Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield plans to reshuffle several city departments focused on health and human services and has tapped Luke Shaefer, a well-known Michigan poverty and social policy scholar, to take the helm.
Nushrat Rahman
Nushrat Rahman covers issues and obstacles that influence economic mobility, primarily in Detroit, for the Detroit Free Press and BridgeDetroit, as a corps member with Report for America, a national service program placing journalists in local newsrooms across the country.
Her beat includes coverage of housing, water affordability and issues important to small business owners – all areas she’s passionate about as a lifelong Detroiter. She has written for Hour Detroit, Model D and Tostada Magazine.
In 2018, Rahman was selected as one of 13 contributors for The Edit, a New York Times newsletter for college students and recent graduates. Rahman is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School, where she dived into narrative and investigative reporting, and Wayne State University.
Posted inTransportation
Report: ‘Indecent activity’ delayed Detroit bus, discipline was light
A review of video evidence revealed that Detroit Department of Transportation employees who were romantically involved abandoned a running bus.
Posted inHealth and Welfare
Rx Kids program expanding to help moms and babies in Detroit
Rx Kids offers $1,500 in cash assistance during mid-pregnancy and then $500 per month for up to a year of the baby’s life and already operates in 20 communities across Michigan.
Posted inHousing
5 Detroit housing questions we have heading into 2026
Finding affordable, safe housing and maintaining that home remain key priorities. It’s a topic we’ll continue to report on here at BridgeDetroit.
Posted inHousing
Taylor to open waitlist for housing vouchers
For 12 days this month, the Taylor Housing Commission will open a waiting list for the popular, yet limited, housing choice voucher program.
Posted inHealth and Welfare
Warming centers in metro Detroit: Where to find them
Here are a list of respite spots, including hours of operation, and how to access emergency shelter if someone is experiencing homelessness.
Posted inDetroit Thrive
Detroit Thrive: Is there a looming homelessness crisis?
Nushrat Rahman has the latest on changes in how the federal government funds housing programs. Plus, a list of sites where Detroiters can stay warm during the frigid temperatures.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Housing
Leland House residents face power shutoff, possible relocation
Management told residents that it would be doing everything it could to help them and that over the next few days, the city of Detroit would provide resources and support relocation.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
Advocates prepare for homelessness crisis as feds make funding shift
Michigan homeless service providers warn of more people entering into homelessness amid changes to how the government funds housing programs.
Posted inDetroit Thrive
Food assistance continues after SNAP confusion. Here’s where to find it
Nushrat Rahman writes about ongoing food assistance efforts, a scaled-back water affordability program for Detroit, new senior housing and more.