How A HUD Counselor Can Help If You’ve Faced A Disaster Or Homelessness

Here’s a quick look at some of the counseling resources you may be able to receive for each situation.

If You’re Recovering From a Disaster

A natural or human-made disaster can be traumatic emotionally and financially. That’s why it’s best to solicit the help of a HUD-approved housing counselor as soon as disaster strikes. In doing so, you’ll have someone to help you every step of the way so you can get on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

HUD counselors have played significant roles in helping disaster-affected households recover from hurricanes, earthquakes, flash floods, wildfires, and more. With over 2,000 government-approved housing counseling agencies across the country, you’re sure to find one locally to give you aid when you need it most.

Here are some of the tasks a housing counselor can offer in response to a disaster:

• Meet with you via phone or in person.
• Discuss the specific needs of your household and the matching resources that are available.
• Determine the needs and resources your situation will require in both the short and long term.
• Communicate with your insurance company, lender, and government agencies.
• Look at ways to improve your finances by reviewing your expenses, income, debt, and credit.
• Help with paperwork related to home repair and mortgage assistance.
• Develop a custom action plan to help you get back on your feet.

In addition to such personalized help, HUD-approved counseling agencies also offer classes on such topics as:

• Disaster scams to be aware of.
• Making the right decision between relocating or repairing after a disaster.
• How to repair damage from water and mold.
• The dos and don’ts of home repair.
• Mortgage relief programs geared explicitly towards disaster assistance.

To find the nearest government-approved housing counselor near you, call (800) 569-4287 or search here.

If You’re Homeless

The HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) helps over one million people per year via permanent, transitional, and emergency housing programs. Homelessness makes up part of that statistic, and in 2018 alone, the HUD spent over $2 billion to help address it via local housing programs.

Whether you’re currently homeless or at risk of living on the streets, a government-approved housing counselor from the HUD can help now so you can maintain a stable foundation in the future.

Here are some ways in which a HUD counselor can help tackle homelessness:

• Evaluating the situation.
• Finding safe and suitable housing.
• Locating physical and mental health care.
• Setting goals to avoid homelessness in the future.
• Providing accountability and support to ensure those goals are met.
• Job search and job training to develop a steady income and stability.
• Help with transportation.
• Referrals to government and community organizations that offer help via financial management, budgeting, and more.

Perhaps most important of all, HUD housing counselors give the homeless a place to turn and someone to talk to without fear of being judged. In doing so, it makes the person more likely to solicit the help they need.

Once again, you can get help if you’re homeless or at risk by calling (800) 569-4287 or finding a government-approved housing counselor here.