DETROIT – Since its inception in 2017, the Make It Home program has helped 1,500 Detroit families stay in homes facing tax-related foreclosure.
More than 100 families are participating in the program this year, including Demetrius Brown.
“It’s important because I have three girls,” said Brown. “It’s important that they have somewhere safe and stable to live.”
Here’s how it works.
The city purchases the property before the tax foreclosure auction.
The United Community Housing Coalition buys the property with money from the Rocket Community Fund.
UCHC sells the home to the occupant through a 0% interest land contract with a payment plan.
“It is also really crucial for these families to know that they will have support to apply for things like the homeowner’s property tax exemption for the United Community Housing Coalition,” said Rocket Community Fund Executive Director Laura Grannemann.
The Make It Home program also offers grants and low-interest loans for home repairs.
Until Jerel Joubert joined the program, he was preparing to move out of the home that he had been renting for nearly 20 years due to foreclosure.
“It means that you are part of the community where you are at,” said Joubert said about staying in the home.
Brown agrees.
“The program is excellent,” Brown said. “I wish they probably could help more people than they’re helping, but they are doing a good job.”
If you’re interested in participating in MIH, call (313) 405-7726 to speak with a counselor.