Housing Counseling Virtual Meeting Resources
Resources from fifth session (October 19th, 2020)
Resources from fourth session (September 14th, 2020)
Resources from third session (May 19th, 2020)
Resources from second session (April 21st, 2020):
- Call Recording: Housing counseling (code: 5C*6=*0+ )
Resources from first session (March 25th)
Quick Links
Resources
We will be continuously updating the resources on this page to reflect information shared on our calls and Slack channel. Resources can be find below in the following categories:
- COVID-19 Resources
- Outreach Resources
- NHRC Counseling Calls and Resources
- Other Resources Identified by Members
- Transition to Virtual Coaching
- CARES Act Summary
Covid-19 Resources
Below are links to resource COVID resource pages or reference documents created by groups that we think will have relevant and useful information.
- New Freddie Mac blog post on new deferral option
- New Fannie Mae update on the new deferral option as well as other updates.
- New Mortgage and Housing Assistance site a Consolidated Consumer Portal announced by HUD, CFPB, FHFA. It provides information on: 1) Mortgage relief options, 2) Protection for renters, 3) Watch out for scams and bad actors, and 4) Mortgage basics.
- This COVID-19 Relief Forbearance Product Comparison created by Quicken loans summarizes different options for borrowers with federally-backed or government loans.
- COVID-19 Resource Hub from Keep by Framework
- Fannie Mae Covid-19 resource page
- Freddie Mac Covid-19 resource page
- FHA Press release on new Mortgagee Letter implementing CARES Act provisions.
- Document on Internet Resources with options for consumers to access free internet.
Outreach Resources
Avesta Homeownership Center’s use of Facebook to provide information and outreach to clients on issues related to Covid-19
NHRC Counseling Calls and Resources
The National Housing Resource Center will be holding weekly Leaders in Housing Counseling calls on Thursdays at 1:15pm Eastern. Each week they will discuss pertinent topics that impact the industry. Register for calls here.
Resources that have been shared recently on NHRC’s calls are below:
- Top FHA-Approved Mortgage Loan Servicer Contacts and Resources for COVID-19
- National Housing Law Project COVID Resources: www.nhlp.org
- Summary of the CARES Act Eviction Moratorium provisions: National Housing Law Project CARES Act Eviction Moratorium Summary
- State and Local Eviction Moratoriums: Spreadsheet
- Searchable Database of Federal Subsidized Properties to help determine if renters live in properties protect by CARES Act forbearance provisions: https://preservationdatabase.org/
- Servicer Contact List- This list is a contact list for major services and only for housing counselors and should not be circulated to clients. It is password protected and the password is housingcounseloronly
- Wells Fargo Mortgage Outreach Resource Map
- Unemployment New Eligibility and Information
Other Resources Identified by Members
- Chris Linder provided this link for Pro Bono financial planning/investment advisor support for non-profits, so help clients who might need advice on investments, which counselors cannot provide.
Transitioning to Virtual Coaching
Many agencies are looking to HUD for answers to questions regarding compliance when transitioning to virtual coaching. Due to the volume and need to vet questions, HUD will be publishing new FAQs that will provide clarity on virtual counseling. Once this information becomes available, we will update this resource page.
During our COVID-19 Response calls, several colleagues have referenced technology or applications that they are utilizing to adapt to counseling over the internet or by phone. HPN and its members are not endorsing any product. It is also important to recognize that, particularly as it relates to securely gathering or transmitting materials, many applications need to be configured in a specific way and processes must be implemented to ensure security. Therefore, as you evaluate technology options, you must review your agency’s technology, privacy, and other policies to determine if these resources are compatible with your agency’s own standards, processes and requirements. We recommend consulting to your IT staff for the best guidance on these matters.
Technologies and resources agencies are utilizing:
Cori from Wayfinders mentioned that they have looked at Hightail, which HPN has also utilizes. Minnesota Homeownership Center indicated they are using Box to upload client documents. Laurie from INHP also indicated that they utilize FormAssembly, which uploads directly into their salesforce-based system. Laurie also mentioned that they utilized Accession Mobile (now called MaX UC) so that when their counselors work from home their private phone number is concealed and instead it links to their office number.
In order to help clients scan documents that they may need to send back to counselors, people referenced the following applications that their clients have been able to use: Adobe Scan, Abbyy FineScanner (multilingual and only paid if more storage is needed), and Genius Scan.
NHS of Chicago also noted that their clients have found the Zoom App easy to use as a way to have virtual counseling sessions with clients.
Recent HUD Guidance:
- New Guidance from HUD on Electronic Signatures. Note this guidance includes links to electronic signature providers such as docusign.
CARES Act Summary
The following provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (passed by Congress and signed into Law by the President) are relevant to Housing Counseling:
- Section 4022. Foreclosure Moratorium and Consumer Right to Request Forbearance. Prohibits foreclosures on all federally-backed mortgage loans for a 60-day period beginning on March 18, 2020. Provides up to 180 days of forbearance for borrowers of a federally-backed mortgage loan who have experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 emergency. Applicable mortgages included those purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, insured by HUD, VA, or USDA, or directly made by USDA. The authority provided under this section terminates on the earlier of the termination date of the national emergency concerning the coronavirus or December 31, 2020.
Section 4024. Temporary Moratorium on Eviction Filings. For 120 days beginning on the date of enactment, landlords are prohibited from initiating legal action to recover possession of a rental unit or to charge fees, penalties, or other charges to the tenant related to such nonpayment of rent where the landlord’s mortgage on that property is insured, guaranteed, supplemented, protected, or assisted in any way by HUD, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the rural housing voucher program, or the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.
Missed another session? Find other recordings and resources here