The collaborative efforts of the Rocket Community Fund, Mayor Mike Duggan, and the United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) have borne fruit. Today, they reported that 104 Detroit families have been granted homeownership through the “Make It Home” program in 2023. This pushes the program’s total to an impressive 1,500 families who have secured their residences against tax foreclosure since 2017.
The “Make It Home” initiative was crafted to empower qualifying Detroit residents in tax-foreclosed houses with the prospect of homeownership, circumventing potential eviction. With Detroit’s “right of refusal” mechanism, the city has the ability to purchase properties pre-auction either for the back taxes due or a dual value determined by the previous owner’s claim. These homes are subsequently acquired by UCHC with the philanthropic aid of the Rocket Community Fund.
Families then engage in a 0% interest land contract with UCHC, making payments into an escrow account for approximately a year. This year, the average payment for homeownership was $8,400. Upon fulfilling their payments, these new homeowners are presented with their property deeds and have access to home repair grants, loans, and financial counseling as part of the program’s offerings.
Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund, articulated the program’s vision: “Make It Home was created to transform a complex and inequitable system into an opportunity to build homeownership, wealth and stability for Detroit families.” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund. “However, homeownership is a journey, not a destination. We are proud to work alongside our partners at UCHC and the City of Detroit to deepen the impact of Make It Home by expanding access to home repair grants and loans to participating families.”
Mayor Mike Duggan offered insight into the program’s inception, “When Dan Gilbert came to me with this idea several years ago, it didn’t take long for me to get on board. Most foreclosures in Detroit aren’t homeowners who stopped paying their mortgage bills, they’re landlords who have not made the payments, even while their renters are. Thanks to Laura Grannemann and the Rocket Community Fund, Ted Phillips and UCHC, and the hard work of our team here at the city, we can now say there are 1,500 families who are proud homeowners. Make It Home is strengthening neighborhoods and families and helping build generational wealth.”
One of the beneficiaries this year, Demetrius Brown a 57-year-old lifelong Detroiter, expressed his gratitude: “I am incredibly fortunate for the support from UCHC and their assistance in helping me secure a place in the Make It Home program,” said Brown. “This opportunity is like a long-awaited sigh of relief. It means that I can maintain this home, providing my three daughters with the chance to grow up in a stable and nurturing environment. We’ll continue to create cherished memories here, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.” Brown lives in the Brightmoor neighborhood alongside his three daughters, aged 5, 9, and 11. Having resided in his current home for a decade and a half, Brown has consistently met his rental obligations. This dedication comes despite health setbacks that halted his career as a contractor and plumber, leading to significant financial strains.
Council President Pro Tempore James Tate Jr. added, “As the country experiences homeownership challenges, I am proud that the Make it Home Program is one of many the City of Detroit uses to provide stable homeownership for Mr. Brown and so many other Detroit residents. The promise of homeownership remains an important staple for Detroit residents to ensure families like Mr. Brown and his children can prosper in the City of Detroit. I remain committed to supporting the Make it Home Program and others that will aid families with a path forward toward homeownership.”
Providing comprehensive housing support since 1973, UCHC has been an instrumental player in Detroit’s housing landscape. Their commitment to retaining homeownership has aided thousands of families through various City programs.
“Thanks to the support of the Rocket Community Fund, the City of Detroit and the dedication of UCHC staff, Make It Home empowers Detroit residents to reclaim their homes, rebuild their futures and become homeowners,” said Ted Phillips, Executive Director, United Community Housing Coalition. “Every year, we continue to be amazed by the program’s impact and how it is bolstering the city’s growth and ensuring the well-being of residents.”
Furthermore, the Rocket Community Fund recently pledged $750,000 towards home repair, elevating their total contribution to $3 million since 2019.
About Post Author
