2016 Housing Counseling Grant Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2016

For more information, please contact:
Dan Niederman, Program Director, Housing and Neighborhood Development, 812.349.3512, niedermd@bloomington.in.gov

2016 Housing Counseling Grant Award

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington's Housing and Neighborhood Development Department (HAND) received a $22,737.00 grant to continue helping area households by providing comprehensive housing counseling services. The grant is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD provides funding to a nationwide network of approved Housing Counseling Agencies and HAND has maintained this approved status since 2002.

There are three distinct types of housing counseling services that HAND offers on a regular basis:

Mortgage Default/Delinquency (Foreclosure Prevention) Counseling

If you are at risk of foreclosure please call HAND as soon as possible to speak with a housing counselor confidentially. The sooner you call the more potential exists for a positive outcome. HAND will work with you to seek any possible options to avoid foreclosure.

Reverse Mortgage Counseling

Homeowners who are 62 years of age or older and are interested in acquiring a reverse mortgage are required to complete a counseling session with a certified counselor. The HAND department is prepared to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision on the use of the equity in your home.

Home Purchase Counseling

If you have been thinking about purchasing a home and would like to be more knowledgeable about the process from start to finish then give HAND a call. We offer a comprehensive educational workshop geared towards first-time purchasers called the Home Buyers Club. In addition, we offer personalized one to one counseling to support you on your journey to homeownership. You will also learn about financial assistance programs that assist income eligible applicants with down payment and closing costs.

In the 2015-16 grant year, HAND provided housing counseling services to 275 households and is prepared to serve even more in 2016-17. If you or someone you know needs assistance please call HAND at 812-349-3401 and ask to speak with a housing counselor. HAND is located in Suite 130, Bloomington City Hall, 401 N Morton Street.

###