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Housing Placement & Rental Assistance

UCHC housing placement counselors discover the causes of pending Detroit evictions to help equip tenants with the tools to deal with future problems. 

About Housing Placement & Rental Assistance

UCHC’s Housing Placement and Rental Assistance programs provide critical support to individuals and families experiencing housing instability. Whether facing eviction, unsafe living conditions, or other housing challenges, participants receive personalized assistance to secure safe, stable, and affordable housing while addressing immediate financial barriers that may lead to displacement.

 

Housing Placement

The Housing Placement program assists individuals and families in securing safe, stable housing. For those who do not require direct relocation, UCHC provides housing guidance and support, offering resources, referrals, and expert advice to help clients navigate their housing challenges. Services include:

  • Housing Search Assistance: Identifying affordable housing, supporting rental applications, and negotiating lease terms.

  • Relocation Support: Assisting with packing, moving logistics, and connecting clients to schools, healthcare, and other essential services.

  • Guidance and Resources: For participants not requiring physical relocation, UCHC provides support to address housing-related concerns and connect with available community resources.

 

Rental Assistance

UCHC’s Rental Assistance program is designed to prevent eviction and keep families in their homes by addressing immediate financial barriers. The program provides essential support for tenants who are struggling to pay rent or have received landlord/tenant court judgments. By offering targeted financial aid, UCHC helps families avoid the disruptive and often devastating consequences of losing their housing.

Services include:

  • Emergency Financial Support: Covers rent arrears, court judgments, or security deposits for tenants at risk of displacement.

  • Advocacy and Mediation: Works with landlords and property managers to negotiate payment arrangements and find solutions that prevent eviction.

  • Budgeting and Financial Counseling: Provides tenants with tools and strategies to improve financial stability and avoid future housing crises.​

Collaborations & Advocacy
UCHC works with landlords, housing authorities, and community partners to expand access to affordable housing. Through tenant organizing efforts, such as the Joe Louis Greenway Neighborhood Project, the organization also empowers tenants to advocate for their rights and contributes to systemic changes, including policies that protect renters and expand affordable housing options.

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Connections to Broader Efforts
The Housing Placement and Rental Assistance programs operate within UCHC’s continuum of housing services, complementing initiatives like the Make It Home program, which supports tenants transitioning into homeownership, and the Tax Foreclosure Prevention program, which helps residents retain their homes. Together, these programs address immediate housing needs while promoting long-term housing stability and economic equity.

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Commitment to Equity
Throughout its history, UCHC has been a leader in supporting low-income tenants facing displacement due to building conditions or sales. Whether providing direct relocation services or financial assistance, UCHC remains committed to breaking down systemic barriers to stable housing and ensuring every participant has access to the resources and guidance needed to achieve long-term housing security.

Program Eligibility

UCHC’s Housing Placement and Rental Assistance programs are designed to support Detroit residents facing critical housing challenges. To qualify for assistance, participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Residency: Must be a resident of the City of Detroit.

  • Income: Must qualify as low-income, based on program or funding guidelines.

  • Housing Status: Must be experiencing eviction, unsafe living conditions, or another housing-related crisis.

  • Legal Services Clients: These programs are available to individuals and families who are current clients of UCHC’s legal services, such as eviction defense or tenant advocacy programs.

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If you are facing eviction or need assistance with housing-related issues, please contact our Legal Services team immediately at our Eviction Defense Hotline (313) 725-4646. Our team will assess the situation and guide you through legal support and housing assistance process.

Housing Placement & Rental Assistance Impacts

By providing comprehensive Housing Placement and Rental Assistance services, UCHC addresses the immediate and long-term needs of individuals and families facing housing insecurity. These programs have far-reaching effects on participants, their families, and the broader Detroit community.

  • Preventing Homelessness: Through Rental Assistance, UCHC helps families avoid the disruption of eviction by addressing rent arrears, court judgments, or security deposits. By keeping families in their homes, the program reduces the strain on emergency shelters and social services.

  • Promoting Stability: Stable housing allows participants to maintain employment, ensure their children can remain in school, and access critical healthcare services. This stability creates a foundation for long-term financial health and family well-being.

  • Facilitating Relocation to Safe Housing: Housing Placement services empower families to relocate from unsafe or unsustainable living conditions into stable, affordable homes. Relocation assistance ensures a smoother transition by providing logistical and emotional support throughout the process.

  • Strengthening Families and Communities: Stable housing fosters community engagement, strengthens neighborhood bonds, and supports local businesses. Keeping families housed also reduces the ripple effects of displacement, such as the loss of social networks and community continuity.

  • Addressing Systemic Barriers: UCHC’s advocacy work and collaborations with landlords, housing authorities, and policymakers aim to expand access to affordable housing, reduce systemic inequities, and promote tenant rights.

  • Building Financial Resilience: Financial counseling offered through both programs equips participants with budgeting tools and strategies to manage their finances, ensuring they can maintain housing stability and avoid future crises.

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