Program Director:

Deacon Fred Lemond

409-924-4425

OUR SERVICES

HOUSING SERVICES

Pre-Purchase Counseling

There are many steps involved in buying a home. Pre-purchase counseling guides families and individuals through the process of evaluating their credit and income history to determine mortgage readiness. Our HUD certified counselors utilize approved education resources that prepare potential homeowners so they can understand the home buying process as well as learn about closing information.

Post-Purchase Counseling

Post-Purchase Counseling helps homebuyers to succeed after they have purchased a home. Our HUD certified counselors assist homeowners with assessing mortgage refinance options, home improvement and rehabilitation loans, home equity lines of credit loan options and with navigating applications and relations with lenders. Homeowners also learn best practice actions for handling regular property maintenance and major repair needs.

Rental Counseling

For those who rent their homes, our counselors can educate clients on their rights and the rights of landlords. The eviction process is explained ensuring clients understand their rights when faced with possible displacement. Counseling is also offered to determine rent affordability to help avoid the risk of future evictions.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Financial services assist with payment of rent, utilities, and food for those experiencing a temporary hardship. All inquiries regarding this service should be directed to our Client Service Representative by calling 409-924-4426. We are not able to respond to inquiries through our website or Facebook.

Financial education classes and workshops are available in person or online. Our counselors provide the tools and resources that develop skills to help individuals and families gain self-sufficiency. Consumers empowered with sound knowledge are better able to make informed decisions about how they manage their money.  Counselors guide clients in developing budgets, repairing their credit, and creating savings plans. Free income tax preparation is also available for qualifying clients.

DISASTER SERVICES

Disaster services are provided to address immediate relief needs and long-term response efforts to help families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes or other severe weather events.

Our agency works with other disaster service organizations to identify individuals and families impacted by a disaster. Priority may be given to those who have registered with Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) by using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) Damage Surveys (https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/).

Immediate relief assistance may include gift cards to help replace clothing, hygiene items, medicine, food, or other identified needs.

Our counselors can provide case management to help search and apply for other available disaster recovery resources to help with minor and major damage repairs.

We are members of the Southeast Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (SETX VOAD) and work with area Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) to assist community disaster recovery initiatives across our nine-county service area.

How do I get started with the First Time Homebuyers Program?

Contact Lexie Motley at 409-924-4415

What is the cost to take advantage of the Program?

There is no cost to take advantage of the live counseling and classes.

Do you provide an online Homebuyer Education Class?

Yes, but there is a cost of $99 for the Class. 

How do I get free Income Tax Assistance?

During the Income Tax filing season (January-April), click this link for locations and dates. Call for additional information if outside of the Income Tax filing season.