Operation HOME is a homeownership program that guides clients through a personalized journey from renter to homeowner. Each participant follows a unique path supported by an 8-hour workshop and one-on-one counseling. The program focuses on budgeting and credit restoration to help first-time homebuyers, particularly those with low to moderate incomes, make informed decisions and achieve sustainable homeownership.
Operation HOME has developed partnerships with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), local lending institutions, social service agencies, and local real estate organizations to help reach its goal of creating successful homeowners throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Teaching buyers the fundamentals of managing money, understanding loans, and making informed financial decisions.
Helping participants create realistic budgets that prepare them for the true costs of purchasing and maintaining a home.
Guiding individuals through steps to improve their credit health, which can open the door to better mortgage options.
Providing practical tools and knowledge to help first-time buyers confidently navigate the shift to long-term homeownership.
The Operation HOME program includes a set of eligibility requirements to ensure participants receive the support and resources best suited to their needs.
Sign Up for Operation HOME
To begin the first step of the Operation HOME program, clients must complete an application and attend a workshop. Workshops are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and include a break for lunch. Topics of discussion include:
Upon completion of the Workshop course, participants will be awarded with a certificate and one-on-one counseling sessions to further develop individualized credit plans. Counseling helps clients investigate the best opportunities for first-time homebuyer programs and gain a deeper understanding of loan and closing procedures.
Once a month, we host an 8-hour, PHFA-designed group homebuyer education workshop for first-time buyers. This workshop provides a solid foundation in the home-buying process, covering budgeting, credit, lending, inspections, closings, and long-term homeownership responsibilities.
Upon completion, participants receive a PHFA Certificate, which can be used with participating lenders and banks to access first-time homebuyer assistance programs, including down payment support.
After attending the homebuyer workshop, participants are required to schedule a one-on-one counseling appointment with one of our HUD-certified housing counselor. During this individualized session, counselors:
This individualized approach ensures that each homebuyer is fully prepared and supported from start to finish.
Our Foreclosure Prevention Program is dedicated to supporting homeowners at risk of losing their homes. We provide comprehensive services including personalized financial counseling, assistance with mortgage modifications, and legal support to help you navigate the complexities of the foreclosure process. Our team works closely with each homeowner to develop a tailored action plan that addresses their unique financial challenges and supports negotiations with lenders.
In addition, we collaborate with the Allegheny County Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Program, also known as the Save Your Home Program—a joint initiative of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development. Through this partnership, we offer access to experienced housing counselors, guidance in working with lenders, and support in exploring alternatives to foreclosure to help preserve homeownership.
If you have received a mortgage foreclosure complaint from the Sheriff’s Department, please contact the Allegheny County Save Your Home Program at 866-298-8020 or visit the website.
Fill out our form below to get in touch with our Operation HOME program coordinator and take the next step towards becoming a homeowner.