HomeFirst Housing Resource Services, Inc. has operated as a non-profit housing counseling agency in Macon-Bibb and Middle Georgia since 2002, with HUD approval as a certified housing counselor. The organization's stated mission is to provide homeownership education, counseling, financial literacy, and housing development services to address local housing needs and increase homeownership rates in the region. Their services address the full homeownership lifecycle, from initial education for first-time buyers through pre-purchase coaching to foreclosure intervention for homeowners in distress.
The agency offers three primary service lines: HomeBuyer Education (foundational homeownership knowledge), Pre-Purchasing Coaching (individualized guidance for buyers), and Foreclosure Intervention (assistance for those behind on mortgage payments or facing foreclosure). They serve clients throughout Macon-Bibb, Middle Georgia, and surrounding counties. Historically, HomeFirst has funded operations through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and other funding sources, enabling them to provide services with no listed cost to clients.
What distinguishes HomeFirst is its HUD-approved status, which signifies compliance with federal housing counseling standards and training requirements. The organization explicitly positions itself as a non-profit resource center, meaning counselors are not incentivized to sell financial products or services. Their long operational history since 2002 indicates sustained community presence and established relationships with local housing stakeholders.
A significant caveat emerged in 2025: HomeFirst announced anticipated decreases in federal funding and has implemented a fee structure for services and reduced office/staff hours effective immediately. The organization transparently communicated that funding shifts will impact service availability going forward. Prospective clients should contact the agency directly to understand current fee schedules and operating hours, as this represents a material change from the non-profit's historical free-service model.