HUD Housing Counseling Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Toolkit

LEP persons are protected under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the associated Title VI regulations. Title VI protects people from discrimination based on national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, which Executive Order 13066 also references.

This HUD toolkit explains the LEP requirements and recommendations for Housing Counseling Agencies (HCAs), including how to:

  • Understand the needs of LEP persons seeking housing counseling services
  • Ensure meaningful access to housing counseling programs and activities by persons with LEP
  • Conduct outreach, educate, and affirmatively market the availability of housing counseling and housing-related services to LEP communities

HCAs must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to their programs and activities by LEP persons. The toolkit explains how an HCA can develop a Language Access Plan (LAP) and conduct a Four Factor Language Needs Assessment. The toolkit suggests ways to affirmatively market housing counseling services and also provides tips and resources.