HOUSING DEPARTMENT Program Services/Activities
HOUSING DISCRIMINATION:
Ø Investigate all illegal housing discrimination complaints
Ø Provide counseling and supportive services to complainants
Ø Recruit and train persons to conduct testing for discrimination
Ø Seek redress through mediation, referrals, voluntary compliance or legal actions
LANDLORD - TENANT COUNSELING:
Ø Provide intervention, mediation and supportive service for conflict resolution
Ø Provide educational information and material to landlords and tenants
Ø Referral resources (i.e. financial, legal and other services)
HOMEBUYER EDUCATION AND COUNSELING:
Agency services are HUD approved as a counseling and education service provider
Ø Conducts 8 hour homebuyer education programs monthly
Ø Provides counseling and guidance to future homebuyers
Ø Distributes information on affordable homebuyer programs
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AND MORTGAGE DEFAULT COUNSELING
Housing Counselors are trained and certified Foreclosure Prevention Specialist
Ø Provides comprehensive mortgage default counseling and foreclosure prevention services
Ø Interacts and negotiates with lenders and others (i.e., property taxes) to avoid foreclosure
Ø Review retention and liquidation options available to the homeowner
Ø Assists homeowners in developing an action plan to save their home
HOUSING INFORMATION SERVICES:
Ø Distribute affordable rental housing listings
Ø Government subsidized housing listings and referrals
Ø Provide education and awareness to home seekers and housing providers
OUTREACH:
Ø Conduct educational presentations, workshops and seminars
Ø Distribute brochures, posters and other informational material
Ø Advocacy and networking activities with housing groups, financial institutions, housing providers and others involved in the housing industry
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Monitor Columbus and Franklin County Affirmative Marketing Plan Agreements
Prepares reports on the financial institutions, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data.
Coordinates the development of the Fair Housing Analysis for Columbus and Franklin County.
HOUSING INFORMATION
BULLETIN BOARD: This is a list of Private Landlords and/or Management Agencies
that contacts the Housing Department to add their property on our “Bulletin Board” list. Being on the list is not an endorsement. We advise all prospective tenants to review our TENANTS TIPS sheet thourghly when looking for housing. You will need to contact the landlord for all information on Availability and Terms for occupancy.
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING: CMHA Public Housing and Government (HUD) Subsidized Apartment Complexes have long waiting lists. We recommend that you apply in order to be
added to the waiting list at each site.
TAX CREDIT: This property is not subsidized and you will need to ‘financially qualify' for this housing. Income can not be too low nor can it be too high. Tax Credit management accept Vouchers.
COLUMBUSHOUSING PARTNERSHIP: Most of the property on this list is Tax Credit and Home Ownership Opportunities. CHP managed property accept Voucher.
EMERGENCY HOUSING: We regret to inform you that there is “NO EMERGENCY” housing other than ‘Shelters' and unfortunately sometimes they have no room.
HOME BUYING EDUCATION : Homebuyer program series (8) hour education and certification program. Upon completion of classes, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which is required for most Downpayment assistance
NOTE: Please understand that the COLUMBUS URBAN LEAGUE does not own or manage any property and therefore we do not have the means or ability to place anyone into housing.
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Counselor Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 - 3:30 p.m.
(614) 257-6300 Ext. 300 (No Appointment Necessary)