During the 2007-2008 Program Year, Direct Services Program counselors responded to 1,223 requests for assistance from 928 individuals seeking counseling, education and information to help resolve their housing problems and to provide answers to their housing questions. These clients represented 2,347 household members who benefited from the services received from HERC. Clients received direct one-on-one counseling through HERC’s Housing Counseling Phoneline as well as through in-office counseling where additional assistance, including a review of leases, correspondence and other written materials was provided. Each question, problem, or concern addressed by HERC resulted in help for a household with a housing dilemma and/or a need for information and education related to their specific needs.

The “top three” topics of concern to clients during 2007-2008 were:

Tenant/Landlord Rights and Responsibilities

HERC responded to 536 requests—498 from tenants and 38 from landlords—for counseling on a variety of issues that required educating the client about tenant/landlord statutes.

Rental Assistance program information/resources

HERC responded to 227 requests for assistance related to rental assistance—how and where to apply, how to use subsidies and questions related to the administration of programs.

Foreclosure

HERC responded to 175 requests for information and guidance regarding foreclosure including the process, procedures, time frame and loss mitigation strategies. Most of these clients were referred to HERC’s Foreclosure Prevention Program.

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