Rhode Island will receive $213,547 in housing-counseling awards that will be split between the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation ($164,624) and the Urban League of Rhode Island ($48,923).

The grants, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will provide financing to allow the two local agencies to expand housing-counseling services to buyers, owners, low- to moderate-income renters, and the homeless.

“With rents continuing to skyrocket and more people facing the possibility of losing their homes, housing counseling services have become even more critical. These awards will help make certain that more families have access to housing counselors, who can give them advice about how to find affordable rental units, purchase a home and avoid foreclosure,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed. He is ranking member of the Senate housing and transportation subcommittee, which oversees HUD.

Rhode Island Housing is a self-sustaining public agency that helps Rhode Islanders obtain houses they can afford. The agency offers various loans, including low-interest mortgages for first-time buyers, reverse-equity mortgages for elderly homeowners, and low-interest loans for house repairs. The agency also educates buyers and owners, and provides grants and finances supportive services to those with the greatest need.

The Urban League works to eliminate racial discrimination and segregation in the state, and seeks parity for blacks, other minorities and the poor in every phase of life. The organization provides programs such as housing for transitional living and permanent affordable placement services.