About Hpp Cares

HPP CARE CDE, a California nonprofit organization certified by HUD, specializes in consumer credit, debt, and housing counseling. We understand the challenges individuals face when dealing with overwhelming debt and are dedicated to providing education on financial matters. Our HUD-approved housing counselors offer personalized assistance through budget counseling, housing guidance, and debt management strategies aimed at reducing credit card interest rates and monthly payments.

Unfortunately, many individuals lack essential skills in managing household finances, which are often not taught in traditional education settings. This results in people learning these lessons through difficult experiences, placing them in challenging situations from which recovery can be daunting. To address this gap, our agency leverages the latest multilingual technology while bridging barriers to ensure consumers have access to the resources and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions and improve their financial well-being.

All counseling session completed by HUD Certified Counselors.

Demographics served

88.9% of individuals served are low-to-moderate income (LMI) individuals*


Primarily served low- and moderate-income (LMI) historically underserved Black, Indigenous, and People of Color BIPOC within California populations (those earning 80% or less of the area median family income)

* Out of these individuals, 33.88% were male and 66.12% were female.

Meet our Leadership & Staff

At the heart of HPP CARES CDE's philanthropic mission lies the goal of fostering strong financial foundations. We offer complimentary foreclosure prevention counseling and homeless counseling services to assist individuals in need.

katherine peoples

Katherine Peoples

CEO of HPP Cares

As the visionary behind HPP Cares CDE, and HOUZD Construction and Development - a subsidiary company of HPP Cares, Board Chairperson of the Casita Coalition, Katherine spearheads strategic initiatives that aim to dismantle barriers to affordable housing opportunities for BIPOC Communities. With an unwavering commitment to social justice, Katherine champions matters related to housing the unhoused, advocating for affordable housing, and financial literacy for low- and moderate-income BIPOC homeowners. Additionally, she is all about enhancing access to ADU design, financing, and construction, and empowering underserved communities to create generational wealth. Katherine’s leadership embodies a profound dedication to equity and empowerment in every endeavor.

Gabriela Sandoval

Gabriela Sandoval

Chief Operations Officer

Gabriela brings 24 years of managerial and real estate expertise. Her dynamic personality, problem-solving skills, and fluency in English and Spanish enable her to efficiently handle office and client matters. As a Home Retention Specialist, ADU Specialist, and DRE Licensed agent, Gabriela recently completed the NACBA Paralegal Bootcamp 2020-2023. With her extensive background and dedication to excellence, she plays a pivotal role in HPP Cares' operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and client satisfaction.

Ebony Richardson

Ebony Richardson

Director, Grants & Public Engagement

Ebony Richardson comes to HPP Cares with over 20 years of experience supporting underserved communities. A two-time graduate of California State University Dominguez Hills, she started her career in the non-profit sector at the Coalition for Responsible Community Development, leading youth advocacy, education, career placement, health services, and coordinating residential services for unhoused adults, seniors, and transitional age youth. After Coalition For Responsible Community Development, Ebony worked as the Senior Program Associate for Social Action Partners and the Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc. where she managed large projects for Blue Shield of California, Los Angeles Community College District, and the County of Los Angeles. She facilitated efforts to strengthen the cultural capacity, provide essential support, and expand resources for underprivileged ethnic communities and South Los Angeles non-profit organizations. She fell in love with nonprofit work and community engagement while growing up in Compton, California where her passion flourished for social justice and social change. She also serves on the board of directors for the community development YMCA.

Mpume Nyandu

Mpume Nyandu

Stakeholder Relations and Outreach

With over 20 years in communications, HPP Cares' Director of Stakeholder Relations and Outreach, Mpume, brings extensive experience to the role. A former print and radio journalist, corporate materials developer, and editor, she po ssesses diverse corporate communications expertise. Her commitment to affordable housing has seen her qualify as an ADU Specialist and HUD-Certified Housing Counselor. Her extensive professional journey has not only honed her skills but has also fostered in her a profound adaptability, tolerance, and a deep understanding of cultural, age, and personality diversity.

Diana Chan

Diana Chan

Invoice Processor and Production Assistant

Motivated by her commitment to seeing people housed properly, Diana joined HPP Cares as an Administrative Assistant. However, her dedication and proficiency have propelled her to excel in her current role within the Invoicing Department, where she efficiently manages invoicing processes and compiling essential financial reports. Additionally, Diana assists with microloan documentation. Notably, she is a certified ADU Specialist, underscoring her multifaceted contributions to HPP Cares' mission of fostering accessible and sustainable housing solutions.

Genesis Rivera

Genesis Rivera

Invoice Processor and Production Assistant

Genesis serves as HPP Cares' receptionist, invoice processor, and production assistant. Beyond these responsibilities, she is a certified ADU Specialist, and is dedicated to refining her skills as a Manufactured Housing Specialist. As a vital member of the Invoicing team, Genesis provides exemplary support to clients throughout their ADU projects. Her goal is to facilitate a seamless and stress-free experience, ensuring payments are handled efficiently and promptly. Genesis's unwavering commitment contributes significantly to fostering positive experiences for clients with HPP Cares.

Nancy Ruiz

Nancy Ruiz

HPP Cares Account Manager

HPP Cares Account Manager, Nancy Ruiz, gently and successfully handholds clients as they navigate their ADU projects journey, employing skills she learnt from years of experience in the customer service and counselling fields. Her proficiency in English and Spanish, also makes it easy for her to connect with clients in their preferred language. Nancy recently qualified as an ADU Specialist. She has her eyes set on the Manufactured Housing Sales, and HUD Housing Counselor qualifications.

Emily Rodrigues

Emily Rodrigues

Quality Control

Emily, the long serving member of the HPP Cares team, manages critical areas of our organization such as the Grant & Contract Administration, Property Management, and Microloans. With a keen eye for grants that align with our mission, she identifies vital funding opportunities. Emily navigates the microloan process with efficiency and care, providing swift assistance to interested clients. Her commitment to ongoing learning ensures top-tier service delivery. With her meticulous attention to detail, problem-solving prowess, and unwavering dedication to excellence, Emily stands as an invaluable asset to our team.

Denys Rivera

Denys Rivera

HPP Cares Account Manager

With over 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry, I've joined HPP Cares as a Housing Advisor. My background in the mortgage industry as a Mortgage Loan Processor, Retention and Loss Mitigation Expert has enabled me to assist hundreds of homeowners in retaining their properties, perfectly aligning with HPP Cares' mission and vision to House People Properly and preventing people of displacement. Additionally, being bilingual in English and Spanish allows me to serve a wider range of clients effectively. I am committed to making a meaningful impact within our community through HPP Cares.

Yolanda Monson

Yolanda Monson

On-site Property Manager

Yolanda plays a pivotal role as the on-site property manager for multiple properties in Southern California, overseen by HPP CARES and HOUZD, to provide vital support for housing insecure individuals. She coordinates site viewings for prospective participants, maintains the upkeep of these properties, and manages the application process. Yolanda's efforts are instrumental in ensuring that individuals have access to the resources and support they need to secure stable affordable housing in the Southern California area.

Omar Chavez

Omar Chavez

Field Inspector

Omar Chavez is a bilingual real estate appraiser with 20+ years of experience. Known for his seamless transactions and tailored solutions, he's earned a reputation for integrity and exceptional service. Fluent in English and Spanish, Omar's expertise spans residential, commercial, and ADU specialties, making him the go-to advisor for buyers, sellers, and investors. With a deep understanding of market trends and a commitment to excellence, he exceeds expectations by providing personalized support. Whether buying, selling, or investing, Omar Chavez is your trusted partner for successful real estate valuation.

Lyzza Valdez

Lyzza Valdez

Social Media Specialist

Lyzza is a creative and experienced Social Media Specialist with over 4 years of experience in the industry. She is proficient in various design software and most of all she has a strong understanding of social media marketing principles. Her role includes, among other things, designing and creating HPP Cares graphics for social media, marketing materials, and managing social media accounts and creating engaging content.

Tyson Lopez

Tyson Lopez

Field Lead Contractor

Tyson brings unparalleled expertise to HOUZD Construction and Development, a subsidiary of HPP Cares. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for quality craftsmanship, he ensures that every project is done to specification. As a valued member of the HPP Cares family, he embodies the company's commitment to excellence and innovation in affordable housing solutions.

Wayne Ewing

Wayne Ewing

Construction Contractor

Wayne, a diligent Construction Contractor, recently joined HOUZD Construction and Development, a subsidiary of HPP Cares. With a proven track record of excellence in housing construction, Wayne brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. His commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every project he undertakes. Wayne's dedication to delivering superior results aligns seamlessly with the mission of HOUZD Construction and Development, making him an invaluable addition to the team.

Imani McMillan

Imani McMillan

Licensed General Contractor

An entrepreneurial and driven real estate professional with a talent for building relationships and identifying business opportunities to grow revenue and improve operations. She has strong planning and project management skills with a focus on achieving deadlines while maintaining quality.

Stephanie Ramirez

Stephanie Ramirez

Licensed General Contractor

Stephanie, bilingual in Spanish and English, is a skilled and experienced general contractor with over 12 years combined experience in the property management and construction fields. Her expertise in Fair Housing Laws and property maintenance makes her a valued asset to HPP Cares. Stephanie is known for her meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership skills, and ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Fees for services

Free foreclosure prevention educational seminars, counseling, and homeless prevention services are available.

While some educational seminars and one-on-one counseling sessions are offered free of charge, others may have a nominal fee associated with participation.

Download our fee structure

Holidays Observed

Operations will temporarily halt during the following holidays.

Causes we care about

Unconscious Bias

HPP CARES will not approve of any sort of discrimination. All staff must participate in UB training. UB training seeks to raise awareness of the mental shortcuts that lead to snap judgments—often based on race and gender—about people’s talents or character. Its goal is to reduce bias in attitudes and behaviors at work, from hiring and promotion decisions to interactions with customers and colleagues.

Bullying In Workplace

HPP CARES will not approve of any sort of discrimination. All staff must participate in UB training. UB training seeks to raise awareness of the mental shortcuts that lead to snap judgments—often based on race and gender—about people’s talents or character. Its goal is to reduce bias in attitudes and behaviors at work, from hiring and promotion decisions to interactions with customers and colleagues.

Mental Health Matters

6 strategies for managing and supporting mental health at HPP CARES

HPP CARES will not approve of any sort of discrimination. All staff must participate in UB training. UB training seeks to raise awareness of the mental shortcuts that lead to snap judgments—often based on race and gender—about people’s talents or character. Its goal is to reduce bias in attitudes and behaviors at work, from hiring and promotion decisions to interactions with customers and colleagues.

  1. Survey employees about mental wellness in the workplace. Many companies implement stress management programs — and that’s a good start. However, using surveys to improve mental health at work builds morale and shows that leadership cares.
  2. Help employees reduce — not just manage — stress. Once you’ve identified the main stressors, make it a priority to address employee mental health in the workplace. If flexible hours or telecommuting will help people juggle work and life, get on it. If resources are an issue, staff up, contract out, add budget or shift gears to put some projects on hold.
  3. Ensure employees are taking time away from work on a regular basis. While burning the midnight oil seems noble and can net short-term results, it often leads to burnout. Challenge your people to regularly rest, recharge and connect with loved ones to help them stay mentally engaged.
  4. Make time for fun and relaxation. Whether it’s playing games or just making time to chat, having fun with coworkers increases productivity and builds trust. It also relieves stress by forcing a cognitive shift in how stressors are viewed and creates a positive emotional response. Plus, laughter triggers relaxation, thus reducing stress all on its own.
  5. Keep an eye out for depression. According to the Partnership for Workplace Mental Health, 70% of the workforce suffers from depression — and not all of them are aware of their condition. Nevertheless, only 15% of employers train managers on how to recognize depression and intervene to help with employee care. Managing and supporting mental health at work can save employers $2,000 annually per employee on costs associated with health and productivity. For more information, contact Mental Health America or the Partnership for Workplace Mental Health.
  6. Provide support and employee care. Make sure your company provides employee mental health benefits and services — including everything from individual and couples counseling to group therapy. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), for instance, provide access to services that allow employees to reduce stress related to childcare, housecleaning and running errands.

Privacy

All Leadership and Staff must sign a NDA to ensure the integrity and safety of all participants’ information.

educational seminars & materials

Multilingual educational seminars are now available through webinars or self-paced online portals accessible 24/7. These options are tailored to effectively cater to diverse groups, including Youth, Adults, Seniors, and Persons with Disabilities, ensuring the material is presented in a suitable manner.

HPP CARES CDE offers a range of multilingual materials designed to meet the needs of various groups, such as Youth, Adults, Seniors, and Persons with Disabilities. These materials contain valuable and up-to-date resources and educational content. They can be accessed online, via email, or in print format.

Our practices adhere to Title III of the ADA to ensure accessibility for all individuals.

Headquarters

3748 Bayer Ave Ste 203 Long Beach Ca 90808 Call 562.281.8861 Fax: 833.238.8801 [email protected]

Parking

Free parking within lot

Nearest freeway: 405 Lakewood Blvd Exit

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday: By Appointment Only

Sunday: Closed

HPP CARE CDE is committed to protecting our clients’ personal information. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Progress

As a social enterprise, HPP CARES CDE has achieved significant and wide-ranging accomplishments in recent years. Working under the National Coalition for Equities' (NCFE) umbrella, our focus has been on advocating for a strong community voice among federal and state regulators and major private sector corporations. We've dedicated ourselves to addressing public policy issues, particularly those related to wealth and income inequality impacting affordable homeownership and small business growth.

Through collaborative efforts with NCFE, HPP CARES CDE has expanded outreach initiatives, leading to increased corporate social responsibility and consumer protection awareness. Our endeavors have enabled us to engage with a broader audience, forge partnerships with numerous companies, and engage with regulators, all with the goal of supporting deserving individuals in achieving sustainable homeownership, fostering successful small businesses, protecting consumers, and empowering California communities.

At HPP CARES CDE, we are committed to championing opportunities for people of color to become integral partners in our mission to reduce income and wealth inequality, thereby contributing to the creation of stronger futures for all minority groups.