Supportive Services

Amandla facilitates the delivery of Counseling and Educational Services as a member of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Counseling Network.  All counseling services are provided by MSHDA and/or HUD certified counselors are held in a confidential setting.   Counseling and Educational services are provided in the following areas: Financial Capabilities, Budgeting, Mortgage and Property Tax Foreclosure Prevention, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Post-Purchase Counseling, Credit and Rental Counseling.  Counseling and Educational Services are available to persons residing in the Detroit, Warren and Livonia MSA. 

Amandla is a member of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Counseling Network.  Group and individual counseling services are provided by MSHDA and/or HUD certified counselors.  

  • Due to the COVID -19 Virus, in person appointments, workshops and classes have been temporarily suspended.  However, Counseling and Educational services are being offered remotely.  Simply, complete the Service request form and download the appropriate service package and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment for you to speak with a member of the Counseling staff.
  • The Step Forward Michigan program provides assistance to homeowners seeking Mortgage and Property Tax Foreclosure prevention.  For more information “click” Here.  Eligibility requirements for the program are as follows:
  1. Applicant must be the owner and reside in the home in which you are seeking assistance.
  2. Must have household Income.
  3. Must have resided in property during the tax period in which you are seeking assistance.
  4. If there is more than one owner of the home/property each person listed on the mortgage and/or deed must participate in the application process.
  5. Must have or have had an eligible hardship “click” Here to Step Forward Michigan website for more information.

In addition to completing the Step Forward Michigan Application, the following documents are required:

  • Copy of Identification
  • Copy of Social Security Card
  • Verification of Income (check stubs, social security, pension, child support, food assistance, etc.)
  • Copy of registered Property Deed
  • Property Tax Bill
  • Copy of Mortgage Statement, if applicable

Note: Additional documentation may be required.

Services

Individual Counseling Services

• Pre and Post Purchase

• Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention

• Property Tax Foreclosure Prevention

• Rental Counseling

• Budgeting

• Credit Counseling

• Financial Capabilities: Other topics

Group Educational Services

• First Time Home Buyer Workshop

• Budgeting

• Foreclosure Prevention

Counseling & Educational Topics
General Description

• Pre-Purchase – Counselors will work with clients who are seeking homeownership.  Clients will participate in a group First Time Homebuyer workshop followed-up up with participation in an individual pre-purchase assessment which determines mortgage readiness.  Counselors will review credit, work with clients to develop a monthly household budge, create a Client Action Plan and provide lending options.

• Post Purchase (Non-Delinquency) – Counselors will work with clients on home maintenance and financial management for homeowners.  Topics such as escrow funding, budgeting, refinancing, home equity, home improvement, utility costs, energy efficiency and rights and responsibilities of homeowners.

• Mortgage Foreclosure – Counselors will discuss the consequences of default and the foreclosure process.  Counselors will also work diligently in conjunction with homeowners to assist the client to maintain homeownership.  Counselors will work directly with lenders and attorneys when appropriate to determine and negotiate the best possible loss mitigation options available.  In addition to conducting a mortgage analysis, counselors will also review credit, work with client to develop a realistic household budget and to create Client Action Plan.    Counselor will also provide assistance for those clients seeking assistance from the Step Forward Michigan program.  For more information on the Step Forward Michigan program click HERE

• Rental Assistance – Counselors will work with clients to identify or maintain residency and discuss HUD rental and rental subsidy programs where appropriate.  Counselor will also provide information on Fair Housing and Landlord Tenant laws, discuss lease terms, rent delinquency and budget for rent payments.

• Budgeting – Counselors will work with clients to develop a realistic monthly budget, develop strategies for homeowners to become financially capable learning to manage household spending, saving and managing their money.

• Credit – Counselor will work with clients on how to obtain and review credit reports, understanding credit and credit scoring, credit improvement strategies and how to avoid and respond to identity theft.

• Property Tax Foreclosure – Counselors will discuss the Tax Foreclosure process, work with client to create a realistic household budget and provide assistance to clients who are seeking to complete an application to receive assistance from the the Step Forward Michigan program.

Counseling Services Request




FTHB Workshop Registration




Forms to Complete