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FAQ

Q. What does PCCA stand for?
A. Philadelphia Council for Community Advancement

Q. Why Use PCCA?
A. PCCA has been in business since 1962 providing housing services to the region.

• PCCA is certified counseling agency by HUD, the state, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the city, Office of Housing and Community Development, affiliated with the National Federation of Housing Counselors and Agencies, Consumer Action, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, the United Ways of southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware County, among others.
• In process of being certified by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonproft Organizations (PANO)
• Certified and professional counselors, with extensive knowledge and training, assist you with your goals and needs in a confidential setting.
• Personal action plans developed for each client.
• Access to service in person, workshops, by phone or the Internet.

Q. Will PCCA pull the credit report or does the client need to bring it with them?
A. PCCA has access to the tri-merge online credit system that pulls all three credits reports with credit scores. However, if you have in your possession a credit report that is dated within 30 days of your appointment with us, bring that credit report with you to the appointment.

Q. Does PCCA help with rental issues?
A. PCCA will assist all clients with rental issues. However, if it is a complex case with legal issues involved, PCCA will refer you to "TURN" the Tenants Union Representative Network ...attach link.

Q. Does PCCA help clients find a home?
A. THAT'S OUR JOB! To help you become an educated consumer and homeowner. Upon completion of the housing counseling sessions with one of our counselors, you will understand the home buying process, procedures for house selection, real estate broker and shopping for a the appropriate lender.

After becoming a homeowner, PCCA can provide post occupancy counseling to assist you in managing your new budget as homeowner.

Q. Does PCCA have money to help clients get caught up with their mortgage?
A. PCCA does not have funds. Based on your need and circumstance, PCCA will refer you to an agency for the appropriate assistance.

Q. Does your organization help with closing cost assistance?
There several programs for downpayment and closing cost assistance on the Federal, State and local level. Through your counseling the appropriate vehicle will be offered to you.

Q. What happens to our information, once services are completed.
A. Based upon contract funding and type of counseling case, your file is kept in a locked, steel cabinet for three years, as our funding sources have the right to audit client cases for up to three, five or 10 years. After that cases are shredded.

Q. Are you willing to speak to community groups, churches and other forums?
A. PCCA staff welcomes the opportunity to share information with our neighbors. Send a letter and/or email with the request. It will be responded to promptly.

Q. Do we help people whose homes are in foreclosure?
A. YES, THAT'S OUR OTHER MAIN JOB!
Call PCCA at the very first instance of delinquency, even if you're not delinquent already but you know that there will be a problem shortly.

Q. How much money do I need to buy a house?
A. Each client situation is different. In general, depending on your current financial status, credit score and interest rates, a client could need a minimum of 5-10% of the purchase price of a home. As each situation is unique, please take a moment and complete our affordability analysis form and a housing counselor will contact you to discuss your situation.

Q. How do I become a Sponsor/Supporter of PCCA's Annual Forum?
A. Please see our invitation and benefits of being a sponsor.

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