HUD awards $3.2M in housing counseling grants to Michigan agencies

Farmington Hills — Each year, GreenPath counsels more than 42,000 people looking to obtain or retain housing.

The Farmington Hills agency is among 10 in Michigan that got a funding boost Tuesday with the announcement that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $3.2 million in housing counseling grants for Michigan.

The funding will help more than 67,000 households across Michigan, according to HUD. It’s part of $47 million in grants awarded throughout the United States to help 1.1 million households.

“They’re going to be able to get assistance, make more informed housing choices and keep their current homes,” said Joseph Galvan, HUD Midwest regional administrator, during a press conference at the GreenPath Financial Wellness offices in Farmington Hills.  

Galvan said housing counselors are on the front lines helping people.

“You’re guiding people through their first home purchase and their trips up and down the way to home ownership…” he said. “This funding will be a tremendous resource as you help families across Michigan obtain and retain the American dream. As we all know, home ownership is the primary way families begin to build wealth in Michigan.”

Homeownership in Michigan is at 72.9 percent, higher than the national average of 64.3 percent, Galvan said.

“You’re doing something right,” he said.

GreenPath received $2.3 million in funding, the largest recipient in Michigan. Galvan said GreenPath spends money wisely and is a good steward.

“GreenPath through their application was able to show their effectiveness,” he said. “We get a lot of people, lots of companies that want to do housing counseling. We have limited resources. We have to analyze how they utilize their funds and how effectively they utilize their funds.”

Kristen Holt, president and CEO of GreenPath, thanked HUD for the grant. She said the agency receives thousands of calls daily from people seeking help.

“This grant from HUD enhances our ability to advise people who are navigating the complex systems around homeownership and we are extremely grateful for HUD’s support,” she said.

“Our housing counselors review each client’s individual situation, any financial concerns they might have around spending plans, debt, savings and planning for the future. And we provide tools to guide people to achieve their dreams.”

Other Michigan agencies to receive funding are: Michigan State Housing Development Authority in Lansing, $650,000; Oakland County Housing Counseling in Pontiac, $49,574; Community Action Agency in Jackson, $38,875; Housing Services Mid Michigan in Charlotte, $33,699; Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency in Traverse City, $32,034; Grand Rapids Urban League in Grand Rapids, $30,368; Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency in Pontiac, $27,058; Bay Area Housing, Inc. in Bay City, $25,392; Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek, $19,840.

cwilliams@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @CWilliams_DN