As part of its continuing effort to help families find decent housing and to prevent future foreclosures, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this week announced over $500-thousand in housing counseling grants to 23 organizations in Illinois, including several local organizations.  As a result of this funding, Illinois households will have a greater opportunity to find housing or keep their current homes.  In addition to the funding to these state and local agencies, HUD is awarding $29 million to national, regional and multi-state counseling agencies that may also have an impact in Illinois communities.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan says this funding is crucial in helping struggling families on a one-to-one basis to manage their money, navigate the homebuying process, and secure their financial futures.

Local agencies receiving funding include Community Investment Corporation of Decatur, Inc., which received a little over $22-thousand. METEC of Peoria received a little over $25-thousand. In Springfield, TSP - Hope, Inc. received over $16-thousand and Springfield Housing Authority received over $190-thousand.

Housing counseling grants will assist families in becoming homeowners, many for the first time, and remaining homeowners after their purchase.  They also provide assistance to renters and the homeless, and offer financial literacy training to individuals and families.

More than $36 million in grant funds will directly support the housing counseling services provided by 27 national and regional organizations, 6 multi-state organizations, 16 State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs) and 419 local housing counseling agencies.  In addition, HUD is awarding $2 million to three national organizations to train counselors who will receive the instruction and certification necessary to effectively assist families with their housing needs.