[Trappe, MD] (December 2022).  Habitat for Humanity Choptank is now a certified Housing Counseling Agency through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and can now better meet the needs of the community, thanks in part to a grant from Bank of America.

“Habitat Choptank is aware of increasing needs in the community and desires to expand housing counseling services to the public,” says JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank. “The HUD certification reflects Habitat Choptank’s commitment to industry standards and the delivery of quality education and one-on-one services.”

Habitat Choptank applied to HUD for approval as a Housing Counseling Agency, demonstrating an active presence in the communities it serves and the provision of housing counseling services in accordance with HUD requirements. Housing counseling services must be provided by a Certified Housing Counselor. This individual participates in extensive training to gain proficiency in topics covered through housing counseling. Additionally, the counselor must pass an exam and submit an application to HUD for certification.

To support the HUD Housing Counseling program, Habitat Choptank applied for a grant from Bank of America and received $5,000. Thanks to the generosity of Bank of America, Habitat Choptank can increase homeownership and housing stability and help families become more resilient and empowered to build a better future.

To better meet the needs of the communities that it serves, Habitat Choptank constantly “expands its toolbox.” The organization provides education resources to anyone looking to improve their housing situation. These resources provide foundational information for making informed decisions regarding housing and financial needs, and they are available to renters, homeowners, and prospective homeowners.

Currently, Habitat Choptank is the only HUD Certified Counseling Agency serving Dorchester and Talbot Counties. Habitat Choptank offers education and one-on-one services related to rental topics, homebuyer readiness, homebuyer education, financial education, and budgeting, fair housing, and post-purchase topics including home maintenance, finances as a homeowner, and protecting your investment.

For more information about these housing counseling resources, visit habitatchoptank.org to review Habitat Choptank’s Housing Counseling Education Program and information, or contact Tara Felts, Housing Counseling & Education Manager at 410-476-3204 ext. 305

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 100 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.