Hey BridgeDetroit readers! 👋
Housing took center stage last week as the mayoral candidates shared their vision — and plans — to tackle an issue Detroiters say is top of mind.
Six mayoral hopefuls answered questions about how to build housing Detroiters can afford, attract funding for services and strengthen the city’s homelessness response system at a forum last week organized by local social service agencies.
Why does this matter?
- Homelessness increased 16% from 2023 to 2024.
- To fully meet the needs of people estimated to experience homelessness in Detroit in a year, the city’s homelessness response system needs to add at least 275 emergency shelter beds and 870 units of permanent supportive housing.
- Earlier this year, the city’s homeless response system was under scrutiny after two children died while living unhoused in a van and city officials revealed that their mother had contacted city and county services several times prior to the siblings’ death.
Participants of the forum included Mary Sheffield, Saunteel Jenkins, Fred Durhal III, DaNetta Simpson, Jonathan Barlow and write-in candidate Rogelio Landin. Read the top takeaways.
ON YOUR RADAR
FREE SEWER REPAIR: Income-eligible Detroiters living in 97 neighborhoods, including Islandview and Corktown, hit by June 2021 flooding may be eligible for free sewer repair services. For more information, go to detroitmi.gov/psrp. Call 866-313-2520, the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine, to start an application or email PSRP@detroitmi.gov for an in-person appointment.
RUNNING ROUTES: Do you want to start running? You’re in luck. Metro Detroit is home to lots of parks, trails and neighborhoods to choose from. Here’s our go-to guide, plus advice from local running experts. LEARN MORE.
MEET YOUR CANDIDATES: BridgeDetroit is hosting events throughout the summer so you can meet candidates running for Detroit mayor, City Council and Board of Police Commissioners. ATTEND THE NEXT EVENT TONIGHT and READ OUR RECAPS.