Contact Lacey Walters at 479-968-5001 or click the image above to send an email.
We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live and that home ownership shouldn’t be just a dream. As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency since 1977, we have helped thousands of people meet their housing needs through new construction of affordable homes, home rehabilitation, or finding a way to afford to stay in the home they already own. All of our counseling addresses Fair Housing issues, budgeting and credit. Click here for the Housing Counseling intake packet.
All of our services are free. A description of the types of counseling we offer follows:
Pre-Purchase Counseling
We can help you decide where you are in the homeownership process. Some people are just beginning and need to learn about the entire process. Maybe you are ready to own and just need help figuring out what you can afford. The counselors at Universal Housing can take you through the different options for homeownership so that you will have all the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.
Post-Purchase Counseling
As a homeowner, do you dread getting your utility bill every month? Or maybe there are repairs that you know your house needs but you don’t know if you can afford. Housing Counseling can help you too. We can help you assess what you need to make your home more affordable. Depending on your individual situation, you may be eligible for programs that can help you rehabilitate you home through grants or low-interest loans. We can help you figure out what is best for you and help you come up with a plan to meet your individual situation.
Homeless/Displacement Counseling
There are no permanent emergency shelters for the homeless in our area. We partner with area churches and faith-based assistance agencies to find temporary housing for the homeless. Our goal is to work through referrals to other agencies to find food and other assistance to get through the immediate crisis and allow a homeless client to begin to find longer-term solutions.
Credit & Budget Coaching
Credit and budget coaching is a part of every type of housing counseling we do at Universal Housing. The goal is to help you find the best way to help yourself, whether it’s through a program that we provide or by helping you work through credit issues that are holding you back from reaching your goals.
Rental Counseling
Rental counseling includes an explanation of tenant's rights and lease and rental agreements. Depending on the situation, it may also include landlord/tenant mediation, landlord grievances and Fair Housing Laws. If you are eligible for rental assistance, we also explain the different types of assistance available and the guidelines on apartment size, allowable rents, etc. We maintain a list of income-assisted properties as well as those that are designed for elderly or handicapped individuals. We view rental clients as potential future homeowners and will also work with you on goal setting, budgeting and credit.
Mortgage Delinquency/Foreclosure Prevention
The key to keeping your home is to take action as soon as possible. UHDC Housing Counselor will work with you to gather information, discuss options, and contact the lender with you to try to establish a reasonable plan to prevent or mitigate the loss of your home. We are available to help you complete necessary paperwork, hardship letters, etc. as needed and we will coordinate with you and the lender to be sure that you have the best chance of succeeding with whatever option you choose. All counseling takes place in a private setting that secures confidentiality for the client. Click here for the Mortgage Delinquency/Foreclosure Prevention intake packet.
