Federal tax credit programs subsidize up to 70% of construction costs, which enables the development of affordable housing rented below market rates for up to 30 years which has recently preserved 10,000 affordable housing units. Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration has mandated that all new developments include at least 20% affordable units that use tax incentives to ensure long-term affordability. Additionally, new efforts have been made to preserve existing affordable housing through negotiations with property owners to prevent these units from reverting to market rates.

Organizations like the Quicken Loans Community Fund have implemented innovative solutions like the “Neighbor to Neighbor” program. This initiative involved Detroit residents going door-to-door to talk to other homeowners who were behind on their property taxes, and it was discovered that 75% of those facing foreclosure were eligible for income-based property tax exemptions but were unaware of their eligibility. They then connected these families with resources that helped many residents avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes, stabilizing neighborhoods. Additionally, Quicken Loans has worked with community groups and the city to remove properties from tax foreclosure actions, which has helped residents reclaim ownership by paying back taxes. Solutions like this help prevent displacement and strengthen community ties.

The Bridge Housing Campus (pictured behind), created by the Pope Francis Center, is offering a lifeline to some of Detroit’s most vulnerable residents, including those dealing with mental health challenges and trauma. This newly opened, 60,000-square-foot facility provides more than just a roof over people’s heads. It offers 40 studio apartments and critical services like meals, medical and dental care, and life skills classes. Residents can stay for three to four months while they work toward securing permanent housing, making it a crucial stepping stone for those in need. The housing campus also includes outdoor spaces for people who are coping with trauma, which shows the center’s commitment to supporting its residents. Local organizations like United Auto Workers, Ford Motor Company, and the Julia Burke Foundation have backed the building of this campus.