Detroit residents facing eviction can now apply to get free legal defense and rental assistance.
The new resources are available through a collaborative effort by the State of Michigan, the City of Detroit, Southwest Solutions, the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND), United Community Housing Coalition, MI Legal Services and Lakeshore Legal Aid.
Detroit residents at risk for eviction should go to DetroitEvictionHelp.com or call 866-313-2520 to start the process. After the intake form is completed, the Eviction Assistance Program will determine which resources are best suited for residents, including legal representation, rental assistance and relocation assistance. Residents that complete the online intake form will receive a response in less than 72 hours.
To be eligible, Detroit residents must meet income guidelines and have a notice to quit or a court order summons, complaint or judgment against them. Renters will qualify based on their current household income and family size. Those who earn up to 100% of the area median income (AMI) are eligible.
Detroit is receiving $11.5M for this eviction-prevention program, including $6.4 million in State Coronavirus Relief Funds as well as previously allocated federal CARES Act funding. The Detroit program is part of the statewide Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is administering to help keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. Governor Whitmer’s statewide moratorium on evictions ended on July 16. However, the 36th District Court in Detroit has extended its moratorium on evictions in the city until August 15.
Again, residents of Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park needing help can access the EDP at DetroitEvictionHelp.com or 866-313-2520. Michigan residents in other communities should go to michiganlegalhelp.org or call the Council and Advocacy Law Line at 888-783-8190.
MSHDA has put together a frequently asked questions page to answer questions about program eligibility, landlord participation, funding, and more.
