
|
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) COVID-19: Halting Foreclosure through June 30, 2021 |
USDA |
This announcement informs lenders of a foreclosure and eviction moratorium for all USDA Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) loans through June 30, 2021. |
| HUD FHEO |
This statement from HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) provides information to housing providers and the public at large about the federal fair housing laws that protect persons from discrimination. |
|
|
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Mortgage and Housing Assistance |
CFPB |
The CFPB, HUD, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) are working together to help homeowners and renters during the coronavirus pandemic. The new Mortgage and Housing Assistance website provides the latest information on how to get help with housing to share with your clients during the coronavirus emergency. |
|
Fannie Mae Assistance Options for Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19 |
Fannie Mae |
Fannie Mae shares information with those impacted by COVID-19 of available mortgage assistance and relief options. |
| Freddie Mac |
Freddie Mac staff is working to ensure that its employees, customers, and borrowers are protected from the direct and indirect impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19). Read Freddie Mac's #HelpStartsHere Interactive Guide for Homeowners that provides information and resources on how mortgage servicers can help clients that have experienced job loss, reduced income, illness or other issues related to COVID-19 that impacts their ability to make their monthly mortgage payments; understanding forbearance and if it’s the right option; and avoiding scams such as “foreclosure rescue fraud.” |
|
| FTC |
The FTC is protecting consumers, providing guidance to businesses, and protecting competition in the marketplace throughout the pandemic. Helpful resources include: |
|
| Federal Reserve System, FDIC, and OCC |
This joint statement from the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) encourages financial institutions to work with customers and communities affected by COVID-19, particularly those that are low- and moderate-income. Financial institutions will receive Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) consideration for qualifying community development activities. |
|
|
Small Business Administration (SBA): Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources |
SBA |
The SBA is providing assistance to small businesses through a number of resources, including Coronavirus Funding Options:
|
|
U.S. Department of the Treasury: Assistance for Small Businesses |
U.S. Treasury |
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. |
|
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) COVID-19 Information |
OCC |
The OCC is working cooperatively with all state and federal banking agencies and other organizations to regulated institutions and their customers in managing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Helpful resources include: |
| Faith and Opportunity Initiatives Office |
This document from the Faith and Opportunity Initiatives Office highlights resources for faith-based and community organizations registered/recognized as 501(c)(3) non-profits from the CARES Act. |
| Resource Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MSHDA |
This marketing flyer highlights MSHDA’s housing counseling capabilities during COVID-19, including financial assessment and planning; assistance for homeowners, renters, and the homeless; and a list of all services provided. Other agencies may be interested in developing similar flyers summarizing their capabilities in order to conduct outreach during the COVID-19 national emergency. |
|
| VHDA |
Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) is committed to strengthening and sustaining Virginia’s housing services delivery network. In response to the COVID-19 national emergency, VHDA supports the efforts of six critical housing networks: HUD Housing Counseling, Virginia Habitat for Humanity Affiliates, Virginia Housing’s Housing Choice Voucher Network, Virginia Housing’s Accessibility Network, Virginia’s Public Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, and Virginia’s Non-Profit Housing Developers with a lending relationship with VHDA. |
|
| The Bridge |
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA)’s mission is to provide quality affordable housing to support diverse, thriving communities where people have the foundation to reach their full potential. Educating Michigan families about the rental eviction moratorium has been and continues to be a huge priority during COVID-19. MSHDA offers holistic support to its network by holding weekly conference calls during the COVID-19 national emergency providing updates and featuring presentations from more experienced housing counseling staff to mentor newer counselors and connect agencies for support. |
|
|
Rental Counseling During COVID-19: A Snapshot of New York City - The Bridge: Quarter 3 2020 |
The Bridge |
As COVID-19 brings job losses and health concerns, housing counselors are stepping in to provide meaningful guidance to low- and moderate-income clients whose housing stability may be at risk. New York City was one of the first epicenters of COVID-19 in the United States, and two-thirds of its residents are renters. By counseling tenants on the protections and relief available during COVID-19, housing counselors can help tenants understand their options. |
| The Bridge |
Jonathan Weaver of Mon Valley Initiative (MVI) is providing housing counseling during COVID-19 to clients who are facing challenging situations – homeowners cannot make their mortgage payments, are unsure about forbearance, and trying to avoid foreclosure. |
|
| The Bridge |
GreenPath Financial Wellness is a national nonprofit with a long-standing track record of providing trusted housing counseling that offers financial counseling and debt management services. GreenPath was awarded a $750,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to deliver timely counseling to meet the needs of renters and homeowners affected by the COVID-19 national emergency. Funds from Wells Fargo are available for immediate use serving those seeking assistance. |
President Donald J. Trump Directs FEMA Support Under Emergency Declaration for COVID-19
On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a nationwide emergency pursuant to Sec. 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the “Stafford Act”). This increases federal support to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in its role as the lead federal agency for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response. As a result of the President’s decisive, unprecedented action, FEMA is directed to assist state, local, tribal, territorial governments and other eligible entities with the health and safety actions they take on behalf of the American public.
FEMA State Disaster Declarations
For a complete list of COVID-19 Disaster Declarations, visit the FEMA COVID-19 Disaster Declarations webpage.