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"Housing is more than just a roof; it’s the opportunity for better lives and a better future. " - UN-Habitat

June 9, 2025

(313) 305 - 0311

CAM Call Line Operating hours:

Monday through Friday, 8am - 6pm

Visit camdetroit.org for the latest information on CAM services and any upcoming closures.

Access to CAM services: Call CAM at (313) 305 - 0311 or go to one of the following Access Points for in-person assessments.

For regular updates, subscribe to the CAM newsletter.

Protecting Housing:

A Message from HAND's Executive Director

Our homeless response system, which provides critical support to people experiencing homelessness in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, is facing a crisis. The 2024 Point-in-Time count showed a 16% increase in homelessness in Detroit, with a 35% rise in families experiencing homelessness. Chronic homelessness also surged by 26%, underscoring the need for expanded resources and policy interventions.

At the same time, proposed changes in the FY2026 Presidential budget would result in the elimination of permanent supportive housing (PSH), which represents about 85% of our CoC’s inventory. Between 2022-2024, only 144 new housing units for people experiencing homelessness were added through CoC competitions, compared to an annual renewal of 1,943 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Temporary Housing (TH), and Rapid Rehousing (RRH) units. While it is true that federal resources alone will not end homelessness, PSH has proven to have a 98% effectiveness rate in our community. Its elimination would disproportionately impact those who have disabling conditions (e.g., physical, mental, etc.). The FY2026 budget is also proposing decreasing funding to homeless assistance grants by $532M.

Advocacy remains crucial to securing sustainable housing solutions and addressing systemic gaps. This week, we encourage you to reach out to the Senate and urge that they oppose cuts to homeless assistance grants and programming outlined in the FY2026 budget. Ask them to support homeless programs like yours with sustainable investments. Check out the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ advocacy resources which can help you get started.

Strengthening our homelessness response system requires a balanced approach between temporary shelter solutions and long-term housing stability. Investments at all levels, federal, state, and local, are needed so let’s bring all elected officials to the table. We encourage CoC members to actively engage in advocacy, discussions, support ongoing initiatives, and collaborate in securing more resources for those in need.

Sincerely,

Tasha Gray, Executive Director, HAND

Contact

Choose "Housing" for the subject.

Budget Outlook

The current fiscal year is operating under a continuing resolution, with no funding increases. As of now, Our CoC is currently operating budgets that were approved FY2024 . However, The proposed FY26 “skinny budget” could eliminate CoC funding, merge programs into ESG, and impose stricter eligibility and time limits - reshaping the homelessness response system. Also mentioned was non-housing parts of the budget that directly impact people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and more. This includes substantial cuts for SNAP, Medicaid and other social safety net programs.

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved including contacting legislators, joining events like MCAH’s Capitol Hill Day and speaking up at local city council meetings. And supporting initiatives like the Michigan Homeless Bill of Rights and opposing rights-restricting legislation like the SAVE Act.

The full list of advocacy resources is available on HAND's site.

Direct Cash Transfer Virtual Design Sessions

Last month HAND partnered with Point Source Youth to try to launch our own Direct Cash Transfer initiative here in Detroit. Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs) are an intervention designed to support youth in need with direct cash payments that empower and trust youth to know what they most need to get back on their feet.

This month, we are holding virtual sessions for youth and service providers The purpose of the sessions is to get community input to help us design and plan for what we want it to look like locally.

We are interested in hearing from all interested young people (age 16-24), particularly young people with lived experience of homelessness, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, young people with disabilities, pregnant/parenting and caregiving young people, and undocumented young people.

For more information contact Meredith Baughman meredith@handetroit.org or

Kaitie Giza kaitie@handetroit.org.

Detroit CoC Board Secretary Election Results

At the June 2, 2025 Detroit CoC Board meeting, the board voted to fill the CoC Board Secretary seat.

On behalf of the Detroit Continuum of Care, we sincerely thank everyone who applied for the open Secretary seat. Your passion, experience, and dedication to ending homelessness in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck reflect the best of our community.

To our CoC Board—thank you for taking the time to cast informed votes. We're pleased to introduce, Celia Thomas, as the newly elected Detroit CoC Board Secretary.

Mastering Motivational Interviewing:

From Basic to Advanced Skills (Paid)

June 13, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Oakland County Health Department (OCHD)

5505 Corporate Dr., Troy, MI 48098

Join Tiffany Turner, LMSW, for an engaging and informative workshop to enhance your Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills. This session will guide you through the foundational principles of MI and progressively build towards advanced techniques that can be applied in more complex client interactions. Whether new to MI or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will equip you with the tools to support your clients’ goals better and improve patient outcomes. This training is ideal for anyone working with clients, including social workers, counselors, healthcare providers, and others in helping professions. Attendees will receive CEUs.

Register for the training here.

All Things Women, Inc Open House

June 26 | 1-6pm

14750 St. Marys, Detroit, MI 48227

All Things Women, Inc, a new supportive service agency for women, families, and veterans, is holding their open house Thursday, June 26. Guests can expect refreshments, music, and a guided tour of the facility. RSVP not required.

2025 Virtual Advocacy Boot Camp

Leverage your power and join the League for our Virtual Advocacy Boot Camp on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from the comfort of your own home!

As we gather together online, we will build upon your knowledge and skills to strengthen your advocacy tool-belt, network with other change makers in your area, and strategize on ways we can continue to make Michigan a more equitable place for all to thrive! To ensure our participants can have the opportunity to continue their growth in advocacy, the League will be offering our Advocacy Boot Camp free of charge. As such, we will only be offering up to 50 slots. 

Apply here. Applications are due by Friday, June 27, 2025.

How the Trump Administration Is Weakening the

Enforcement of Fair Housing Laws

Shelterforce reports that the Trump administration has significantly weakened the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, particularly in cases involving discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Internal sources at HUD describe a systematic dismantling of fair housing protections, with investigations stalled and legitimate discrimination complaints dismissed or ignored.

Read the full article on Shelterforce's site.

Visualizing the Impacts of the President’s FY2026 Budget:

Returns to Homelessness and Major Setbacks Could Be Ahead 

This article from the National Alliance to End Homelessness warns that the President’s proposed FY2026 budget could significantly undermine efforts to combat homelessness. It proposes eliminating the Continuum of Care (CoC) program and shifting its resources to the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, which lacks support for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)*. This change, along with overall funding cuts, would lead to increased homelessness and the reduced ability for CoCs, cities and other local entities to control funding allocations.

Read the full analysis here.

*In the Detroit CoC, over 1800 households are served by PSH

Housing First Myths, Facts, and Principles Webinar 

This webinar will cover myths, facts, and elements of Housing First. Learn what Housing First is, is not, and its origins. Discover the research and evidence on its effectiveness. Hear about the populations that benefit most from Housing First approaches.

Register for the webinar here.

Housing-Focused Street Outreach:

Centering the Whole Person

June 25, 2025 3pm EST

Person-centered engagement focuses on building strong, trusting relationships that honor the dignity and autonomy of people experiencing homelessness. This approach supports individuals in reclaiming their sense of agency and personal power. Person-centered engagement is a core practice within Housing-Focused Street Outreach, ensuring that outreach efforts are compassionate, respectful, and effective. In this webinar, hear from communities that have successfully implemented person-centered strategies and learn how they foster meaningful connections and promote positive housing outcomes.

Register for the webinar here.

2025 National Conference on Ending Homelessness

Jun 30 – Jul 2, 2025

2025 National Symposium on

Solutions to End Youth Homelessness

October 8 - 9, 2025

Each year, the Symposium brings together hundreds of youth leaders, advocates, service providers, researchers, funders, and policymakers from across the country. Together, we share bold strategies, celebrate progress, and advance community-driven solutions to end youth homelessness.

Registration details are available on Point Source Youth's website.

City of Detroit Consolidated Plan Meeting Series

Online - June 18, 5:30pm

Register here.

Access meeting here

For more information about the Consolidated Plan, click here.

Project Based Voucher Program

Waiting Lists Open

The Project Based Voucher Program (PBV Program) is designed to provide low and moderate-income individuals and families with housing assistance in specific units contracted with Detroit Housing Commission (DHC). The housing assistance is provided to income-eligible applicants who are approved for tenancy at the contracted location. You apply to the PBV location waiting list of your choice. The Project Based Assistance is only available to those selected and approved from the program site waiting list.

Visit the Detroit Housing Commission's website to apply.

Detroit Health Department 

Harm Reduction Wellness Stations

The Detroit Health Department’s Harm Reduction Wellness Stations provide free supplies to help prevent disease, reduce overdose risks, and make substance use safer. This initiative helps protect the health of Detroiters by giving residents the tools they need to stay safe. The Stations will supply items that support safer practices and overall health, such as:

• Naloxone Kits (Narcan)
• Test Strips
• Medication Deactivation Bags (Deterra Bags)

You can find more information about the stations along with a list of locations on the Detroit Department of Health's website.

Corktown Health Financial Assistance

The Housing and EFA programs provide emergency financial assistance to households experiencing utility shutoff (past due bills), eviction, need for assistance with first month’s rent for a new move. This type of assistance is designed to help clients living with HIV stay engaged or to reengage in medical care. When an applicant does not meet the criteria of our programs, we work with our network to connect the client to additional resources.

Must apply for "MDHHS SER" on MIBridges first.

Find out more about the program on Corktown Health's website.

DWIHN 24-Hour Helpline

1-800-241-4949

The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) offers 24-hour phone service for those seeking mental health support.

My Safe Space Crisis Hotline

For young adults (313) 844-9136. The MCHS hotline connects youth experiencing housing and mental health crises to short-term mental health services.

Rides to Care

Whether you're pregnant, a new mom, or a caregiver, you can get free rides to doctor appointments. This new Detroit Department of Health program provides transportation for prenatal and postpartum care up to the baby's first birthday.

Rides are available

• Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Services are not available on holidays

To schedule a ride, call (313)876-0000

For more info, visit detroitmi.gov/ridestocare

In our last newsletter we asked you, the reader, to solve this riddle.

I am taken from a mine, and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost every person. What am I?

The answer:

A Pencil!

Every Friday HAND intern, Abby Perrien, highlights Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC) organizations and their hard work and dedication to ending homelessness. You can find this series and much more by following our social media accounts.

NOTE: The next CoC newsletter will be published June 30 and continue to be published every other week after.

Connect with us!

Do you have questions about the newsletter? Want to submit an item?

Email Kimberly Benton at kimberly@handetroit.org

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