The Up Center’s Housing and Financial Counseling Service
The Up Center's Housing & Financial Counseling Services
Empowering individuals and families to achieve financial stability and secure permanent housing.
What We Offer
- One-on-one, no-cost* counseling to help you:
- Avoid foreclosure
- Prepare to buy a home
- Navigate life after home purchase
- Understand rental options
- Explore reverse mortgages*
(*Fee applies only to reverse mortgage counseling)
Who We Serve
Available to anyone in the Hampton Roads region, and beyond (case-by-case), for those seeking housing or financial support.
Why The Up Center?
- HUD Approved since 2004
- 10,000+ households served
- Certified Counselors trained in trauma-informed care
- Committed to community stability & personal growth
“We believe every person deserves the tools and guidance to build a better future. Let’s get started, together.” – The Up Center
A Smart First Step: How One First-Time Homebuyer Turned Uncertainty into Confidence
Buying your first home is exciting—but it’s not always easy to know where to start. Even with decent savings and solid credit, the path to homeownership can feel overwhelming. For one client who came to The Up Center, that uncertainty was very real. But with the right support, smart financial planning, and access to local resources, their journey led to a confident, well-informed purchase—and a home they truly love. Here’s how it all came together.
The client approached us with the basics already in place: a good credit score, reliable savings, and the dream of owning a home. What they lacked was direction. Where to begin? How much could they truly afford? What should they be budgeting for beyond just the price tag?
This is where our team stepped in—with financial counseling that’s both practical and personal.
An Up Center financial counselor worked closely with the client to develop a realistic budget. More than just crunching numbers, this process was about building confidence. We considered their goals, ongoing debts, lifestyle needs, and future plans—crafting a plan that felt achievable, not stressful.
The outcome? A clear, manageable budget that paved the way for smarter decisions.
Even though they were pre-approved for a larger loan, the client made a powerful choice: to purchase a home that sat comfortably within their budget. This gave them more room to breathe, plan ahead, and avoid the long-term strain of maxed-out monthly payments.
One of the most impactful parts of their journey came through the SPARC grant. With guidance from our team, the client was able to apply for and secure this financial boost—making their purchase even more accessible and reducing the upfront costs of homeownership.
The story didn’t end at the closing table. We continue to support the client as they settle into their home—adjusting their budget to reflect real utility bills, preparing for seasonal costs, and ensuring they feel equipped to manage their home for the long haul.
At The Up Center, we know that homeownership isn’t just about signing papers. It’s about building security, stability, and self-confidence. Whether someone is ready to buy or just exploring the possibility, we meet them where they are and help them move forward with clarity.
This client’s success is one of many. And for us, it’s a reminder that with the right guidance, every dream of homeownership can become a grounded, sustainable reality.
