Detroit Neighborhood Housing Compact – March 2025

March 11, 2025

March 2025 DNHC Newsletter

Equipping Detroit Renters: Updates and Insights on Right to Counsel Program

At DFC we believe in increasing the number of asset-rich, economically accessible, and diverse neighborhoods. In the Detroit Housing ecosystem we know that single family rentals play a crucial role in affordable housing. Issues like availability, cost burden, and affordability are key issues to renters as well. Equipping renters and practitioners with information and programming is essential in this current environment. In March, the DNHC will host The Right to Counsel.

Detroit’s Right to Counsel program ensures low-income residents have access to free legal representation in eviction cases. This groundbreaking program protects families from eviction, reducing homelessness and housing instability.

Ted Phillips, Executive Director of United Community Housing Coalition will share updates regarding the Right to Counsel program. The Right to Counsel Ordinance was passed in May of 2022, and grants the right to legal counsel for low-income Detroit renters or tenants facing eviction.

After the presentation the compact will continue where we left off in our guided ecosystem mapping and 2025 priorities working session. We look forward to a insightful discussion and working session this month. See you soon!

Meeting Details:

Meeting Goals

Share the latest developments and progress of the Right to Counsel program since its implementation in May 2022.
Address current challenges and potential solutions related to housing availability in Detroit for both renters and homeowners.
Explore strategies to alleviate the financial burden on renters and improve housing affordability.
Highlight initiatives and policies aimed at protecting renters, especially those facing eviction.

Meeting Flow

Welcome & Introduction
Partner updates
Policy Brief
Right to Counsel Presentation
2025 Ecosystem Mapping Activity
Next Steps
Close

Meeting Date and logon information: March 18, 2025, 10am

Join Meeting Here

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Guest Presenter

Ted Phillips | Executive Director

UCHC

Ted Phillips has proudly served as the Executive Director of United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) since 1986 (except for two years when he worked with the Detroit Housing Commission). During that time, Ted gained valuable insight into the complexities of public housing management, further strengthening his commitment to ensuring housing stability for Detroit’s most vulnerable residents. Ted has continued to guide the organization through decades of growth and change, all while maintaining its unwavering mission to protect Detroiters from housing insecurity.

Full Bio Here

February Compact Meeting

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

In February, the Compact took a deep dive into equitable development, welcoming the Equitable Development Task Force (EDTF) to share their work and explore ways for compact members to get involved. The EDTF showcased key achievements, including the creation of a master plan advisory group, progress on a local option sales tax study, the passage of the fugitive dust ordinance, and new efforts to support Community Land Trusts (CLTs). Discussions sparked meaningful dialogue on equitable taxation, zoning, land use, and increasing transparency in community organizations

Passcode: 3Rim+%7B

Housing Information Portal

The Housing Information Portal serves as a centralized source of information about housing and neighborhood-related demographics in Detroit and beyond. Click on the “Learn More” button below to explore all types of housing data!

Access Portal

The Detroit Housing Resource Library

The Detroit Housing Resource Library is a collection of studies, guides, and resources. This repository for Compact members and practitioners in Detroit, compiling resources under various categories within the housing sphere!

Access Library

Resources and Engagement Opportunities

Alliance for Housing Justice | Toolkit for advocates & state officials.

Reforming Federal Funds Towards Social Housing with LIHTC QAP Toolkit: The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funds much of the affordable housing in the US, but its current design fails to provide lasting affordability and stability to tenants.

Read the full report

The WSU Richard C. Van Dusen Urban Leadership Forum invites you to the

Home Repair Solutions Lab

Date: Thursday, March 27 | 8 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Register and attend the solutions lab for a forum that will bring together housing practitioners, funders at all levels, corporate and philanthropic partners, and Wayne State students and faculty to explore innovative strategies for expanding home repair programs in Detroit.

Learn more and register

Register for the Real Estate Development Course

Learn to lead real estate projects that are financially viable and center on the needs of current residents. Learn key frameworks to understand the economic, social, and developmental efforts contributing to a successful real estate project.

Brought online by University of Michigan, facilitated by READ Vice President Chase Cantrell.

Housing Developers Forum

This forum aims to bring a variety of housing developers and stakeholders together to discuss how partnerships are key to moving community-centered housing development projects forward. Conversations will focus on how emerging developers can best approach working with seasoned developers, as well as understanding the broad range of partnerships necessary to get a deal done.

DO YOU HAVE CONTENT OR TOPIC IDEAS FOR THE COMPACT?

As we continue to build out the calendar for 2025, please let us know any ideas you have for newsletter content, Compact meeting content, or future Compact Topics using our new intake form below.

Let us know here!

News and Headlines

Housing For the People: Exploring Social Housing Across the U.S.

In January 2025, PowerSwitch Action, Policy Link, and the Local Progress Impact Lab released a new report Housing for the People: How Local Governments are Building Housing Solutions for Public Good.

Read the report

Watch the webinar