[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 24, Volume 4]
[Revised as of April 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 24CFR904.203]

[Page 330]
 
                 TITLE 24--HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
 
CHAPTER IX--OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING, 
               DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
 
PART 904--LOW RENT HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES--Table of Contents
 
            Subpart C--Homeownership Counseling and Training
 
Sec. 904.203  Planning.

    (a) The counseling and training program shall be flexible and 
responsive to the needs of each prospective homebuyer. While many 
subjects lend themselves to group sessions, consideration shall be given 
to individual counseling. Individuals should not be required to attend 
training classes on subject matter they are familiar with unless they 
can actively participate in the instruction process.
    (b) The program may be provided by contract with an outside 
organization, or by the LHA staff, in either case with voluntary 
involvement and assistance of groups and individuals within the 
community. It is essential that the training entity be completely 
knowledgeable and supportive of the entire Homeownership Opportunity 
Program. It may be recognized that most of the objectives stated require 
specialized instructional skill and content knowledge. There shall be 
recognition of the differences in communication and in value systems, 
and an understanding and respect for past experience of the individual. 
Maximum possible use shall be made of indigenous trainers to insure good 
communication and rapport. Special attention shall be directed to the 
needs of working members of the family for counseling and training 
sessions to be held where and during the time they can attend. Where the 
services of outside contractors are utilized, there shall be a close 
working relationship with the LHA and a program for phasing in LHA staff 
who will have the on-going responsibility for the program. The value of 
local agencies, educational institutions, etc., for implementing the 
program rather than an outside firm shall be carefully considered since 
the continuing presence of such agencies and institutions in the 
community can often develop into an on-going resource beyond the 
contract period.
    (c) In planning a homeownership counseling and training program, 
whether self-administered or contracted, the LHA shall consult with HUD 
for advice and information on programs, qualified contractors, local 
resources, reasonable costs, and other similar matters.
    (d) Where the program is to be contracted to an outside group, 
proposals shall be secured either by public advertising or by sending 
requests for proposals to a number of competent public or private 
organizations.
    (e) In areas where there are large concentrations of homebuyers who 
do not read, write, or understand English fluently, the native language 
of the people shall be used. If feasible all instructional materials 
shall be in both languages.