The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) aims to provide emergency relief to renters and landlords at a faster pace with their online application tool for COVID Emergency Rental Assistance, which launched Friday.
The program, also known as CERA, was part of the legislation Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed in March, allocating $282 million in federal rent aid approved by the state Legislature.
The web portal is expected to speed turnaround times for those seeking rental relief from the MSHDA s available funds, helping tenants avoid eviction and landlords recoup owed rent, according to a news release. Another $340 million also is expected to be appropriated by the state Legislature.
Whitmer
April 2021: Fair Housing Month
WHEREAS, it is Michigan law to provide fair housing opportunities throughout Michigan regardless of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, and familial status; and,
WHEREAS, April 11, 2021, marks the 53
rd anniversary of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Law Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, which creates a national policy for fair housing; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights enforces state and federal fair housing laws, and Michigan residents who face housing discrimination have the right to file a complaint with the Department; and,
New program to help with rent, utilities for those struggling in the pandemic
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METRO DETROIT The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 changed everything for everyone, but shutdowns have affected some residents more than others.
Michael Centi, department director for integration programs and services with Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, explained that the pandemic caused a huge disruption in some renters’ ability to keep paying their bills.
“It, like, swept a rug out from people. Income was just gone at that point,” he said. “You just see it they were current up until March, and then haven’t been able to pay rent since then or it’s very sporadic. It’s a vicious cycle. You get behind and then you can’t catch up.”
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