DETROIT – Ralph Laviolette was persistent, seeking help to maintain his home on Detroit’s east side.
Laviolette got help with home repairs and property taxes through the Detroit Housing Network.
“I wouldn’t have been able to afford it by being retired and receiving my income,” said Laviolette. “It would been too far over my head because it is expensive when you have a home.”
The Detroit Housing Network connects Detroiters to a wide variety of housing programs and services.
Homeowner services include help with home repair and maintenance, property tax assistance, mortgage and foreclosure prevention, and title and probate assistance.
Libby Palackdharry is the Director of Operations of the Detroit Housing Network at CHN Housing Partners.
Palackdharry encourages Detroiters to take advantage of the resources available.
“If they have a financial hardship and are at risk of either mortgage or property tax foreclosure, our members can support them to navigate those very complicated processes, and then also home repair and maintenance,” said Palackdharry. “Once you have a home, you need to maintain it. And if you don’t, that delayed repair is just going to get more and more expensive in the future.”
The Detroit Housing Network is also there to help those looking to buy a home.
Their services include home-buying education and downpayment assistance navigation.
“People often think they’re just going to be renters for the rest of their lives,” Palackdharry said. “But there are a lot of resources that are available to support first-generation or low-income households that want to achieve homeownership.”
Laviolette hopes to keep his home, which was originally his grandmother’s house, in the family after he’s gone.
“You just feel proud, and maybe I can give it to my daughter,” Laviolette said. “And she can give it to her daughter.”
Click here to learn more about the Detroit Housing Network, or visit Detroit Housing Network - Access Housing Programs & Services or call Detroit Housing Resource Help Line: (866) 313-2520.
The Detroit Housing Network (DHN) is an alliance of housing agencies that provides access to housing programs and services in Detroit.