Housing

      Housing is a human right.  There can be no fairness or justice in a society in which some live in homelessness, or in the shadow of that risk, while others cannot even imagine it. 
       Jordan Flaherty, journalist & author


      HOUSING


      1. START HERE!  DECISION TREES HELP YOU DECIDE WHERE TO GO FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE
      2. CRISIS CENTERS/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ABUSE
      3. EMERGENCY HOUSING RESOURCES
      4. ENERGY OR WATER ASSISTANCE 
      5. FORECLOSURE ASSISTANCE
      6. HOME REPAIRS OR WEATHERIZATION
      7. HOMELESS SHELTERS/WARMING CENTERS/DAY SHELTERS
      8. HOMEOWNERSHIP
      9. HOUSING GUIDES- LOOK FOR HOUSING HERE!
      10. LANDLORD/TENANT ISSUES 
      11. PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE
      12. RENT & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
      13. SENIOR SUBSIDIZED HOUSING OPTIONS 
      14. SUBSIDIZED HOUSING (SECTION 8)
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      START HERE!  DECISION TREES HELP YOU DECIDE WHERE TO GO FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE




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      CRISIS CENTERS/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ABUSE

      DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINES 


      The Information Center: (Wayne County)  Information & Referral Department HELPLINE 734-282-7171

      HAVEN (Oakland County) 877-922-1274, 248-334-1274, TTY Line 248-972-2530

      CAM Hotline (Detroit) 313-305-0311 

      YWCA of Flint  (Genesee)  810-238-7233 - 24 hour Hotline

      The National Domestic Violence Hotline  800-799-7233, TTY 800-787-3224

      United Way Hotline  2-1-1 

      If you are in danger, call 9-1-1 


      What to Expect if You Go to a Domestic Violence Shelter


      Before making the decision to enter a shelter or safe housing program, you will talk with an advocate about your situation. If the program does not have space or it is not a good fit for you, the advocate will try to help you find another safe place

      Every shelter and safe housing program is different, but the following is generally what you can expect:
      Safe, private location. Shelters and safe housing programs make everyone’s safety their first priority. You may be asked to keep the location a secret.
      No fees. Shelters and safe housing programs are free.
      Transportation. Most programs will provide transportation to a shelter or safe housing program. Many also offer residents bus tokens and transportation to appointments.
      Children’s safety. As advocates, we understand that children are also impacted by domestic violence. Advocates will be able to work with both you and your children offering support, information and parenting resources. Domestic violence programs are mandated reporters of child abuse.
      Self-provided childcare. Your children will be under your watch and care at all times. Childcare may be provided during groups and other activities.
      Help finding a safe place for your pet. Shelters will work with you to find a place for your pets to be cared for elsewhere. Most shelters do not allow pets. Learn more about pet protection.
      Confidentiality. Your information will be private and will not be shared with other agencies unless you give your written permission. You will be asked to honor the privacy of other program participants by not discussing their names or situations with anyone else.
      Food, clothing, and toiletries. Shelters and safe housing programs will provide basic necessities for you and your family at no cost.
      Sleeping arrangements. You may share common areas and might be asked to share a bedroom. In most shelters you will share the kitchen, common living areas, and bathrooms with other residents.
      Laundry facilities. Shelters and safe housing programs usually have laundry facilities and provide guests with linens (sheets, towels and blankets).
      Visitors. Visitors are generally not allowed in the shelter or safe housing program, but you can meet with your friends and family elsewhere.




      DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS 

      Find a Domestic Violence Shelter near you   Put in your zip code and you will get an extensive list of shelters near you

      Amelia Agnes Home (Sterling Heights) 586-323-7066

      Angel House (Livonia) 248-622-0359

      Common Ground Crisis Line 1-800-231-1127

      Common Ground Sanctuary - 800-231-1127
      1222 South Washington
      Royal Oak, MI 48067
      248-547-2260
      A 24 hour safe shelter and crisis hotline for runaway and homeless youths ages 10-17. Services include: shelter, intensive counseling and family advocacy.

      First Step (Western Wayne) - 734-722-6800, 888-453-5900
      is a 24 hour help line for information and referrals for domestic violence advocacy and temporary emergency housing.

      Interim House YWCA
      (Detroit) 313-861-5300

      Haven Crisis Center - 248-334-1274 (24 hour crisis line) or 877-922-1274
      Facilities in Pontiac, Bingham Farms and Royal Oak, MI
      Shelter for men, women, and children of domestic abuse

      LACADA (Lapeer) 810-667-4175

      LACASA Center (Livingston County) 517- 548-4228
      Their 24 hour help line is 866-522-2725

      MCREST (Macomb County) Women and children rotating shelter at different churches 586-415-5101

      YWCA of Flint (Genesee) 810-238-7233 - 24 hour Hotline

      Safe House (Washtenaw County) 734-995-5444

      Safe Horizons (Port Huron) 888-985-5538

      Sunrise House (Monroe County) limited space

      The Gift of a Hand Transitional Housing (Detroit) 313-282-7558

      Turning Point (Macomb) - 586-463-6990
      158 S. Main
      Mount Clemens, MI 48043
      Crisis emergency center for battered women and children. Can stay up to 30 days maximum.

      ZAMAN International - Dearborn/Canton 313-551-3994

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      EMERGENCY HOUSING RESOURCES

      Shelter Hotline - 1-800-274-3583

      Catholic Hotline - 1-313-393-2930

      Common Ground Crisis Line 1-800-231-1127

      Coordinated Assessment Model (CAM) Hotline  (313) 305 - 0311
      If you or someone you know is experiencing a housing crisis, the CAM Line may be able to assist. 



      United Way Hot Line
      If you are seeking assistance for yourself or someone else, please contact the United Way Hotline by dialing 2-1-1.



      Facing an eviction?  SER funds (State Emergency Relief) from DHHS may be available to help.  As long as the housing is affordable (monthly rental equal to or less than 75% of net available income each month) and the household has ongoing income to support the expense, you can apply for this assistance.  Contact your local DHHS office or apply online.
      The process takes about 10 days.

      Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb county have created these decision trees to help you make decisions of where to go for assistance.  They are at the beginning of the blog but are repeated here because if you are needing emergency help you will want this information:





      Macomb County

      Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) 586-285-0400
      Who should call?
      Households seeking an emergency shelter placement
      Households with court-ordered eviction and lack other supports to remain stably housed (prevention)
      Households that are “doubled up” and at imminent risk of losing their housing and lack other supports to remain stably housed

      What to expect?
      A brief screening will be conducted so that an appropriate referral can be made to a partner agency.
      For prevention households (people seeking assistance with a court-ordered eviction), a screening will be conducted over the phone and a referral will be made to an ESG provider, who will then complete the Prevention Matrix
      For households referred to shelter, shelters will complete the VI-SPDAT assessment and coordinate with the CAM Lead Agency for completion of the Full SPDAT assessment, if a full SPDAT is warranted


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      ENERGY or WATER ASSISTANCE


      Michigan Helping Hand - Housing Helps

      Earned Income Credit (EIC)
      This credit is available based on the income level and number of qualifying child dependants.  To apply for the credit, you must file a federal income tax returnwith Schedule EIC.  You can receive an advance cash payment through your employer or apply for the credit at tax time.  Contact the IRS to apply.

      State Earned Income Tax Credit (SEIC)
      When you file taxes for each tax year you may claim, if eligible, a Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit.  This is equal to a percentage of the federal earned income tax credit. 

      Home Heating Credit (HHC) - 517-636-6925
      You may apply for the HHC until September 30th of each tax year.  You must meet the income guidelines but you do not have to file an income tax return.  Forms are available wherever other tax forms are provided or from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

      Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
      St. Vincent de Paul Energy Assistance Program: As a part of the partnership that the Personal Storehouse Project has created with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Energy Assistance is available in the following units: Belle Isle, Palmer Park, Dearborn, Detroit River, and Southfield. Training is being made available to other units as well. This program helps families which are having difficulty with the high costs of heating during the winter months. The bishop or branch president will have to refer the person needing help to the PSP missionaries who will then help the family to submit an application for help.

      The MEAP program helps families who find they cannot pay a bill. But many families can get a discount upfront because of their income. (See section below: DTE, Consumers Energy and Semdo plans to help customers who are low income)

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      LISTED BELOW ARE THE DTE, CONSUMERS ENERGY AND SEMCO PLANS TO HELP CUSTOMERS WHO ARE LOW INCOME:


      Consumers Energy - CARE Program - 800-477-5050 Consumers Energy is helping qualified customers afford and better manage their monthly energy costs with the CARE Program. CARE customers receive a 40% discount on their Consumers Energy bill until September 2015 so long as participants make on-time monthly payments toward a more affordable bill. Enrollment in CARE offers many other great benefits available to customers as part of Consumers Energy’s commitment to providing affordable energy to Michigan. Keep reading to learn more!

      Affordable monthly payment with a 40% CARE credit on monthly energy charges

      Understand that the Consumers Energy call center CANNOT enroll you into CARE. An application is required and Consumers Energy is partnering with various Human Service Agencies to do the income and eligibility validation for the program.


      DTE - Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP)  800.477.4747
      Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) is a low affordable payment plan for eligible low income families. This program allows you to make affordable monthly payments based on your income. The remaining portion of your bill is paid monthly with your energy assistance funds.
      Program benefits include:
      Affordable fixed monthly payments based on income and energy usage.
      Outstanding payments are frozen at the time of enrollment and will be reduced if regular monthly payments are made; Self-Sufficiency Training; Dedicated Customer Advocates ready to assist you; Protection from shut off while on the plan; Elimination of late payment charges . The Federal and State eligibility criteria are: Income equal to or less than 150 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines plus Energy usage (electric and gas) over the last 12 months is comparable with average annual usage for a residential customer


      DTE Energy partners with various human service agencies to perform income and usage eligibility validation for the LSP program. Please contact the following agencies for more information:



      SEMCO ENERGY - Payment Assistance Programs - 800-624-2019
      SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company coordinates with a variety of agencies to offer payment plans and assistance programs to help customers with their gas bills. The most important thing is to contact SEMCO as soon as you know you cannot pay your entire gas bill. We will work with you to set up a suitable payment plan or advise you of assistance agencies in your area.

      For more information, contact a SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company Customer Service Representative at 1-800-624-2019 or call the Department of Human Services Energy Hotline at 1-800-292-5650.

      Eligibility: You may qualify for the Winter Protection Plan if you have a household income at or below 150 percent of poverty level. The income guidelines are listed in the chart below. You may also qualify if you are at least 65 or if you receive assistance from DHS, including food stamps, SSI, or Medicaid.

      Customers must apply through SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company for the program and may have to demonstrate having made application for state assistance. Applicants may enroll November 1 by making a required budget payment. Please contact SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company for your budget amount. 

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      Medical Emergencies 800-436-7936

      If an account is subject to shut off for nonpayment, a shut off may be postponed for up to 21 days due to a medical emergency. Written proof from a doctor must be provided.

      Senior Winter Protections from Shutoff (age 65 for Consumers, 62 for DTE)
      800-292-9555

      The Michigan Public Service Commission and state law requires all regulated gas and electirc companies and some electric cooperatives to provide shutoff protection for seniors during the heating season (Nov 1-Mar 31). If you were shut off before Nov 1st, the company is required to restore your service during the heating season without you paying the past due amount, a deposit, reconnect fee. or other charges. There are no requirements for specific payment amounts during that time. However, when the heating season is over you will be placed on a payment plan and must begin to pay any amounts owed.

      Consumers Energy and DTE Energy have shutoff protection programs that help customers, including seniors, manage energy payments with extended time to pay and senior discount rates or credits.


      Shutoff Regulations   

      Shutoffs outside of the heating season for seniors or other customers, can occur only between 8 am and 4 pm.  Prior to a shutoff, you will get a 10-day disconnect notice and the company will make at least two attempts to contact you by telephone before service is shut off. 


      State Emergency Relief (SER)  313-456-1000
      Contact the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), if you are low-income and receive a shutoff notice, to get help paying your utility bills.  Help is also available for fuel oil, wood, or propane.  You do not have to be a client of DHHS to apply for the SER, which runs from Nov 1-May 31)  

      THAW - (The Heat and Warmth Fund) - 800-866-8429
      The Heat and Warmth Fund
      607 Shelby, Suite 400
      Detroit, MI 48226
      Tel: 313-226-9465
      Fax: 313-963-2777
      info@thawfund.org

       _______________________________________________________________

      FORECLOSURE ASSISTANCE  
      If you are behind on your payments, speak with your mortgage company.  You can find the contact information on your monthly mortgage statement or coupon book.

      Michigan Helping Hand - Guiding Michigan Citizens to Assistance Resources 
      This site provides links to all the state services available to help you prevent foreclosure. 


      United Community Housing Coalition  313-963-3310
      2727 Second Ave Suite 313
      Detroit, MI
      None profit organization assisting with a variety of housing issues for low-income residents

      Making Home Affordable  888-995-4673 
      A HUD-approved housing counseling agency 

      Step Forward Michigan
      All it takes is a big unexpected expense or a few months of unemployment, and you’re behind on your mortgage or tax payments. Before you know it, you’re facing foreclosure. But you don’t have to let your home get away from you. The Step Forward Michigan program can help you catch up.

      Go to their website to find out if you may be eligible for assistance through Step Forward Michigan and to apply for their assistance. 
      AVAILABLE TO ALL MICHIGAN RESIDENTS



      Step Forward Michigan
      George W. Romney Building – 8th Floor
      111 S. Capitol Ave.
      Lansing, MI 48933-1555
      Phone: (866) 946-7432
      Fax: (517) 636-6170
      StepForward@michigan.gov
        _______________________________________________

      HOME REPAIR AND WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS

      Michigan Helping Hand - Home Repairs and Weatherization 
      This site has information and links to state programs that exist to help with both of these situations.   It's a good place to start.   MACOMB COUNTY

      Home Preservation and Energy Grant - Weatherization Services  586-469-6329
      A home energy audit determines which measures will be installed.
      Energy saving services may include: wall insulation , attic insulation and ventilation, floor/foundation insulation, air leakage reduction, furnace repair or replacement, other energy saving measures. An inspection of the dwelling determines which Department of Energy measures will be installed.

      Eligibility: Macomb County families and individuals who are interested in having their home weatherized must meet eligibility guidelines. Services are free to those who qualify.

      Must meet current Federal Income Guidelines. Income includes gross income of everyone residing in the home at the time of application. Recipients of FIP, SSI or SDA who have received benefits during any of the past twelve months are automatically eligible.
      Applicants must be residents of Macomb County.

      If you are not from Macomb County, please visit MichiganCommunityAction.org or call 1-855-MI-ACTION to find your local Weatherization program.
      Weatherization crews cannot work on any home that is for sale.
      All applicants must provide complete proof of income.

      Homeowners must provide one of the following pieces of documentation:
      Tax bill with name and address
      Deed with name and address
      House payment with name and address
      Current gas and electric bills
      Mobile home owners must provide: Certificate of mobile home ownership
      Renters must provide: Proof of income and Landlord's name, address, and phone number


      Housing Rehabilitation Program   586-263-1540 ext. 112
      The Housing Rehabilitation program exists to help eligible homeowners repair their homes so that they meet the definition of "safe, decent and sanitary" as stipulated by HUD Section 8 Housing Quality Standards as well as local building codes. Each year, a limited amount of funds are available for the program. Applications are processed on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The cost of the repairs cannot exceed $30,000.

      This is a "loan" program. As long as the homeowner lives in the home there is no payment required. When the home is sold or title transferred, the loan is due. Application is available on the webpage. 

       
      Macomb County Habitat for Humanity
      Home repairs, $2000 limit based on funding availability
      29777 Gratiot
      Roseville MI


      Macomb County Community Services Agency
      21885 Dunham #10
      Clinton Twp. MI 48036
      Phone: (586) 469-5012 Senior Citizen Chore Service and Home Injury Control
      Phone: (586) 469-6329 Home Preservation and Energy Group
      Email: mccsa@macombcountymi.gov


      Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers  586-757-5551 8075 Ritter
      Center Line MI 48015
      Assistance to older and disabled adults in Macomb County who have no other resources


      Warren Residential Rehabilitation Program
      The City of Warren makes low interestes loans available to eligible "low" and "moderate" incomehouseholds.  The loans are used to bring the home up to code and make reapries to owner-occupied single-family residences.  The loans may be use to finances necesssary home repaires including, but not limited to, the following:
      Heartina dn energy items
      Plubling and sanitary fixtures
      Electrical work
      Windows and dooors
      Replacement roofs
      Structural repairs
      Barrer free access for the handicpaped and elderly.

      Application forms are available in the City of Warren Community Development office, or by calling 586-574-4686 or at www.cityofwarren.org 
       _______________________________________________

      HOMEOWNERSHIP

      Bridging Communities, Inc.
      Housing Director Lerrlyn Nelson
      6900 McGraw
      Detroit, MI 48210
      313-361-6377 

      CHN purchases existing homes in Oakland and Macomb counties, rehabilitates the homes and markets them to homebuyers.  If approved, each homebuyer receives homebuyer assistance based on their personal financila situation, thus making th ehome mroe affordable.  Check their website to see if any homes are currently available and to apply for the program.  You do not have to be a current resident of those counties to apply.

      570 Kirts Blvd., Suite 231

      Troy, MI  48084

      248-824-7309 |Office
      rmix@chninc.net
       
      The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation (MHA) acting through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designed forgivable loan programs to help homeowners who have a financial hardship.  Apply at www.stepforwardmichigan.org or call 866-946-7432





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      HOMELESS SHELTERS/WARMING CENTERS/DAY SHELTERS

      Macomb County


      Abigayle's Place  586-323-1411
      12313 19 Mile Rd.
      Sterling Heights, MI 48313
      Shelter/transitional housing for expectant mothers.

      Covenant House Michigan 
      Covenant House Michigan is a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides shelter, educational and vocational programs and other support services to at-risk youth ages 18-24.
      313-478-8526

      Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (MCREST)   586-415-5101

      20415 Erin
      Roseville, MI 48066
      Open between 8 am and 5 pm Monday-Sunday)
      Serves: All Macomb County
      Services: 90 day program for men, women and children. Rotating "overnight" year-round shelter for homeless utilizing churches. (6:00 pm - 8:00 am) Will provide dinner, breakfast, bag-lunch to go about their business and tickets to "go to" or "look for" work.
       


      Macomb County Warming Center  (November through March ONLY)  

      Roseville, MI 48066
      Phone: (586) 321-0998, 586-329-4046
      email: kmac0212@wowway.com
      Comprised of rotating sponsor churches to provide  blanket, pillow, warm supper, and a light breakfast to individuals who do not qualify, have extended their time, or have been turned away from an existing shelter. Intake hours:  8:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Monday - Sunday. 

      Works in conjunction with the Ray of Hope Day Center
      14933 Nine Mile road
      Eastpointe, MI 48021
      586-218-7173 or 586-321-0998
      Hours: M 9am - 3 pm, T and Th 9 am - 4 pm

      Ray of Hope Day Center helps with connections to other agencies that will help address long term needs.


      MATTS - Salvation Army (Macomb's Answer To Temporary Shelter)
      24140 Mound Rd.,
      Warren, MI 48091
      Phone: 586-755-5191 Call to see if there is an opening.
      Serves: All Macomb County
      Services: Temporary shelter, up to 30 days in a calendar year, for homeless men, women and children. Counseling: employment, housing, emergency food, clothing, transportation, furniture, substance abuse and medical assistance. Participants must leave in morning to look for work or permanent housing.


      Turning Point  586-463-6990
      P.O. Box 1123,
      Mt. Clemens, MI 48046
      Serves: All Macomb County
      Services: Shelter for homeless men, women and children. Case managers available to help set goals and work toward those goals.


      Warming Centers  -- You can always call United Way 2-1-1 to ask where there is a warming shelter close to you.  During the day time hours consider going to any of the following:
      • Senior Centers
      • Public Libraries
      • Government offices
      • Salvation Army
      • Health Department

       
       ________________________________________________________________

      HOUSING GUIDES - LOOK FOR HOUSING HERE!

      LOOKING FOR HOUSING? START HERE:


      The Michigan Housing Council    OR    The Michigan Housing Locator  
      _________________________________________________________________________

      LANDLORD/TENANT ISSUES

      Michigan State College of Law Housing Clinic 
      517-336-8088.
      Landlord/Tenant, serves all of Michigan—free legal advice over the phone
      Low income taxpayer matters: liens, collection due process hearings, appeals, etc.


      United Community Housing Coalition 
        313-963-3310

      (UCHC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which provides comprehensive housing assistance to Detroit’s low-income residents. Since 1973, the organization has worked with tenants, homesteaders, homeowners, the homeless and community organizations, rebuilding neighborhoods and providing affordable housing, religious, civil rights, labor and housing advocacy to improve, preserve and expand affordable housing opportunities for low-income Detroiters.

      Today, the organization is primarily focused on the following areas of work: landlord tenant legal counseling, housing placement, tenant organizing, and tax and mortgage foreclosure prevention. Services are provided to income-eligible families and individuals free of charge. Go to this link to see the walk-in hours for various problems you may be facing: 

       ________________________________________________________________

      PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE

      Step Forward Michigan
      All it takes is a big unexpected expense or a few months of unemployment, and you’re behind on your mortgage or tax payments. Before you know it, you’re facing foreclosure. But you don’t have to let your home get away from you. The Step Forward Michigan program can help you catch up.

      Go to their website to find out if you may be eligible for assistance through Step Forward Michigan and to apply for their assistance. 
      AVAILABLE TO ALL MICHIGAN RESIDENTS



      Step Forward Michigan
      George W. Romney Building – 8th Floor
      111 S. Capitol Ave.
      Lansing, MI 48933-1555
      Phone: (866) 946-7432
      Fax: (517) 636-6170
      StepForward@michigan.gov
      ___________________________________________________________________________


      RENT & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

      DHHS

      Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

      Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund  517-481-8000
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      SENIOR SUBSIDIZED HOUSING OPTIONS

      Michigan Housing Council
      This site is really good. If you sort by "last updated" it will tell you for each apartment, when they last updated their stats.

      The ones with the bold green dollar sign $ base the rent on a percentage of the income. For example, McDonnell Tower in Southfield has minimum age of 62 and charges 30% of the income. 

       ________________________________________________________________


      SUBSIDIZED HOUSING (SECTION 8)

      Macomb and Oakland County Housing Lists

      updated 11/17

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