Housing Resources, Inc.

What Housing Resources, Inc. does

Housing Resources, Inc. (HRI) is a Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991 that specializes exclusively in homeownership education and counseling for low- and moderate-income families across seven southeastern Wisconsin counties (Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Kenosha, and Walworth). Its core operations are split into two service tracks: a Home Buyer track (Homeworks for Homebuyers monthly workshops, a $100 six-hour eHome America online course, one-on-one pre-purchase counseling, credit report services at $25 single / $51 joint, and application assistance for an array of down payment and closing cost grants including Milwaukee HOME, Downpayment Plus, HCRI, HOME Consortium, Wintrust, and Chase Homebuyer Grant) and a Home Owner track (post-purchase counseling and workshops, default/foreclosure prevention counseling, HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling at $125, minor home repair grants, and a Tool Loan Center at the Milwaukee North office with $20-$40 annual memberships). HRI operates from four physical locations and is a HUD-Approved Counseling Agency, a designation that is a gating requirement for federal reverse mortgage counseling and many grant programs.

The business model is a hybrid of government and foundation grants, charitable donations (including a United of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County workplace giving partnership since 2005), modest program service fees, and annual fundraising events (a signature gala with sponsorship tiers from $1,400 Sustainer up to $20,000 Block Builder). HRI reports 63+ workshops and 1,500+ first-time homebuyers educated annually, with 200+ attendees at the 2025 Homeownership Fair. Distribution combines in-person counseling and workshops at offices in Milwaukee (headquarters at 7830 W. Burleigh Street), Racine, Waukesha, and Milwaukee North; virtual delivery via eHome America from November through March; phone and video counseling; and community events including the annual Gala and Homeownership Fair. There is no proprietary technology platform; the underlying stack is PayPal for payment processing and the eHome America third-party courseware. Headcount is 11-50 employees and revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Governance is by a Board of Directors (President Eliana Williams, Vice President Lawanda Chambers, Treasurer Joe Bova, Secretary Sandra Rubin, plus additional members Sakuri Fears, Amy Turim, Vincent Mack, and Lawrence Kirby), with Trena Bond as Executive Director and Jamilah Davis-Williams as Director of Operations. Strategic ecosystem partners include HUD, NeighborWorks America, the City of Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Division of Housing, United Way, and a roster of financial institutions (Chase, BMO Harris, Wells Fargo, US Bank, Associated Bank, Old National Bank, Educators Credit Union, Wintrust), as well as Havenwoods employer partners (HellermannTyton, Fredman Bag Co., Hentzen Coatings, TJM Innovations). The organization has expanded steadily over 35 years without disclosed PE/VC involvement and is governed by a mission to prepare people for sustainable homeownership and foster financial empowerment.

Name

Housing Resources, Inc.

Legal name

Housing Resources, Inc.

Website

https://hri-wi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Housing Resources, Inc. is a Milwaukee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991 that delivers HUD-approved homebuyer education, pre- and post-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgage counseling, and down payment grant assistance to low- and moderate-income families across seven southeastern Wisconsin counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Housing Counseling Services

NAICS

Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention & Loss Mitigation Programs (FSALAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) & Homebuyer Subsidy Programs (FSALAKAE), Reverse Mortgage Counseling & Consumer Education (HUD-Approved) (FSALAIAG)

Keywords

• Homebuyer education
• Housing counseling
• Foreclosure prevention
• Down payment assistance
• Financial empowerment

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HRI receives charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online via PayPal or by mail.
2. Program Service Fees: Fees charged for specific services including reverse mortgage counseling ($125), credit reports ($25 single/$51 joint), and eHome online education course ($100).
3. Foundation and Government Grants: HRI receives grant funding from various sources including the State of Wisconsin Division of Housing, City of Milwaukee, and Community Development Block Grant programs to support their housing assistance programs.
4. Workplace Giving: HRI is a Program Partner of United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County since 2005, receiving designated workplace giving contributions.
5. Fundraising Events: Annual gala events including sponsorship opportunities (ranging from $1,400 to $20,000) and individual tickets ($175 each) serve as fundraising vehicles.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Housing Resources, Inc. delivers comprehensive homeownership education, one-on-one pre-purchase counseling, and down payment/closing cost grant application assistance to low and moderate-income families seeking to become first-time homebuyers. For existing homeowners, HRI provides post-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention (default counseling), HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling, a tool loan program, and minor home repair grants. Services are delivered through four offices in southeastern Wisconsin and an online eHome America course, with completion certificates required to access many partner grant programs.

Product overview

Housing Resources, Inc. (HRI) is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive suite of homeownership programs structured around two main service tracks: Home Buyer Services and Home Owner Services. The home buyer track includes the Homeworks for Homebuyers Education Workshops (in-person monthly sessions) and the eHome Online Education Course (6-hour self-paced digital option), both leading to One-on-One Pre-Purchase Counseling with certified specialists who develop personalized action plans. HRI also facilitates access to multiple down payment and closing cost grant programs including Milwaukee Home Down Payment, Downpayment Plus, HCRI, HOME Consortium, Wintrust, and Chase grants. For existing homeowners, HRI provides Post Purchase Counseling and Workshop Series, Default Counseling (foreclosure prevention), Reverse Mortgage Counseling (HUD-approved, $125 fee), Minor Home Repair grants, and a Tool Loan Program. The Racine location offers a dedicated Financial Empowerment Center. Services are delivered through physical locations in Milwaukee (headquarters and North), Racine, and Waukesha, with a focus on low and moderate-income families in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee counties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Homeworks for Homebuyers Education Workshops Monthly in-person group education workshops providing an extensive overview of the home buying process, covering readiness, mortgage loans, money management, shopping for a home, credit, and post-purchase retention. Completion is required for most down payment and closing cost grants. Targeted at low and moderate-income first-time homebuyers in southeastern Wisconsin.
• eHome Online Education Course A 6-hour interactive online homebuyer education course offered through eHome America for those who prefer to learn at their own pace or cannot attend in-person workshops. Topics include assessing readiness to buy a home and managing finances after purchase. Course fee is $100 and certificate is valid for one year. For first-time homebuyers who need a HUD-recognized education certificate.
• One-on-One Pre-Purchase Counseling Individualized counseling sessions with certified specialists who work with clients to create a personalized action plan for homeownership, covering finances, loan products, lender selection, credit correction, grant applications, real estate broker selection, and home inspection review. For low and moderate-income individuals pursuing first-time homeownership.
• Pay for Credit Report Service enabling clients to obtain their credit report through HRI for $25 (single) or $51 (joint) to assess financial standing before pursuing homeownership. Payment accepted via PayPal, MasterCard, or Visa.
• Down Payment & Closing Cost Grants Assistance Assistance applying for various down payment and closing cost grants including Milwaukee Home Down Payment Program, Downpayment Plus, Housing Cost Reduction Initiative (HCRI), HOME Consortium, Wintrust, Chase Homebuyer Grant, Movin' Out AHP, Havenwoods Employer Assisted Housing, and HOP programs. HRI specialists complete grant applications on behalf of eligible low and moderate-income clients.
• Tool Loan Program Tool lending service at the Tool Loan Center offering hand and power tools including screwdrivers, hammers, pipe wrenches, sanders, saws, ladders, and wheelbarrows. Annual membership $25 (regular), $20 (seniors 62+), $40 (nonprofits). Most tools loaned at no charge; $50 deposit and $20 rental fee for high-end tools. For homeowners and community members performing home maintenance.
• Minor Home Repair Program Home repair grants for low and moderate-income homeowners who experienced financial distress and deferred maintenance on single and two-unit owner-occupied properties in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties. (Funds currently unavailable per source.)
• Post Purchase Counseling One-on-one support from certified Homeownership Preservation Specialists to help new homeowners remain successful, covering credit resolution, refinancing, home improvement options, equity loans, and other homeownership aspects. For recent homebuyers needing ongoing guidance.
• Post Purchase Workshop Series Workshops titled 'I Bought a House! Now What?' covering basics of homeownership, money matters, home maintenance and DIY, community involvement, and home retention tips. Pre-registration required; limited seating. For new homeowners seeking group education on retention topics.
• Default Counseling (Foreclosure Prevention) Foreclosure prevention counseling at no cost, helping homeowners who are delinquent or at risk. Services include loan workout options, deed in lieu, sale of property, credit repair, budgeting assistance, and refinance options. Certified specialists provide face-to-face or telephone counseling. For homeowners facing mortgage delinquency or financial distress.
• Reverse Mortgage Counseling HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), providing information on eligibility guidelines, benefits, and drawbacks. Available by appointment (in-person or phone) for applicants 62 years or older who own their home. Required by federal law for HECM origination. Fee: $125.
• Racine Financial Empowerment Center Financial empowerment services at the Racine location providing financial literacy education, grant assistance, and foreclosure prevention to help families achieve and maintain homeownership. For Racine-area residents seeking financial empowerment support.
• Mortgage Assistance Programs Mortgage assistance programs including Milwaukee County Mortgage Assistance Program, City of Racine Mortgage Assistance, and Waukesha County Mortgage Assistance to help prevent foreclosures and stabilize families. For homeowners at risk of mortgage default in the respective counties.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1500+ first-time homebuyers educated annually
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha CountycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2005HRI has been a Program Partner of United Way since 2005. Funding supports the Post Purchase Counseling Program as part of United Way's Financial Stability Impact Area. Donors can designate United Way gifts to HRI.
• NeighborWorks AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHRI participates in NeighborWorks Week annually, mobilizing with other NeighborWorks organizations across the country for neighborhood change and awareness activities including property improvements and educational events.
• Financial Institution PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnerships with major financial institutions including Chase, BMO Harris, Wells Fargo, US Bank, Associated Bank, Old National Bank, Educators Credit Union, and others. These partners provide grant programs, down payment assistance, and sponsorship support.
• HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHRI is a HUD-Approved Counseling Agency, required for reverse mortgage counseling and many government housing programs. HUD certification enables HRI to provide required counseling for federal housing programs.
• Havenwoods Employer PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployer partnerships with HellermannTyton, Fredman Bag Co., Hentzen Coatings, and TJM Innovations for the Havenwoods Employer Assisted Housing Program, providing down payment assistance for employees.
• Greater New Birth ChurchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for the 2026 Homeownership Fair, demonstrating community partnership for outreach events.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Acts Housing: Acts Housing is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit that provides homebuyer education, counseling, and down payment assistance, closely mirroring HRI's core service lines and serving a similar low/moderate-income clientele in southeastern Wisconsin.
• Neighborhood Housing Services of Milwaukee (NHS): NHS Milwaukee is a fellow HUD-approved NeighborWorks affiliate offering homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and financial counseling in the same geography as HRI, making it the most directly comparable peer.

Broad incumbents

• GreenPath Financial Wellness: GreenPath is a national HUD-approved housing and credit counseling agency that delivers foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgage counseling and homebuyer education at scale, competing for the same federal contracts and digital funnel as HRI.
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC): NFCC is the national umbrella for HUD-approved credit and housing counseling agencies; HRI is a member of this broader ecosystem and competes indirectly for the same client base.
• Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions: Clearpoint is a large national HUD-approved counseling agency offering pre-purchase, post-purchase, and reverse mortgage counseling online and by phone, providing a scaled alternative to HRI's regionally delivered model.
• NeighborWorks America: NeighborWorks America is the national network of which HRI is a participating affiliate during NeighborWorks Week; it sets standards and channels federal support to local counseling organizations like HRI.
• Money Management International (MMI): MMI is a national HUD-approved nonprofit providing housing counseling, foreclosure prevention and reverse mortgage counseling, directly competing for grant contracts and online counseling demand that HRI also serves.

Regional players

• Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity: Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity serves a similar low-income Milwaukee clientele with affordable housing support, but its core model (sweat-equity home building) is more development-focused than HRI's counseling-led approach.
• Racine/Kenosha/Waukesha County Housing Authorities: Local county housing authorities in the same southeastern Wisconsin geography administer rental assistance, vouchers and homebuyer programs that overlap with HRI's down payment and foreclosure-prevention services.

Others

• eHome America: eHome America is the technology vendor whose online homebuyer education course HRI resells/brands; it is comparable as a digital channel enabler rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HRI_Wisconsin
• Facebookfacebook.com/HousingResourcesInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hri-wisconsin

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Housing Resources, Inc.