Detroit accepting applications for home accessibility repairs

Applications are open for a city home repair program geared toward low-income seniors and Detroit residents with disabilities.

The Detroit Home Accessibility Program is a partnership between the city of Detroit, CHN Housing Partners and Detroit Housing Network. The $6.6 million program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, is expected to provide accessibility upgrades to at least 250 homes.

Among the repairs covered are the installation of ramps, lifts and grab bars and improvements to doors, thresholds, lighting and mobility devices.

“This program is designed to ensure our community members have a safe and accessible place to call home,” Kevin Nowak, president and CEO of CHN Housing Partners, said in a Monday news release.

CHN, which also serves as the network administrator of the Detroit Housing Network, is teaming up with its members — Bridging Communities, Inc., Central Detroit Christian, Matrix Human Services, MiWealth, U-SNAP-BAC and Wayne Metro Community Action Agency — to guide residents through the application and qualification process. CHN will manage the construction. 

To qualify, a full-time disabled resident must reside in the household, such as an  individual receiving social security disability benefits, veterans disability benefits or Michigan Department of Health and Human Services child health care services.

Household income for the program must be 300% of the Federal Poverty Level – an individual earning up to $45,000 per year, or a two-person household earning up to $61,000.

Additionally, applicants must have a valid homeowner’s insurance policy and be current on or enrolled in a stipulated payment agreement. Also, the property targeted for repairs must meet minimum habitability standards, according to the city. 

To apply, visit the CHN Housing partners website, call the Detroit Housing Resource Hotline at (866) 313-2520, or walk into a Detroit Housing Network location. 

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joined Monday with residents who will participate and Council Members Mary Waters and Fred Durhal III, who sponsored the effort, and others to announce the opening of applications.

“The ARPA funds Detroit received ($826 million overall) are allowing us to impact the lives of many of our most vulnerable residents in ways we never would have been able to otherwise,” Duggan said.

In coordination with Waters, a portion of the total funding for the accessibility program will be set aside for seniors with disabilities. Funding will also be reserved for residents who are blind or living with low vision as well as individuals with cognitive and learning disabilities, the city noted.

“I always say that housing, like water and energy, is a human right,” Waters said. “Everyone deserves to be able to use their home to the fullest and to age in place, and this program allows exactly that.”

The Detroit Home Accessibility Program was created in partnership with Detroit Disability Power. The organization works to end disparities people with disabilities face in regard to housing, employment, education, transportation and healthcare.

Detroit has more than 129,000 disabled residents, according to Ani Grigorian, disability access consulting manager at Detroit Disability Power. 

“Members of this large, diverse and important constituency deserve the ability to fully engage in all that our city has to offer,” Grigorian said.