The purpose of the counseling and training program shall be to assure that the homebuyers, individually and collectively through their homebuyers association (HBA), will be more capable of dealing with situations with which they may be confronted, making decisions related to these situations, and understanding and accepting the responsibility and consequences that accompany those decisions.

The counseling and training program should seek to achieve the following objectives:

(a) Enable the potential homebuyer to have a full understanding of the responsibilities that accompany his participation in the Homeownership Opportunity Program;

(b) Enable the potential homebuyer to have an understanding of homeownership tasks with specific training given to individuals as the need and readiness for counseling or training indicates;

(c) Assure that the role of the HBA is understood and plans for its organization are initiated at the earliest practical time;

(d) Develop an understanding of the role of the LHA and of the need for a cooperative relationship between the homebuyer and the LHA;

(e) Encourage the development of self-help by the homebuyer through reducing dependency and increasing independent action;

(f) Develop an understanding of mutual assistance and cooperation that will develop a feeling of self-respect, pride and community responsibility;

(g) Develop local resources that can be of assistance to the individual and the community on an on-going basis.

(a) The counseling and training program shall be flexible and responsive to the needs of each prospective homebuyer. While many subjects lend themselves to group sessions, consideration shall be given to individual counseling. Individuals should not be required to attend training classes on subject matter they are familiar with unless they can actively participate in the instruction process.

(b) The program may be provided by contract with an outside organization, or by the LHA staff, in either case with voluntary involvement and assistance of groups and individuals within the community. It is essential that the training entity be completely knowledgeable and supportive of the entire Homeownership Opportunity Program. It may be recognized that most of the objectives stated require specialized instructional skill and content knowledge. There shall be recognition of the differences in communication and in value systems, and an understanding and respect for past experience of the individual. Maximum possible use shall be made of indigenous trainers to insure good communication and rapport. Special attention shall be directed to the needs of working members of the family for counseling and training sessions to be held where and during the time they can attend. Where the services of outside contractors are utilized, there shall be a close working relationship with the LHA and a program for phasing in LHA staff who will have the on-going responsibility for the program. The value of local agencies, educational institutions, etc., for implementing the program rather than an outside firm shall be carefully considered since the continuing presence of such agencies and institutions in the community can often develop into an on-going resource beyond the contract period.

(c) In planning a homeownership counseling and training program, whether self-administered or contracted, the LHA shall consult with HUD for advice and information on programs, qualified contractors, local resources, reasonable costs, and other similar matters.

(d) Where the program is to be contracted to an outside group, proposals shall be secured either by public advertising or by sending requests for proposals to a number of competent public or private organizations.

(e) In areas where there are large concentrations of homebuyers who do not read, write, or understand English fluently, the native language of the people shall be used. If feasible all instructional materials shall be in both languages.

(a) The counseling and training program shall be designed to meet the needs of the homebuyers and be sufficiently flexible to meet new needs as they arise. The nature of the program suggests four phases of counseling: (1) Pre-occupancy; (2) move-in; (3) post-occupancy; (4) assistance to the HBA. While some elements of the program lend themselves more to one phase than another, the program areas shall be coordinated and interrelated. It is recommended that the entity providing these services work closely with the participants and ensure that policies established are agreeable to both the LHA and the homebuyer.

(b) The following is a description of major elements of the program which experience thus far has shown to be relevant. More detailed information is set forth in Appendix I, “Content Guide for Counseling and Training Program.”

(1) Pre-occupancy phase. The purpose of this phase is to prepare the selected families to assume the responsibilities of homeownership, and to provide an opportunity for the LHA and each family to reassess the family's potential for successful participation in the homeownership development.

(i) An overload of information should be avoided in this phase since many of the subjects will be dealt with in greater depth after the family is in occupancy, and experience has shown that much of the information will be more relevant at that time.

(ii) This phase should be completed for each family before the beginning of its occupancy.

(2) Move-in phase. During this phase, the counseling and training staff should be available to the homebuyers on an individual basis. Services may include (i) inspecting the units, interior and exterior, with the homebuyers and a representative of the LHA, (ii) testing appliances and equipment, (iii) providing information on the moving process (packing, trucks, etc.), and (iv) assisting homebuyers in making adjustments occasioned by the move, serving as liaison among homebuyers, LHA, builder and other agencies, and assisting homebuyers in meeting new neighbors.

(3) Post-occupancy phase. Before this phase begins, a period (possibly one month) should elapse to allow homebuyers an opportunity to adjust to their new surroundings. This is a time when new questions and problems come to light that can be dealt with in further counseling and training. This phase should be designed to cover many of the same basic subjects as the pre-occupancy phase, both by review and refresher where necessary but in much greater depth.

(4) Assistance to the HBA. The parties responsible for the counseling and training program shall be responsible for the formation, incorporation, and development of the HBA, including the execution of the Recognition Agreement between the LHA and HBA, as provided in subpart D of this part.

Equal in importance to the content of the pre- and post-occupancy training is the training methodology. Because groups vary, there should be adaptability in the communication and learning experience. Methods to be utilized may include group presentations, small discussion groups, special classes, and workshops. Especially important to a successful program are individual family home visits for discussion and instruction on unique problems and operation of equipment.

(a) Source of funds. For purpose of funding counseling and training pursuant to this subpart and for establishing the HBA, the LHA shall include an amount equal to $500 per dwelling unit in the development cost budget. If additional funds should be needed for any of these purposes, the LHA with the assistance of the CPC, if any, shall explore all other possible sources of services and funds.

(b) Planned use of $500-per-unit funds. These funds are to be used to pay for:

(1) Pre- and post-occupancy counseling and training;

(2) Establishment and initial operation of the HBA (for operation in the management phase, see § 904.305).

(c) Period of availability of $500-per-unit funds. These funds shall be available during the development phase, and a specific amount shall be set aside, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, to be used for ongoing needs after the close of the development period.

(d) Budgeting of $500-per-unit funds. (1) The Development Cost Budget submitted with the Development Program shall include an estimated amount for counseling and training program costs. However, such costs shall not be incurred until after HUD approval of the counseling and training program.

(2) Upon HUD approval of the counseling and training program, the LHA shall include the approved amount in its Contract Award Development Cost Budget. This amount shall constitute the maximum amount that may be included for such purposes in the project development cost; provided that, if the approved amount is less than $500 per dwelling unit, it may, if necessary, be amended with HUD approval, but not later than the Final Development Cost Budget and subject to the $500-per-unit limitation.

(e) Application for approval of counseling and training program. (1) The LHA shall submit an application for approval of a counseling and training program and for approval of funds therefor. This application shall be submitted to HUD at the time of the submission of the development program or as soon thereafter as possible but no later than the submission of the working drawings and specifications.

(2) The application shall include a narrative statement outlining the counseling and training program, including any services and funds to be obtained from other sources, together with copies of any proposed contract and other pertinent documents. This statement shall include the following:

(i) Indication that the training entity is completely knowledgeable of the Homeownership Opportunity Program and is aware of the needs and problems of prospective homebuyers;

(ii) The method and/or instruments to be used to determine individual training and counseling needs;

(iii) The scope of the proposed program, including a detailed breakdown of tasks to be performed, products to be produced, and a time schedule, including provision for progress payments for specific tasks;

(iv) An outline of the proposed content of the counseling and training to be provided, and the local community resources to be utilized;

(v) The methods of counseling and training to be utilized;

(vi) The experience and qualifications of the organization and of personnel who will directly provide the counseling and training;

(vii) The estimated cost, source of funds, and methods of payment for the tasks and products to be performed or produced, including estimates of costs for each of the following categories:

(a) Counseling and training during development phase:

(b) Establishment and initial operation of HBA

(c) Counseling and training during management phase

A Content Guide for Counseling and Training Program (Appendix I) is provided as further detailed information for consideration in designing the counseling and training program. The items set forth therein are not to be considered mandatory.

Inclusion of the following items in the Counseling and Training Program should be considered, keeping in mind that the extent to which they are covered will depend on specific needs of homebuyers in the given development.

1. Explanation of program. Includes the background and a full description of the program with special emphasis on the financial and legal responsibilities of the homebuyers, the HBA, and the LHA; and a review for homebuyers of the computation of the monthly payment and of the accumulation and purpose of EHPA and reserves.

2. Property care and maintenance. Includes making homebuyers generally familiar with the overall operation of the home, including fixtures, equipment, interior designing, and building and equipment warranties, and the appropriate procedures for obtaining services and repairs to which the homebuyers may be entitled. (This aspect will probably have to be covered in more detail during the Post-Occupancy Phase.)

3. Money management. Includes budgeting, consumer education, credit counseling, insurance, utility costs, etc.

4. Developing community. Includes a view of the surrounding community, and especially how the homebuyer relates to it as an individual and as a member of the HBA.

5. Referrals. Includes information as to community resources and services where assistance can be obtained in relation to individual or family problems beyond the scope of the contract agency. This may include referrals to community services that can upgrade employment skills, provide legal services, offer educational opportunities, care for health and dental needs, care for children of working mothers, provide guidance in marital problems and general family matters, including drugs and alcohol.

1. Home maintenance. This should include builder responsibility, identification of minor and major repairs, instructions on do-it-yourself repairs and methods of having major repairs completed.

2. Money management. This should involve an in-depth study of the legal and financial aspects of consumer credit, savings and investments, and budget counseling.

3. Developing community. This will consist primarily of creating an awareness on the part of the homebuyer of the nature and function of the HBA and the value of his participation in, and working through, the HBA as a responsible member of his community. By this means much will be learned about relationships with neighbors, community cooperation, and the ways in which individual and group problems are solved.

In addition to the above, there are other needs and concerns, especially those expressed by the homebuyers, that may be dealt with in special classes or workshops. These may include such topics as child care, selection of furnishings, decorating and furnishing, refinishing of furniture, upholstery, sewing, food and nutrition, care of clothing, etc.