HUD Housing Program
HUD Housing Program Overview
On the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, there is a large housing shortage, with a waitlist of over 300 families interested in homeownership. Additionally, certain rules on the reservation make homeownership more challenging. There are multiple jurisdictions to approve home building, including the BIA, tribal realty, and committees. Most homes are on trust land which adds a layer of difficulty because homes can be purchased, but tribal members do not own the land underneath. People often stay on the housing waitlist for many years. In addition, due to infrastructure issues, few new homes are being built.
WSCAT is a HUD approved housing counseling agency on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. We serve clients who live, work, or have addresses on the Warm Springs Indian Reservaion. The counseling and education services we provide (with the exception of business) are HUD-approved. We are part of a network of housing counseling agencies through Oweeesta Corporation: https://www.oweesta.org/native-hud-housing-counseling-network/.
As a HUD certified organization, there are certain requirements and additional activities that people are required to meet, including filling out an intake form, signing documents, creating a budget, and developing an action plan.
Housing Education
WSCAT offers pre-purchase education using NAIHC’s Pathways Home: A Native American Homeownership Guide. The eight-module course takes place over a minimum of eight hours, usually in 2-hour sessions. Courses may be offered in person or with a hybrid Zoom option.
Topics included in this course include:
Exploring homeownership
Considering Mortgage-Based Homeownership
Budgeting for Homeownership and Calculating Affordability
Evaluating Credit for Homeownership
Finding a Home
Applying for a Home Loan
Meeting Your Financial Obligations
Protecting Your Investment
By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand the steps they need to take to purchase a home (on or off reservation). All participants are also offered individual counseling.
Housing Counseling
WSCAT offers HUD-approved counseling in rental, pre-purchase, and post-purchase housing topics with certified housing counselors. All counseling sessions require a financial analysis and action plan, so staff can get a complete picture of the clients needs. The counselor maintains records and follows up with clients on a regular basis. All sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual and include Financial Counseling.
Rental
For those seeking housing counseling rental assistance to move into or maintain an affordable rental. Clients not in crisis will be evaluated to determine what programs or affordable housing projects best meet their housing needs. The counselor will outline all options available to the client and refer them to the appropriate agencies. The counselor will also tell the client when a housing need is unobtainable. Clients needing legal advice as the result of landlord dispute or discrimination complaints will be referred to relevant outside agencies.
Pre-Purchase
For those seeking pre-purchase housing counseling assistance before purchasing a home (whether that’s a short-term or long-term goal). Counseling sessions will vary as they are designed to match client housing needs, as they plan to take the steps for homeownership. Clients receive required documents including completing an action plan, budget, and receiving home inspection flyers.
Post-purchase
For those seeking assistance related to home maintenance or budgeting after purchasing a home. It is designed to assist clients with general post-purchase questions that arise and goes alongside the Home Renovation Curriculum in the IDA program. Clients not in crisis will be evaluated to determine what post-purchase assistance they need. The counselor will outline all options available to the client and refer them to the appropriate agencies. Clients who need legal advice will be referred to relevant outside agencies.
Financial Management & Budgeting
While not a direct HUD counseling session, all sessions include financial management and budget counseling. Clients review budgets, develop savings plans, and pull their credit. At the end of the session, clients have a sense of their financial situation and how to reach their goals. (See Financial Counseling).
NOTE:
If staff are unable to provide services, they will refer clients to another agency for support.
All information provided is kept confidential.
Other Housing Courses & Resources
Occasionally, WSCAT will also offer other housing courses including Post-purchase Education and Fair Housing. Often, these classes are offered as one-time workshops. Topics may include home maintenance and repair, home improvement, insurance, refinancing, foreclosure prevention, fraud, disaster preparedness, and fair housing topics. Reach out directly to see which classes are currently available.