Fortunately, there is now a chance to get much of that funding restored. In the next few weeks, the House Appropriations Committee will consider an amendment to an agriculture bill that would add $60 million to the program. This funding would allow counselors to continue the crucial work of preventing foreclosures, preparing first-time homebuyers for the responsibilities of homeownership, advising seniors on reverse mortgages, and more. Counseling can produce educated, well-prepared homebuyers that would help to strengthen our persistently weak housing market.

What can you do to help? The National Community Reinvestment Coalition is organizing a campaign to let elected officials know that housing counseling is a necessary investment. You can contact Emily Rhodenbaugh at ERhodenbaugh@ncrc.org to sign on as an individual or organization to NCRC’s letter.  You can also call both of your Senators and House members in districts where you live and work and let them know how important counseling is to your communities. You can find contact information for your elected officials here or call 202-224-3121.