The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced more than $40 million for housing, reverse mortgage and foreclosure counseling programs. Similar federal grants had run out in October and some Atlanta counseling agencies laid off workers. They will be eligible to reapply

“The HUD-approved counseling programs this funding will support not only help families make more informed choices about buying or renting, it is crucial in helping thousands of families avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “We fought hard to persuade Congress to restore funding for housing counseling in HUD’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget and I’m pleased that they did so."

--Christopher Quinn