Free Housing Counseling

PCHC, a HUD certified Housing Counseling Agency, administers its Counseling Program with funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development & New York State Attorney General Home Ownership Protection Program (HOPP)

The program offers housing counseling for both homeowners and renters alike, addressing reverse mortgages, foreclosures, eviction, home improvements, rehabilitation, pre-purchase, & pre-rental.

The program offers counseling for a person, family or group of persons with the same documented need, regardless of the area of assistance. All clients will receive an analysis of their financial situation. 

Young Family Looking at a Beautiful New Home.

Counseling Available Through PCHC Include The Following:
(Appointment Required)

Pre-Rental

Counseling includes an explanation of tenant's rights, lease and rental agreements, landlord tenant mediation, landlord grievances and a review of Fair Housing Laws. Income eligible clients are also directed to the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program administered by PCHC in Putnam County. The program offers a federal subsidy to assist low-income residents in paying their rent. HUD Housing Choice Voucher (Please note the waiting list for the Voucher Program is currently closed).

Reverse Mortgages - (Fee of $125 at closing)

Counseling for the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) insured by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The eligibility requirements are:
Borrowers: All owners must be borrowers; all borrowers must be at least 62; occupy a home - a primary residence (if joint borrowers, then at least one).
Properties: One to four unit dwellings, including some condominiums, manufactured homes and planned unit developments (PUDs); no mobile homes or cooperatives; and must meet minimum property standards (local building codes) identified as part of the appraisal process (repair costs may be financed from loan proceeds in some cases).
Call Margherita Diaz at ext. 205 for an appointment.

Homeownership Program

PCHC offers an enhanced homeownership program to assist residents in purchasing a home. This includes The Homebuyer Dream Program in partnership with Tompkins Mahopac National Bank, M&T Bank, HVFCU and PCSB Bank through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. For more information please see Homeownership.

Foreclosure Assistance

PCHC, as a certified HUD Housing Counseling Agency, can assist homebuyers at risk of foreclosure. PCHC receives funding from HUD and the New York State Attorney General Home Ownership Protection Program (HOPP). The homeowner must fill out an intake application for Housing Counseling assistance. Once the counselor receives the application and reviews it they will call homeowner to schedule an appointment within one week.

The counselor will meet with the homeowner to determine their objectives, the reasons for the default and the time constraints of the case. Homeowner will be assisted by the counselor to document income and expenses and establish a current budget and set up a realistic budget going forward.

The Counselor will then advise the borrower of the options available to them: Forbearance and Reinstatement; Loan Modification; Preforeclosure Sales; Assumptions and Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure; or Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM). The counselor may refer the homeowner to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley for free legal services if appropriate or the Putnam County Department of Social Services. The counselor may attend the Mandatory Court Settlement Conference with the homeowner.

PCHC also works with lenders, bank and mortgage companies to arrange work-out agreements, short sales and other remedies for customers.