HUD Information for Consumers

HUD appears to be making a big play for consumer attention. The timing - several months before a Congressional election - is probably no accident. HUD recently released a brochure called "10 Things Your Faith Community Can Do To Encourage Home Ownership." The 4-page brochure is available on HUD's website. Much of the advice is similar to the concepts of Habitat for Humanity by suggesting encouragement of home ownership and participating in construction and rehabilitation of housing.

The brochure also recommends financial education. It suggests both teaching young people about financial responsibility and helping families improve their credit rating. Financial institutions may use this brochure to generate projects with churches and other faith-based communities.

HUD also announced a partnership with private and public institutions, such as the American Library Association, to educate the public on home ownership. The program is also supported by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. The program will include grants for free seminars in public libraries for low- and moderate income families and minority families.

Copyright © 2002 Compliance Action. Originally appeared in Compliance Action, Vol. 7, No. 10, 8/02