Residents identified barriers to living-wage jobs, schools, affordable housing and health care, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and gave recommendations for improvements.
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 inCivic and Community Information, Explainers
City to pay to remove dangerous lead from some southwest Detroit homes. Here’s how to apply
Residents who live in southwest Detroit can now apply to have lead-based paint removed from their homes for free, the city of Detroit announced Thursday.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Extra food stamp benefits extended through September for Michigan families
Families eligible for food stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, will continue receiving additional benefits through September, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Explainers
Extra funding for energy assistance ends this month: How to get help
As the pandemic continues and unemployment remains high, the state is encouraging Michigan residents who are unable to pay their energy bills to seek help before they receive a shutoff notice or are almost out of propane or fuel oil, especially as winter approaches.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Group rallies for housing rights, extra $600 in weekly aid during pandemic
After losing her job in the auto industry, the extra $600 in weekly federal unemployment aid helped Celestine Sanders keep up with rent and bills and put food on her table. Now that it’s gone, she’s worried about falling behind on rent again, especially as the winter months approach.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
‘You have to be nimble’: Four Black-owned small businesses on weathering the pandemic
For National Black Business Month, small businesses in Detroit share how they’re managing the economic impact of the coronavirus and their hopes for the future.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
$36.3M Sugar Hill affordable housing, retail project breaks ground in Midtown
Midtown’s Sugar Hill Arts District is getting a new $36.3-million housing and retail development. The area was designated as a national and local historic district because of its roots as a hub of Detroit jazz and African American establishments.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Report: Immigrants crucial to economic recovery, yet vulnerable
Immigrants and immigrant-owned businesses are essential to Detroit’s economic recovery, a new study has found.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Nursing home workers delay Detroit strike after Whitmer calls for resolution
Workers at 16 metro Detroit nursing homes who had planned to strike starting Monday have suspended their demonstrations after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for a resolution between workers and nursing home operators.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Detroit’s eviction moratorium is over: What tenants should know
Detroit’s ban on evictions is over and hearings for tenants will begin this week. If you owe rent, here’s what you need to know.