Duggan, housing officials urge Detroiters facing eviction to seek help from city program

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan reminded residents Wednesday the city has about $12 million available and other services for residents who are at risk of losing their homes as an eviction crisis looms.

The city and its partner organizations have dedicated the money from COVID-19 relief funds to an eviction prevention program that provides legal services, money for rent and relocation assistance to those facing eviction.

"We do not need people looking for new homes during this pandemic," Duggan said during a news conference at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters. "The city is here to help. We’re going to do everything that we can to keep you in your home. But you have to let us know your situation."

A moratorium on evictions in Detroit ended Aug. 15, meaning new eviction cases can now be filed in 36th District Court. Statewide, courts are facing a backlog of an estimated tens of thousands of residential evictions.

It's unclear how many Detroiters are at risk, but officials said they expect to provide some form of assistance — whether through financial assistance, counseling or other means — to just about anyone facing eviction from a residential property.

More: Michigan's ban on residential evictions ends — but new program can help 

More: As Michigan's eviction moratorium lifts, advocates tell tenants to seek legal aid

"Do we know how many? I don't think anyone honestly has that," said Ted Phillips, executive director of the United Community Housing Coalition, which is helping with the city's eviction prevention program. "We can usually find a way to assist any tenant in those circumstances."

Of the $12 million supporting the program, about $7.6 million is for rental assistance and about $3.2 million is for enhanced legal representation. The money also is going toward relocation counseling, staffing and other costs. Landlords also can seek help under the city's program.

Phillips said it is important for residents to reach out for help as soon as possible. Mail delivery problems already are cropping up, with both tenants and landlords unaware of their court dates. Last week, many of the cases with communication problems were delayed or settled, Phillips said.

"We are going to have a horrible problem, clearly, with the mail in the city of Detroit," he said.

Those seeking eviction help should visit www.DetroitEvictionHelp.com or call 866-313-2520.

Joe Guillen has been covering the city of Detroit for the newspaper since 2013. Contact him at 313-222-6678 or jguillen@freepress.com.