A safe and secure home is a top priority for all metro Atlanta families. ULGATL offers programs and services to help individuals and families secure and keep a safe and affordable housing.
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Housing and Community Development Program is an approved counseling agency of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program provides several types of housing counseling services to the general public. Counseling sessions focus on financial preparedness and mortgage readiness, and other areas applicable to obtaining, and maintaining safe homeownership. Clients are invited to attend a monthly first-time homebuyer’s education workshop, conducted by the certified housing counselor of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s housing department.
The objectives of the program are to expand and increase homeownership opportunities for families and individuals, improve access to affordable housing, and preserve homeownership through education and empowerment of homeowners. Our housing counselors provide guidance and information to help families and individuals improve their housing conditions and meet the responsibilities of tenancy and homeownership. We assist in helping prospective homebuyers avoid inflated appraisals, unreasonably high interest rates, unaffordable repayment terms, and other conditions that can result in a loss of equity, increased debt, default, and eventually foreclosure.
In FY 2010, over 41% of the participants who received educational services became homeowners. Additionally, 95% of those that received foreclosure prevention and loss mitigation services were able to remain in their homes with affordable mortgage payments.
Counselors may also provide assistance to the homeless and renters in distress to help them secure permanent, safe and affordable housing.
For more information, contact Johnette Brown, Housing Program Assistant at (404) 659-1150 or Jbrown@ulgatl.org
