WASHINGTON – The federal government recently announced two Rhode Island organizations will receive a combined $215,899 to provide counseling to those buying a home or those attempting to avoid foreclosure or eviction.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $183,663 to Rhode Island Housing and $32,236 to the Urban League of Rhode Island. The money is part of $60 million in housing counseling grants awarded nationwide and disbursed mostly to national and regional organizations under a competitive process. All told, 24 national and regional organizations, five multi-state organizations, and 463 state and local housing counseling agencies received money.

In addition, HUD awarded $5 million to three national organizations to train about 4,400 counselors, who will receive the instruction and certification necessary to assist families with their housing needs.

“Now, more than ever, it is crucial that Americans understand how to manage their money, navigate the homebuying process, and secure their financial future,” HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said in a news release. “This critical funding will help counseling organizations continue to assist families in making more informed choices before they buy a home and counsel families facing foreclosure.”

Organizations receiving counseling money help people become or remain homeowners or find rental housing, and assist homeless people in finding the transitional housing they need to move toward a permanent place to live. Grant recipients also help homebuyers and homeowners realistically evaluate their readiness for a home purchase, understand their financing and down payment options, and navigate the homebuying process.