Housing Counseling Services, Incorporated (Hsc,Inc.) in Washington, DC

Housing Counseling Services, Incorporated (HCS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1972 to address housing challenges for low- and moderate-income residents across the Washington, DC metropolitan region, including Maryland and Virginia. The organization operates from its headquarters at 2410 17th Street NW in Washington, DC, and has built nearly five decades of experience serving vulnerable populations in the housing market.

HCS operates a comprehensive "one-stop-shop" model providing housing counseling, training, advocacy, and technical assistance across six primary service areas: homelessness prevention, homebuyer preparation, homeowner support, tenant rights and eviction prevention, HIV/AIDS housing assistance, and veteran housing stability. For homebuyers, they offer credit review, debt and savings assessment, and access to home purchase assistance programs. For existing homeowners, they provide foreclosure prevention counseling, home repair guidance, reverse mortgage education, and refinancing support. Tenants receive eviction prevention assistance, landlord-tenant dispute resolution, and credit preparation services. The organization also administers specialized programs including the Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program and the MHAP Program for persons living with HIV/AIDS.

HCS distinguishes itself through its targeted focus on underserved populations and comprehensive service integration rather than single-issue counseling. The organization provides specialized case management services, including temporary financial assistance for veterans and extensive referral databases for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Their dual approach of direct counseling combined with advocacy and technical assistance to housing organizations demonstrates institutional commitment beyond individual consumer advising.

As a legitimate non-profit with nearly 50 years of operation, HCS offers genuinely free services without hidden fees or for-profit motives. However, the organization's website indicates ongoing construction, and specific service availability may vary by location within the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Consumers should contact them directly to confirm service eligibility and current program availability.