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UCHC Affordable Housing Journal

Distinctly Detroit stories with a focus on homelessness prevention.

50 Years of Keeping Detroit Housed

United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) proudly celebrates 50 years of Keeping Detroit Housed with a $50,000 match challenge from the Jaison and Jamie Robinson Family Foundation

Detroit, MI - August 2024


50 Years of Keeping Detroit Housed - Match Challenge


In celebration of this milestone achievement, United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) has announced the 50 Years of Keeping Detroit Housed Campaign. This campaign will include public awareness, education, and fundraising in support of UCHC’s work, especially the Land Contract Buyout program. 

The campaign was made possible by generous donations from The Jaison and Jamie Robinson Family Foundation, which will be matched up to $50,000, for a total of $150,000 raised to support the Land Contract Buyout Program. The anchor donations were secured by Justin Onwenu, a fourth-generation Detroiter, community organizer, and recent Columbia Law School graduate committed to economic mobility in the City of Detroit. Onwenu will serve as Volunteer Chair of this campaign, volunteering to help raise awareness of the organization's Land Contract Buyout program and UCHC’s 50 years of Keeping Detroit Housed.


"We are incredibly grateful to the Jaison and Jamie Robinson Family Foundation for their generous contribution and to Justin Onwenu for chairing this effort in celebration of our 50 years of service to the Detroit community,” said Ted Phillips, executive director of UCHC.

“This 50 Years of Keeping Detroit Housed Campaign, including the matching challenge, will amplify the positive impact of our programs, allowing us to help even more low-income residents to secure stable housing."

The campaign and the generous match challenge underscore the foundation's dedication to improving the lives of those in need and contributing to the betterment of the Detroit community. Funds raised will support UCHC programs that focus on Keeping Detroit Housed, including the unique Land Contract Buyout program. The Land Contract Buyout program, developed by UCHC, is designed to alleviate the burdens faced by low-income residents trapped in unfavorable land contracts. UCHC's program empowers residents by providing financial assistance to renegotiate or pay off these contracts, allowing them to secure stable and affordable housing.

 

UCHC Land Contract Buyout Program


The Land Contract Buyout program, developed by UCHC, is designed to alleviate the burdens faced by low-income residents trapped in unfavorable land contracts. The program empowers residents by providing financial assistance to renegotiate or pay off these contracts, allowing them to secure stable and affordable housing.

“UCHC has been a true anchor in our community for such a long time and the Land Contract Buyout Program is another testament to their commitment to providing pathways for greater economic mobility, said Justin Onwenu, Volunteer Chair of the 50 Years of Keeping Detroit Housed Campaign. 

We’re excited that this effort will benefit and empower hundreds of local residents for many years to come.

UCHC's Land Contract Buyout Program in the past year

  • Assisted 56 low-income Detroit families

  • Purchased 24 homes on behalf of homebuyers who otherwise would not have means for a house

    • Average loan per household: $16,000

    • Average home value: $75,000

    • Equity immediately generated: $1,421,000


UCHC recognizes the profound impact stable housing has on families, contributing to improved mental and physical health outcomes, increased school attendance and student success, and the overall prosperity of communities.


 

Join UCHC in Keeping Detroit Housed


UCHC invites individuals, businesses, and the community to join this match challenge. Every donation made before December 31, 2024, will be doubled by the Jaison and Jamie Robinson Family Foundation, up to $50,000. To donate, please visit www.uchcdetroit.org/KeepingDetroitHoused today.


 

United Community Housing Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing housing assistance to Detroit’s low-income residents. Since 1973, we have worked to keep people in their homes and secure affordable housing for those in need. We believe that having a place to live is a basic human right and are passionate about preserving this right in our communities. Our services are provided to income-eligible families and individuals free of charge.

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