As the nation continues to grapple with the effects of the housing crisis, housing counselors stand at the front lines of the recovery effort, both educating consumers and assisting current homeowners in distress. Their work is critical.

A recent foreclosure-prevention study found that counseling not only helps homeowners avoid foreclosure, it’s a key factor in avoiding lapsing back into default. Nearly 70% of the study participants obtained mortgage remedies; 56% were able to become current on their mortgages.

Counseling also helps first-time homebuyers to avoid serious delinquencies. According to the study, counseled homebuyers were more than 30% less likely to be faced with serious delinquencies than those with similar credit profiles did not receive counseling before their home purchase.

Our Approach

Comprehensive Housing Counseling makes housing options more accessible and sustainable by leveling the economic playing field for African American and other minority renters, homeowners, and the homeless.

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2025 Empowerment Goal:

Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy efficient housing on fair terms

Our Impact

Since 2009, the National Urban League has served 329,046 individuals and families through this signature program, of which:

  • 112,450 Received Pre-Purchase Homeownership Education and Counseling
  • 82,453 Received Mortgage Delinquency Education and Counseling
  • 64,621 Received Rental Assistance, Education and Counseling
  • 33,787 Received Financial Management Education
  • 8,769 Purchased a New Home
  • 7,603 Received Assistance for Shelter and Homelessness
61%

of participants had incomes less than half the median income

329,046

participants have been helped since 2009

1-in-3

participants received education and/or counseling on homeownership