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HACE is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit CDC offering free housing counseling, tax preparation, and community development services to low-to-moderate income residents in North Philadelphia since 1982.
Data compiled from public sources
HACE (Housing Association for Community Enterprise) was established in 1982 as a community development corporation focused on building equitable neighborhoods in Eastern North Philadelphia. The organization has evolved into a comprehensive community service provider addressing housing, economic development, and financial wellness for low-to-moderate income families and small business owners in the region.
HACE's primary service offerings include HUD-approved housing counseling, free tax preparation for qualifying households, and homeownership programs through their affiliated Good Lands Trust community land trust. The organization provides one-on-one counseling and educational workshops on budgeting, homeownership, and financial planning. Beyond direct financial services, HACE engages in community development through affordable housing preservation, commercial space development, small business support, and neighborhood revitalization projects.
What distinguishes HACE is its dual focus on financial counseling paired with community-level economic development. Rather than operating solely as a credit counselor, HACE integrates financial education with broader neighborhood stability initiatives—community gardens, affordable housing development, and small business growth. The organization's Good Lands Trust model specifically addresses displacement risk in gentrifying areas by making properties available to low-income homebuyers at affordable prices, with homes purchased through CLTs being ten times less likely to fall into foreclosure.
HACE operates as a legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofit with demonstrated community presence and partnerships (Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, People's Budget Office, Smart Growth America). However, potential clients should note that services appear geographically limited to North Philadelphia/Fairhill neighborhoods, free tax preparation has income eligibility requirements, and the organization's primary strength lies in housing counseling rather than comprehensive credit repair or debt resolution services.
This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Philadelphia, PA. It does not confirm that Hace or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Hace offers 11 services including HUD-approved housing counseling and homeownership education, Free tax preparation for qualifying low-to-moderate income households, Good Lands Trust community land trust homeownership programs, Affordable housing development and property acquisition/redevelopment, Housing preservation and home maintenance support programs, and 6 more.
Hace has profile signals associated with First-time homebuyers in North Philadelphia seeking affordable housing and homeownership counseling, Low-to-moderate income households needing free tax preparation services during tax season, Residents of gentrifying Philadelphia neighborhoods interested in community land trust homeownership models, Small business owners and community members seeking neighborhood economic development resources.
Key strengths: HUD-approved housing counseling staff providing professional guidance on homeownership and financial planning; Free tax preparation services for qualifying low-to-moderate income households during tax season; Good Lands Trust community land trust model with proven outcomes—homes 10x less likely to foreclose, 79% first-time homebuyers. Areas to consider: Services appear geographically limited to Eastern North Philadelphia/Fairhill area—not a regional or national provider; Free tax preparation has income eligibility requirements that exclude some households.
In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Clarifi - Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley, Clarifi - Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley, Clarifi - Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Delaware Valley. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
HACE is best suited for low-to-moderate income residents in North Philadelphia seeking free housing counseling, tax preparation, and pathways to affordable homeownership through a community land trust model. The primary caveat is geographic limitation to Eastern North Philadelphia and a housing-focused mission rather than comprehensive credit repair, debt resolution, or credit building services.
Non-profit financial counseling and housing empowerment service serving Greater Philadelphia's low- to moderate-income residents across PA, NJ, and Delaware since 1973.
Profile signals: Low- to moderate-income families in Greater Philadelphia region seeking free debt counseling without sales pressure, Homeowners needing assistance with affordable housing repairs and maintenance programs
Non-profit financial and housing empowerment organization serving Greater Philadelphia for 50+ years, offering free certified counseling to low- and moderate-income residents.
Profile signals: Low-to-moderate income residents in Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, Homeowners needing affordable home repair assistance or housing counseling
Philadelphia-area non-profit providing free certified financial counseling, housing assistance, and benefits access to low- and moderate-income families across PA, NJ, and Delaware.
Profile signals: Low- to moderate-income families in Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware needing comprehensive financial counseling, Homeowners requiring affordable repair assistance and financing guidance in the Delaware Valley region
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