Who We Serve

Housing counseling is available for people who live in the following counties:
  • Arenac
  • Bay
  • Clare
  • Gladwin
  • Gratiot
  • Isabella
  • Lake
  • Mason
  • Mecosta
  • Midland
  • Muskegon
  • Newaygo
  • Oceana
  • Osceola
  • Saginaw
 
We work with:
  • Renters
  • First-time homebuyers
  • Current homeowners
  • People worried about falling behind on payments or taxes
  • Participants in housing programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
 
If you are not sure whether this program is right for you, you can still reach out. We’ll help you figure out the best next step, even if it is a different program or organization.

HUD-Certified Housing Counseling

As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, our counselors offer free, one-on-one help on many housing topics.
 
Housing counseling can help:
​
Renters
  • Understand leases and rental agreements
  • Learn how to talk with your landlord about problems
  • Make a budget so rent and bills are more manageable
  • Learn about fair housing protections and how to ask for help if you face possible discrimination
 
First-Time Homebuyers
  • Get ready to buy a home with a realistic budget
  • Understand credit reports and what lenders look for
  • Learn about the steps in the homebuying process
  • Take homebuyer education to meet lender or program requirements
 
Homeowners
  • Review your mortgage and other housing costs
  • Talk about options if you are behind on payments or worried you might fall behind
  • Explore ways to prevent foreclosure or property tax foreclosure when possible
 
General Money and Housing Support
  • Build a basic spending plan (budget)
  • Work on credit and debt goals
  • Plan for future housing goals, such as saving for a home or moving to a new place
 
Our counselors explain your options in plain language so you can make informed choices.
 
Housing counseling does not replace legal advice. If you need legal help (for example, for an eviction case or court date), we can provide information on legal aid or other resources in your area.

How to Get Started

We serve residents of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Saginaw Counties.
 
To connect with a HUD Housing Counselor, call or text the office nearest you​
You can also email us at [email protected]

When you reach out, it helps if you can share:
  • That you’re interested in Housing Counseling
  • What county you live in
 
From there, our staff will direct your message to the right team member, and a Housing Counselor will follow up with you to talk through your situation in more detail.

What This Program Can and Cannot Do

We can:
  • Provide free, confidential housing counseling
  • Help you understand your options and next steps
  • Work with you on budgets, credit, and housing goals
  • Support you in talking with landlords, lenders, or servicers
  • Connect you to other Mid Michigan Community Action programs when they may help (like Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool, utility support, or other housing programs)
 
We cannot:
  • Guarantee housing or place you at the top of a waitlist
  • Provide legal advice or represent you in court
  • Pay your rent, mortgage, or taxes directly from this program (other programs through our agency may be able to help with bills, depending on funding)
  • Make decisions for you—we support you in making your own choices
 
If you are in a housing crisis right now, please call 2-1-1 to learn about emergency resources in your area.
 
If you are unhoused, please visit our Homeless Solution page to learn more about how we may be able to help.