DETROIT (WWJ) The City of Detroit has launched the Detroit Eviction Assistance and Prevention Program to help residents who may have fallen behind on their rent and are at risk of losing their home.
This comes as a federal moratorium on evictions, implemented at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ended in late August.
Mayor Mike Duggan spoke about the program at a press conference on Friday.
“Normally, the government doesn’t provide a lawyer in a landlord tenant case,” he said. “Because we do not want people out of their homes with COVID, this is an emergency period.”
The city says the three-part plan will provide free legal assistance, access to financial help to pay past-due rent and utilities, and job opportunities.
Families earning under $44,000 per year or four person-families bringing in less than $62,000 qualify for the program; as well as anyone who faced “financial hardship” because of COVID-19.
Only Detroit residents are eligible. They do not have to have a case pending in court.
In Part One, residents with an eviction notice or demand for rent will be connected with an attorney for legal advice or representation. Most cases will be handled by the nonprofits: United Community Housing Coalition and Michigan Legal Services.
Part Two focuses on financial assistance. If a resident is eligible based on income and pandemic impact; the money will come from a pot of $130 million in federal funds provided to the city for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA).
“We can get it to you right away,” Duggan said. “We can back your landlord off right away. We can’t do any of it if you don’t call us.”
Most of the funds are still available, according to the city. Duggan encourages any eligible family under the threat of eviction to apply for CERA.
The third part of the program provides job placement support. Through the Detroit At Work program, several employers have agreed to prioritize hiring the people who have applied for the Eviction Assistance and Prevention Program.
Landlords can initiate the application process, allowing both parties to avoid court. Through the program, landlords can receive direct payments for back-rent. The city said it will work together with landlords who are making repairs to their properties.
Evictions processes must go through court. A judge must issue an eviction order. A court officer or bailiff is the only person who can enforce it.
You can apply for the program at DetroitEvictionHelp.com or by calling (866) 313-2520.
The city is also looking for attorneys to represent the applicants at a rate of $350 per closed case. If you are interested, you can apply here.
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