Home pathways and counseling center
Opening Doors to Homeownership. Building Pathways to Prosperity.
Homeownership is more than purchasing a home. It is an opportunity to build financial security, establish stability, and create lasting wealth for generations to come.
At the Greater Washington Urban League’s Home Pathways & Counseling Center, we help individuals and families navigate the journey to homeownership, strengthen their financial foundations, and protect one of life’s most important investments.
Through personalized housing counseling, homebuyer education, credit improvement, foreclosure prevention, and connections to financial assistance programs, we provide the knowledge, resources, and guidance needed to make informed housing decisions.
Our approach recognizes that the path to homeownership can be complex. From understanding financing options to preparing for closing costs and maintaining a home, we help individuals and families navigate challenges and pursue their housing goals with confidence.
Together, we are removing obstacles to homeownership and economic mobility while helping families build stronger financial futures and lasting generational prosperity.
Our
Mission
To remove obstacles to homeownership and economic mobility by equipping individuals and families with the knowledge, resources, financial guidance, and personalized support needed to achieve housing stability, pursue homeownership, and build lasting wealth.
Our
Vision
A Greater Washington region where individuals and families have the opportunity, resources, and support to achieve homeownership, strengthen financial security, and build prosperity that can be sustained across generations.
Our
Purpose
The Home Pathways & Counseling Center helps individuals and families navigate housing challenges, prepare for homeownership, and protect their financial investments.
Through homebuyer education, credit counseling, foreclosure prevention, and connections to housing assistance programs, we provide practical guidance and individualized support at every stage of the housing journey.
Our work is grounded in the belief that stable housing and successful homeownership create opportunities for greater financial independence, stronger families, and thriving communities.
Your Path to Homeownership
Starts Here.
Whether you are preparing to purchase your first home, exploring available financial assistance, improving your credit, or navigating challenges as an existing homeowner, our team is here to help.
We Can Help You With:
- Developing a personalized homeownership plan
- Understanding the homebuying process
- Identifying and applying for down payment and closing cost assistance
- Strengthening credit and improving mortgage readiness
- Preparing financially to maintain and protect your home
- Navigating challenges after purchasing a home
- Preventing foreclosure and exploring available solutions
- Planning for wealth preservation and generational asset transfers
Our
Impact
Helping Families Build Stability and Lasting Wealth
The Home Pathways & Counseling Center connects residents throughout the Greater Washington region to housing education, personalized counseling, and financial assistance programs that support long-term stability and successful homeownership.
Our services help individuals and families prepare for purchasing a home, navigate housing challenges, and protect their financial investments.
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
Helping eligible homebuyers access financial assistance that makes purchasing a home more attainable.
Housing Counseling and Financial Readiness
Supporting residents through housing program navigation, credit counseling, foreclosure prevention, and home rehabilitation resources.
Homeownership Education and Foreclosure Prevention
Equipping residents with the knowledge and guidance needed to make informed housing decisions, prepare for homeownership, and maintain housing stability.
applicants received down payment and closing cost assistance annually.
people received inclusion zoning help, credit and foreclosure counseling, and home rehabilitation assistance.
residents participated in homeownership workshops and default prevention programs.
HOME PURCHASE ASSISTANCE Program
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Making Homeownership More Attainable
Purchasing a home is a significant financial milestone, and navigating available assistance programs can make an important difference.
The Home Pathways & Counseling Center helps eligible residents understand home purchase assistance options, prepare required documentation, and navigate the steps toward successful homeownership.
Through education, individualized guidance, and connections to available resources, we help prospective homebuyers strengthen their financial readiness and pursue opportunities to purchase a home.
Program details and enrollment information will be provided as available.
HOUSING & HOME BUYER EDUCATION
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Building Knowledge. Strengthening Confidence. Preparing for Homeownership.
Understanding the homebuying process is an important step toward financial security and successful homeownership.
Our housing education programs provide practical information, personalized guidance, and connections to available resources that help individuals and families navigate housing opportunities with confidence.
Inclusionary Zoning Program
Connecting Eligible Residents to Housing Opportunities
The Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) Program provides income-eligible District of Columbia residents with opportunities to rent or purchase homes at prices below prevailing market rates.
The Greater Washington Urban League helps residents understand program requirements and prepare to participate in available housing opportunities.
To participate, eligible households must attend an Inclusionary Zoning Orientation and complete the required registration process through the DC Department of Housing and Community Development.
Inclusionary Zoning Orientation
Visit the GWUL Events Calendar for upcoming orientation dates and registration information.
For questions: IZ@gwul.org
Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU)
Expanding Access to Homeownership in Montgomery County
The Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU) Program provides eligible residents in Montgomery County, Maryland, with opportunities to purchase homes at prices established through the county’s housing program.
The program includes newly constructed and resale homes, helping qualified homebuyers pursue homeownership at more attainable price points.
Prospective applicants must complete required educational sessions, including:
- MPDU Orientation Seminar
- First-Time Homebuyer Classes
- Application Tutorial
Participants must achieve a score of at least 80% on the post-test for each required class and obtain a certificate of completion.
Visit the GWUL Events Calendar for upcoming classes and registration information.
To begin the application process, complete the required intake form and submit it to mpdu@gwul.org.
For questions: mpdu@gwul.org
HOMEBUYERS CLUB
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Preparing Today for the Home You Want Tomorrow.
The Greater Washington Urban League’s Homebuyers Club is an 18-month program designed to help first-time homebuyers prepare financially and confidently for homeownership.
Through monthly educational seminars, personalized guidance, and ongoing support from certified housing counselors, participants develop the knowledge, financial habits, and practical skills needed to navigate the homebuying process.
The program helps participants strengthen their financial readiness, understand mortgage requirements, establish savings goals, and prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership.
Program Eligibility
To participate in the Homebuyers Club, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have sufficient income to support future mortgage payments
- Commit to participating in the program for at least six months
- Contribute $50 monthly to a designated Capital One savings account
Interested participants must complete the Homebuyers Club Intake Application and Credit Report Authorization.
Following a review of the application, our housing counseling team will provide guidance on eligibility and next steps.
For questions: hcml@gwul.org
HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES
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Supporting Homeowners. Protecting Investments. Strengthening Financial Stability.
Our housing counseling services provide personalized guidance to help individuals and families navigate housing challenges, make informed financial decisions, and maintain long-term housing stability.
Whether preparing to purchase a home or seeking assistance with an existing mortgage, our certified housing counselors offer practical support tailored to each participant’s circumstances.
Foreclosure Counseling Assistance
Helping Homeowners Navigate Challenges and Protect Their Homes.
Financial challenges can place significant pressure on homeowners and families.
The Greater Washington Urban League provides free foreclosure prevention counseling to homeowners in Washington, DC, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Our housing counselors work with participants to understand their circumstances, review available options, communicate with mortgage servicers, and develop practical plans for addressing mortgage challenges.
We also connect homeowners to additional resources that may help protect their investments and support long-term housing stability.
For questions: hcml@gwul.org
First-Time Homebuyers Workshop
Your Journey to Homeownership Begins With Knowledge.
Purchasing a first home is an important milestone that requires preparation, planning, and informed financial decisions.
Our eight-hour First-Time Homebuyers Workshop provides prospective buyers with essential information about the homebuying process, mortgage financing, credit readiness, budgeting, down payment assistance, and the responsibilities of homeownership.
Participants gain practical knowledge and resources to help them prepare for purchasing a home and maintaining financial stability after closing.
Visit the GWUL Events Calendar for upcoming workshop dates and registration information.
Connect With the Home Pathways & Counseling Center
Your Path to Homeownership Starts With the Next Step.
Whether you are preparing to purchase your first home, exploring housing assistance programs, improving your financial readiness, or seeking support to maintain your current home, the Greater Washington Urban League’s Home Pathways & Counseling Center is here to help.
Our experienced housing counselors provide trusted guidance, practical resources, and personalized support to help you navigate challenges, achieve your housing goals, and build lasting financial security.