Definition

• All HUD-approved housing counseling agencies must be either public or private nonprofit organizations, or affiliated with local government agencies. Any agency applying for HUD approval must also be established for one year in the geographical area in which it provides services.
  
  

Requirements

• Housing counseling agencies must have at least one year of experience in providing housing counseling. Staff must be trained in housing counseling, and they must be knowledgeable of HUD programs, local programs, and the local housing market. At least half of all counselors for the agency must have at least six months of experience.
  
  

Considerations

• HUD approved agencies must establish relationships with community resources to provide clients with services that the agency cannot provide. The agency must also have an office with adequate space to provide private, in-person counseling. They must also have sufficient funding to cover operating expenses.
  
  

Potential

• HUD requires agencies applying for approval to have a housing counseling work plan. This plan must detail the housing problems to be addressed, how the problems will be addressed and the anticipated outcome of their plan.