Housing counseling services include pre- and post-purchase counseling, mortgage default and foreclosure prevention, rental counseling, home improvement and rehabilitation and counseling to the homeless. CSP utilizes budget and debt management, energy conservation and home maintenance information in the housing counseling process.

In the case of default and delinquencies, CSP first works with the clients to identify the source(s) of the problem and then helps the client search for resources within their means to correct the financial deficiency. When necessary, clients are counseled about avoiding potential eviction proceedings and/or foreclosure. CSP utilizes internal resources and services for housing clients, or refers clients to other community resources so that the family can make rent or mortgage payments. Housing counseling staff may help clients apply for occupancy and rent subsidies. CSP also provides counseling to tenants with regard to Section 8 and guidance in seeking alternative voucher housing, as needed.

CSP counsels on Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), also known as reverse mortgages. In order to obtain a reverse mortgage, one must be 62 years old or older, own and occupy a single-family home, condominium, townhome, or a 2-to 4-unit dwelling as primary residence. The dwelling must be free and clear of debt or have a small remaining balance that can be paid off with the reverse mortgage.

The CSP Affordable Housing initiatives provide a comprehensive set of services to low- and moderate-income households which include education and counseling. CSP emphasizes asset building by encouraging purchasing or rehabilitating homes.

Participants in the Homebuyer Education Program must attend an orientation class to enroll in this program. Orientation classes are held in each service county. Please call for schedule.

The following topics are covered:

Homebuyer Readiness	Keeping Your Home & Managing Finances
Managing Your Money	Shopping for a Home
Getting a Mortgage Loan	Understanding Credit
Personal Finance and Wealth Creation

CSP creates affordable, attractive and energy efficient housing for families with low to moderate incomes, special needs and/or disabilities. Single-family homes can be made affordable for first time homebuyers. The program allows participants, who do not have a perfect credit history or who may not have the down payment for traditional mortgages, to lease a CSP home for 24 months. A portion of the lease payment is designated as down payment. At the conclusion of the lease, if the participant has completed all the requirements, the purchase phase begins. The Housing Division assists with the loan process to capture low interest rates to make mortgage payments affordable.