URGENT: PROGRAM TO HELP DETROITERS STAY IN THEIR HOMES ENDS FRIDAY, JULY 13TH

The City of Detroit reached a settlement with the ACLU that allows for people who live in homes facing tax foreclosure to stay in their homes.  As part of the settlement the City of Detroit will use the Right of First Refusal (ROR) to take homes off the tax foreclosure auction for owners or occupants whose income is below or near the federal poverty guideline.  These homes will be sold to the United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC), where they can be purchased for $1,000 by the owner or occupant. If the owner or occupant does not have $1,000 they may enter into a zero interest payment plan with UCHC.  The deadline for the program is July 13th, so people must act now to see if they qualify. Please call UCHC to see if you qualify at 313-963-3310 x339 or email register@uchcdetroit.org.  We need to spread the word and help anyone we can to stay in their homes.  If you know of someone in tax foreclosure please forward them this info.

ATTEND THE CVA ORGANIZING MEETING
THURSDAY, JULY 12TH, 6:30PM AT MACK ALIVE (3746 FISCHER)

This settlement proves what we have known all along – that the City has the power to do more to combat the housing crisis in Detroit.  It also makes clear that if we organize ourselves and fight that we can force the City to do right the right thing.  If we are going to win more, than means being more organized and fighting for more.

Since 2013, The City of Detroit has given over $410 million in tax abatements to developers (averaging $3.7 million per project).  Instead of giving this money to rich developers the City should be prioritizing their resources to help long-term, poor, and working-class residents stay in their homes.

This settlement is possible because of the work of progressive organizations in Detroit standing up to the City.  CVA’s organizing for equitable development and affordable housing should be seen as part of the organizing taking place all across the City that made this settlement possible.  It may be hard to feel it at times, but our actions really do have an impact! 

We need to keep the fight against racist displacement and resegregation moving forward.  This means putting more pressure on developers to enter into a community benefits agreement with the us, building a united movement in Detroit, and forcing the City to act in the interest of its residents, and not rich developers.  Please attend CVA’s Organizing Meeting Thursday, July 12 at 6:30pm at Mack Alive (3746 Fischer) and help us get organized so that we can win what our communities need and deserve.