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Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity expands homeownership services with HUD certification
Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity expands homeownership services with HUD certification
Listen to this articleGreater Rochester Habitat for Humanity has received certification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a Housing Counseling Agency, a designation that expands the organization’s ability to support prospective homeowners throughout Monroe, Ontario and Wayne counties.
The certification enables Habitat to offer HUD-approved housing counseling and homebuyer education services to the broader community, extending support beyond families purchasing Habitat-built homes. The expanded services include pre-purchase homebuyer education courses and individualized counseling designed to help buyers navigate the complexities of homeownership.
Organization leaders say the designation comes at a time when rising housing costs, affordability challenges and economic uncertainty continue to create obstacles for first-time and moderate-income homebuyers.
“This certification allows us to expand beyond our traditional role,” said Abigail Blake, vice president of program and real estate operations. “We can now serve individuals and families across the broader housing market, ensuring more people have access to the education and guidance needed for successful homeownership.”
The HUD certification also strengthens Habitat’s ability to participate in state and federal housing initiatives, including programs supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Through those partnerships, eligible buyers may gain greater access to down payment assistance programs, affordable mortgage options and other resources designed to improve housing affordability.
According to Habitat officials, the organization has provided homeownership education for years through its existing programs. The federal designation formalizes those efforts and creates opportunities to expand their reach.
“Our goal has always been to meet people where they are and walk alongside them through the homeownership journey,” said Justin Koch, HUD-certified housing counselor for Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity. “This certification formalizes the education and counseling work we’ve long been doing and allows us to scale it in a way that reaches more families, more effectively.”
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