Mustard Seed Development Center in Akron, OH

Mustard Seed Development Center (MSDC) is a non-profit community development organization based in Akron, Ohio that provides free financial and housing counseling services to Summit County residents. Founded to address housing instability and financial hardship, MSDC operates as a HUD-approved housing counseling agency with certified counselors on staff.

MSDC offers three primary service tracks: (1) Free homebuyer education and counseling through "HomeToday" webinars and online counseling to prepare first-time buyers; (2) Free financial empowerment counseling through "Money Matters" webinars and individual sessions; and (3) Mortgage delinquency and property tax assistance for homeowners facing foreclosure risk, including loan modification support and property tax repayment plan coordination with Summit County. All counseling services are provided at no charge except for lender-required online homebuyer certification ($100 fee paid to third-party E-Home).

MSDC distinguishes itself by offering income-based assistance specifically for delinquent mortgage and property tax situations, with clear eligibility guidelines and a structured application process. The organization works directly with lenders on modification plans, forbearance agreements, and foreclosure alternatives. Staff includes dedicated directors (Toree Stokes) and assistant directors (Maranda Brisco) with direct contact information, suggesting accessible personal service rather than call-center based support.

A key limitation is that MSDC explicitly states "No Down Payment Assistance Available," and delinquent property tax assistance is pending external funding from Summit County. Services are geographically limited to Akron/Summit County area. The organization functions as a non-profit counselor rather than a lender, meaning they facilitate but do not fund financial solutions.