HOUSING COUNSELING

Housing Counseling Agency

NLHHC's Housing Counseling Agency delivers support to individuals before they reach literal homelessness. We assist with eviction prevention, first-time homebuying, and more.

The Agency is located at 234 State Street, New London 06320. We offer walk-in support Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

You can contact us there by phone at (860) 501-9900 or by email at info@nlhhc.org. You may also contact our Housing Counseling Coordinator, Errol Maurice, by email at emaurice@nlhhc.org.

What We Provide

Rising housing costs have left many lower-income community members struggling to maintain stable housing. NLHHC's Housing Counseling Agency offers targeted programs to support these individuals, aiming to help them remain housed and navigate the affordable housing crisis.

Core Services Offered

Budget Counseling: Help tenants prepare budgets and develop financial plans

Tenant Rights Education: Increase understanding of tenant rights and responsibilities, especially for those facing eviction

Income Support: Assist households in accessing benefits (including rental assistance) or improving employment status

Addressing Inequities in Homeownership

Historical barriers to homeownership, particularly for communities of color, can be mitigated through:

Flexible mortgage financing assistance

Down payment assistance

Comprehensive education on the home-buying process

Key Programs

1. UniteCT

Provides rental relief to prevent eviction. Includes the Moving Assistance Program for verified homeless individuals or those with eviction stipulations. Funded by the Department of Housing.

2. Rental Counseling

One-on-one guidance for maintaining housing stability. Includes landlord communication, budgeting, and action plans.

3. Homeownership Counseling

Monthly workshops on First-Time Homebuying and Foreclosure Prevention and Mitigation.

4. Pre-Purchase Counseling

Personalized counseling for the entire home-buying process. Includes budgeting, credit management, and action planning.

5. Mortgage Delinquency Assistance

Financial coaching to understand default consequences, explore loss mitigation options, and develop repayment plans and restructure debt.

6. Educational Workshops

One-on-one guidance for maintaining housing stability. Includes landlord communication, budgeting, and action plans.

Fair Housing Advocacy
- Workshops on fair housing rights, rent commission complaints, and senior support.
- Public presentations available upon request.
Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education
- Covers all aspects of home buying, including:
  - Budgeting
  - Mortgage pre-approval
  - Offer and closing processes
  - Foreclosure prevention
Successful Tenancy Workshop
- Focuses on:
  - Budgeting for rent
  - Tenant-Landlord rights
  - Eviction prevention
Financial Fitness
- Teaches personal finance skills
- Includes saving, investing, and credit management

Success Stories

Over recent months, the Housing Counseling Agency has helped hundreds of individuals avoid eviction and stabilize their housing.

Deborah (Groton): "My landlord reduced my rent increase and allowed me to stay after your help. Thank you!"

Cristina (New London): "After being homeless, I now have my own apartment - my Taj Mahal! Thank you!"

Kathianna (Groton): "Thank you for explaining my options and helping me. I'm forever grateful."

Glenda (New Britain): "You allowed me to breathe again. Thank you for your support."

If you would like to support the Housing Counseling Agency's efforts, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Together, we can eradicate homelessness and ensure stable housing for everyone in our community.