Housing and Credit Counseling Services During COVID-19

While congress and the Trump Administration are addressing urgent priorities, a Kansas  nonprofit, Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI) is providing free counseling by phone for families who are struggling with debt, have little to no savings, and have rent, mortgages, student loans, and other bills due on April 1 and every month after that.

Marilyn Stanley, Executive Director of HCCI, said, “HCCI has counseled Kansas residents about budgeting and debt management since 1972 and we want people to know that HCCI’s financial counseling is free and is offered by phone to anyone in Kansas.”  Stanley said people who are losing paychecks during the current shut-down of work and events, can benefit by talking with an HCCI Certified Counselor about reviewing their household budget.  HCCI Counselors have expertise about debt payment, including student loans and medical debt.  HCCI’s free counseling also addresses mortgage default and rent delinquency.  HCCI’s Tenant and Landlord division counsels by phone for issues related to lease questions, late rent payment, unlawful eviction, security deposits, and unlawful landlord entry.  For a phone counsel call 800-383-0217 or go to www.hcci-ks.org. 

Stanley said, “Getting checks to families nationwide will help buy food and maybe pay utilities but it is unlikely cash relief from the federal government will be enough to immediately halt foreclosures, evictions, utility shut-offs, bank account garnishments, car repossessions and debt collection activities.”     

Stanley said, “These are major concerns for families now and HCCI can help with counseling about communicating effectively and soon with landlords and mortgage lenders and creditors.”

HCCI’s counseling is free.  HCCI is supported by United Way agencies, grants and local funders. 

More details are at the National Consumer Law center.  COVID-19 & Consumer Protections