Strengthens the agency’s capacity to provide homebuyer counseling and education to prospective homeowners
Baton Rouge— Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC) has been officially designated as a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved counseling agency. This designation expands UREC’s capacity to provide trusted housing counseling services to individuals and families seeking support in achieving stable, affordable homeownership. As a HUD–certified counseling agency, individuals who complete HUD-certified counseling and education with UREC may qualify for down payment assistance from HUD-approved partners in addition to the $1,500 closing cost grant UREC offers.
HUD-approved counseling agencies are recognized for meeting rigorous federal standards and offering comprehensive services that include financial literacy education, homebuyer preparation,and rental counseling. With this designation, UREC will be able to provide an even broader range of resources to the community, empowering more families on their path to sustainable housing.
To date, UREC has provided homebuyer education to more than 700 residents in the Greater Baton Rouge area. The HUD designation increases the agency’s capacity to prepare more residents for homeownership.
UREC President & CEO Carl Dillon said: “Being named a HUD-approved counseling agency is a tremendous milestone for UREC and the communities we serve. This designation affirms the quality and integrity of our work, while expanding our ability to walk alongside families on their journey to homeownership.”
As part of its housing initiatives, UREC also offers homebuyer education through quarterly Homebuyer Seminars and the Lock & Key Homebuyers Club, which helps participants prepare for homeownership, navigate the homebuying process, and build financial readiness. Some of the services and incentives offered to participants include:
About UREC
Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC) is a nonprofit community development organization that has served the Baton Rouge area since 1992. UREC’s mission is to transform communities by investing in people and restoring neighborhoods. UREC’s housing plans focus on providing modern, high quality and affordable homes to as many families as possible, particularly families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more at www.urecbr.com.
