Hey BridgeDetroit readers! 👋🏼
Moms and babies in Detroit may have the opportunity to take part in a program with an ambitious goal: eliminate deep infant poverty.
Rx Kids, an initiative that launched in Flint earlier this year, provides cash payments to moms and babies — up to $7,500 in total mid-pregnancy and the first year of the infant’s life. Now, thanks to $20 million in a recently approved state budget, it is expected to expand to cities across Michigan.
If Rx Kids is able to raise the needed philanthropic dollars, programs could go live in other cities as early as January.
For Detroit, the program will be looking at areas of greatest need, likely based on highest poverty rates by ZIP code, according to Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
About 49% of children under the age of five in Detroit live below poverty, according to 2022 Census estimates.
What could direct cash payments mean for the youngest Detroiters? We’ll be following the Rx Kids program closely and bring you updates.
ON YOUR RADAR
📖Taxpayer Resource Fair: Detroiters who have questions about property taxes and need help staying in their homes can attend a resource fair on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Spirit Plaza (2 Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit). Residents can learn about the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program and talk to representatives from the city’s office of the assessor and the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office. Summer property taxes are due Aug. 31.
⚖️AMNESTY PROGRAM: Until Aug. 2, Detroit’s 36th District Court is waiving late fees, penalties and warrant costs for cases where a judge has made a ruling. After paying the original amount, the outstanding fines will be wiped away. Learn more.
🔑RENTER TO HOMEOWNER: Detroit renters looking to become homeowners have another opportunity to make that happen. The City of Detroit announced the second round of its down payment assistance program providing up to $25,000 to help Detroiters purchase a home. As many as 300 more residents can apply for the next phase of the program. Learn more.
🏡KEEPING THE FAMILY HOME: Free estate planning and legal services are now available to help Detroiters keep their generational homes. The services are important because there are at least 5,500 intergenerational properties in Detroit — worth more than $268 million — with unclear ownership. Learn more.
🥗SUMMER FOOD BENEFITS: Eligible families can expect to get $120 per child in food assistance benefits through the summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program. Recipients are slated to get the extra boost ahead of July 19, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Learn more.
🛒BENEFITS FRAUD ALERT: Michiganders using food assistance have seen a sharp increase in stolen benefits. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services replaced more than $240,000 in benefits as of June, up 32% from the year before. Learn more.
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Thank you for reading! As always, you can reach me at nrahman@freepress.com.
Nushrat Rahman
Economic Mobility Reporter, BridgeDetroit and Detroit Free Press