Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency recognizes housing counselors

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) recently recognized the work of Pennsylvania’s private sector housing counselors during an event at the Harrisburg Hilton.

Housing counselors help state residents make more informed housing decisions by providing information about homeownership, home foreclosure, budgeting and credit scores. Some counseling agencies have also started providing money management education.

“When families have stable housing, it gives them the chance to be successful in other areas of their life,” PHFA Executive Director and CEO Brian A. Hudson Sr. said “By educating consumers to make smarter housing decisions, the counselors in our statewide network create successful homeowners and renters. Today’s event gave us a chance to say thank you to these counselors for the work they do that too often goes unheralded.”

Housing counselors representing 72 counseling agencies from across the state attended the event. Hudson and Robin Wiessmann, secretary of the state Department of Banking and Securities, thanked the audience of counselors in brief remarks.

John Taylor, president and founder of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, was presented with the Award of Excellence. Throughout his 40-year career, Taylor has worked to create affordable housing for lower-income families and those living in poverty.

PHFA also presented the Best Housing Counseling Specialist Award, Best Agency Award, Community Partnership Award, Financial Education and Coaching Award, and Humanitarian Award.