Habitat for Humanity is founded on the belief that we’re all in this together. As our communities continue to navigate COVID, we have updated health and safety guidelines across our Habitat community.
Managing your personal finances is a fundamental step to budgeting for big purchases like buying your first home, paying-off debt, or saving for the future. As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, Habitat offers:
Habitat’s housing and financial services are open to anyone of any income range wanting to improve their financial health or reach a milestone such as purchasing their first home.
Looking to buy a home with Habitat? Housing and financial counseling services, workshops, and resources are NOT part of the Habitat homeownership application process. Click here to learn how to apply.
One-On-One Counseling services offer free, individualized guidance from a HUD-certified Habitat Housing Counselor.
No matter your financial or housing goals, our counselors will work with you to understand your current financial status, listen to any financial anxieties, and develop a personalized plan to help you achieve your dreams. Our counseling services include:
Looking to buy a home with Habitat? One-on-one counseling is NOT part of the Habitat Homeownership application process. Click here to learn about our Homeownership Program.
Our free financial education workshops and webinars are one-hour, small group presentations that are open to the public and cover essential information to help you build financial health. Key topics include:
Habitat Homeownership Applicants – Workshops and webinars are NOT part of the Habitat Homeownership application process. Click here to learn about our Homeownership Program.
Habitat’s Financial Education Center is a free online library of financial and homebuying educational resources that you can access anytime, anywhere, 24/7.
Our self-paced, interactive lessons provide a fun and engaging experience to empower you to take control over your finances, save for the future, and reach your financial goals. Topics include:
Attending a HUD-Approved First-Time Homebuyer Class can help you navigate and understand the homebuying process and prepare for successful homeownership.
We offer the following two virtual options to receive the First-Time Homebuyer Class Certificate of Completion :
Habitat Homeownership Applicants – paying and attending the First-Time Homebuyer Class is NOT part of the Habitat Homeownership application process. Click here to learn about our Homeownership Program..
No. Housing Counseling is a separate service we offer and is NOT part of the application process for the Habitat homeownership program.
To learn more about Habitat homeownership opportunities and how to apply click here.
Housing counseling services are free. However, if you would like an in-depth review of your credit report there is a one-time fee of $25 for one person or $40 for two or more people. We accept payments via money orders or online through Square (no cash or checks). Your counselor will provide you with instructions on how to submit your payment.
No, we do not accept walk-ins.
To schedule an appointment, click here. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.
Your Housing Counselor will:
For credit counseling purposes we do a soft pull which does not impact your credit score. The credit report includes credit scores and credit information from all three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Transunion, and Equifax), and you will get a copy.
No. It is your responsibility to make sure you add the appointment date and time on your calendar, so you do not forget.
Counselor’s Roles and Responsibilities
Client’s Roles and Responsibilities
Termination of Services: Failure to work cooperatively with your housing counselor and/or Habitat will result in the discontinuation of counseling services. This includes, but is not limited to, missing three consecutive appointments.
You need to complete an intake packet. You also need to submit financial documentation like paystubs, benefit letters, bank statements, and credit card statements. Your Housing Counselor will review with you what you should provide.
Financial documentation is needed to assess your financial situation so your counselor can help you create an action plan catered to your unique circumstances and goals.
Yes. We provide video appointments through Microsoft Teams. Your counselor will provide you with instructions on how to join the video call and how to submit your intake packet and documentation.
Your Housing Counselors will work with you as long as needed to help you reach your goals through follow-up meetings and regular check-ins.
No. We pull your credit report only if you want us to do an in-depth credit report review.
Yes, as long as the credit reports show your full credit history for all your accounts. Credit report summaries or reports that only show the credit score do not provide the information needed to do an in-depth credit report review.
When you schedule an appointment our Housing counselors reserve that time for you. If you cannot make it let us know as soon as possible so we can free up the time for someone else. We know schedules can change and things happen, and we are happy to reschedule.
For questions or to schedule an appointment with our Housing Counselors complete the inquiry form below.
*DO NOT complete this form if you are interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner. For questions about Habitat's homeownership opportunities, visit our Homeownership Program page.
As a part of Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley, Habitat Community Capital (HCC) was founded in 2016 as a nonprofit lender in response to Habitat affiliates and other affordable housing developers’ increasing need for more affordable financing options.
As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Habitat Community Capital is the legal business name of EBSV Community Development, Inc.
“Habitat has taught our family how to budget and how to save money for things like our closing costs. It was hard but we have a savings account for the first time!”
Marisela, Habitat Homeowner
March 21, 2023
In this workshop, you will learn what you can do to prepare before talking to a lender, how the mortgage loan application process works, and the costs associated with getting a mortgage. We also review escrow accounts and the Loan Estimate.
...April 4, 2023
Are you new to banking or simply looking to brush up on the basics? This 1-hour presentation will provide an overview of banking including:
EIN or Federal Tax ID #: 94-3053687
Habitat for Humanity East Bay / Silicon Valley is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
© 2023 Habitat for Humanity East Bay / Silicon Valley