2000 Best Practice Awards

2000-60 Technical Assistance Series
Pontiac, Michigan
Karry L. Reith (248) 858-0493

To foster and ensure a successful CDBG partnership with 50 local municipalities, Oakland County has implemented a comprehensive technical assistance, training, and monitoring program comprised of the following components:

1. Individualized CDBG orientation meetings tailored for new local officials, local CDBG staff, commissioners, etc. These meetings are designed to provide a basic working knowledge of CDBG programs for a specific community to address the ongoing transition of local community staff and officials.
   
2. Ongoing focused monitoring interviews/reviews with local CDBG officials/staff designed to assess performance and compliance and provide technical assistance in the field, office, or via telephone.
   
3. Technical Assistance Series of ongoing topic-dedicated workshops, offered to the 50 municipalities participating in the CDBG program as well as other partners such as Public Service Agencies and CHDOS, provides detailed training on Eligible projects, the Annual Application, Overview for Elected Officials, Procurement, Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Direct Benefit Activity Demographics Reporting, Activity Promotion, Fair Housing, Public Service Agency Activities, lead-based paint requirements, and Environmental Review Requirements. Oakland County strategically schedules these sessions to coincide with the annual grant application, the release of grant funding and subsequent activity implementation to assure effective grant management throughout the CDBG process.

2000-2532 Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit
Detroit, Michigan
Clifford C. Schrupp (313) 963-1274

The Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit (FHC), a non-profit, tax-exempt, citizen based organization was established in April 1977 for the purpose of addressing fair housing issues in the greater Detroit metropolitan area. FHC seeks to ensure equal access to housing without discrimination dased on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, familiar, marital or handicap status. The FHC serves and the lead Fair Housing Center in the State of Michigan and as the lead, it trains and instructs the other five Fair Housing Centers. Applications for FHIP funding are process by the Detroit FHC because this limits the expenditure of financial resources and staff.

2000-176 Washtenaw HomeBuyers Program Partnership

All Inclusive Homebuyers/owners program

2000-692 Lakeside Village Saginaw

Lakeside Village is a HUD insured 100% section 8 property located in Saginaw MI. The project was insured under section 221(d)4 of the National Housing Act. The project has 200 units which include an elderly building and townhouses.

2000-1690 Detroit Metro Home Buyers Fair
Detroit, Michigan
Amelia Grzanka (313) 226-6280

Over 40 exhibitors, including 17 lenders and 9 non-profit agencies, participated in this event. Workshops presented , in both English and Spanish, were: ABC’s of Buying A Home, Down Payment Assistance Programs, and Knowing and Understanding Your Credit. Attendees were able to find out how to buy their first home, learn about low down payment home loans and special programs, talk to lenders, counselors and real estate professionals about qualifying, and get free credit reports. Detroit Program Support staff and Community Builders worked as a team in providing thousands of people with useful information regarding the home buying process, FHA loans, 203K, and buying a HUD house.

2000-1729 The City of Port Huron Affordable Housing Program
Port Huron, Michigan
Kimberly A. Harmer (810) 984-9736

Category: Homeownership/Community Development/Planning & Design Program Description The City of Port Huron in collaboration with the Port Huron Neighborhood Affordable Housing Program is a significant example of a planning strategy that used public/private partnerships to continue to revitalize the area once known as the rough side (south side) of town, and the north side, through the development of new housing in new subdivisions for low- and moderate-income families and first-time home buyers. The vision was to improve infrastructure and housing opportunities while reducing crime, slum, and blight. The plan centered around utilizing CDBG Funds for infrastructure improvement and HOME funds for housing reconstruction and development for this area. The City, many business organizations, lenders, developers and other government agencies such as Port Huron Public Housing and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) have worked together to collaborate on this project from the start. The city also listened to the concerns of residents, many wanting to own a home for the first time, by having a South Side Summit; and have designed programs addressing those needs. The Affordable Housing (Homebuyer) Program has assisted many low-income families to become part of a better and stronger neighborhood by providing counseling, credit reestablishment, loan acquisition, and home purchases. The strategy was to develop a program to spur mixed-income residential development, so that it would act as a catalyst to economic development throughout the area. The program consisted of a packaging financial incentives used to encourage residential construction in and around the City. Incentives available included creative financing and assistance, public-improvement districts, tax abatements, infrastructure participation, fee rebates and construction. Funding Port Huron receives funding from two HUD formula grants in the following amounts: CDBG $1,122,000 HOME $437,000 Award-Winning Achievements Port Huron’s approach to the affordable housing shortage has been outstanding. It is providing efficient housing for the low- and moderate-income families and individuals through its staff, sub-recipients and private enterprise, and CDBG, HOME, and private funding. There has been an increased neighborhood interest in the rewards gained through the affordable-housing programs. Contacts Kimberly A. Harmer, Director of Planning and Community Development City of Port Huron 100 McMorran Boulevard Port Huron, MI 48060 Telephone: (810) 984-9736 Fax: (810) 982-7872 e-mail: HUD Field Office Rep Name: CBs: Ken Barnard, Gerald Henry, PTO: Betty Holland Field Office: Michigan State Office Phone: (313) 226-7900 Fax: (313) 226-5611 e-mail: gerald_e._henry@hud.gov

2000-1879 Wayne Homeless Network Project
Ecorse, Michigan
Jennifer D. Lepard (313) 843-2550

The Wayne Homeless Network Project was the first successfully HUD-funded project in Out Wayne County through the continuum of care. The project joins six partner agencies representing different populations and service expertise in a mini-continuum project that encompasses outreach, case management, transportation, transitional housing, and permanent housing. The project is also linked to prevention and emergency shelter to move clients to services they require regardless of the funding source supporting the activity and has been used as the basis for the development of additional projects including Shelter +Care, ACT teams, and employment and training services. The project serves the 41 communities in Wayne County, Michigan outside the City of Detroit.

2000-254 Collingwood/Kirwkwood

The multifamily property owner failed to maintain the apartment complex in a decent, safe and sanitary condition. As a result of this non compliance, enforcement action was taken against the owner. The Section 8 contract was abated and tenants were relocated. The 41 families residing in this substandard apartment complex were given vouchers and relocation assistance to find suitable housing for them.

2000-2284 Computer Learning Center at Restoration Towers and outreach Community Technology Center
Commerce Twp., Michigan
Margaret Davey (248) 685-2421

The Computer Learning Center (hereafter called the CLC) is located in a secure and refurbished training room at Restoration Towers with 10 state of the art Gateway computers with Intel Pentium processors and a 17" monitor. Each system is connected to the server for software distribution and print services. The software includes Microsoft Windows and Office 2000 products, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, Printmaster, Create a Card, Internet Explorer, virus protection and a variety of additional software to meet individual interests. Classes are offered to residents and neighborhood seniors twice a day, five days a week with Saturday optional classes. An outreach of this center is the Community Technology Center (hereafter called the CTC) located at the Detroit International Stake Housing Corporation classroom on the same campus as Restoration Towers. It is equipped with 12 Gateway computers configured like those at Restoration Towers. Classes are offered afternoons twice a week and Saturdays for youth; evening classes are offered for adults. Recently the CLC and CTC have developed a joint welfare to work program. A partnership with local businesses has been formed to provide food service training and jobs for 10 neighborhood residents and we are currently working with other potential business partners to provide computer clerical training and jobs for another 10 neighborhood residents. In addition, these centers are being replicated at two other locations: one in Clinton Township, Michigan and another in Highland Park, Michigan.

2000-3081 Riverside Apartments
Detroit, Michigan
Michael Polsinelli (313) 226-7955

Uncooperative owner had allowed property to fall in disrepair. HUD's only interest was the HAP contract (no mortgage). HUD inspected premises, noted deficiencies, and offered owner sufficient time to correct deficiencies. Owner did not cooperate and residents continued to live in poor conditions. HUD OGC/MF staff recommended and abated the HAP contract after no correction by owner. Creative part was that HAP contract funds were directed for use in relocating project's residents. Detroit Housing Commission played role to assist relocation and did so successfully finding housing for residents. HUD staff subsequently were able to terminate HAP contract for Riverside Apartments. Eliminated slum building in the community. Relocated residents to safe affordable housing.

2000-2584 Affordable Housing Plan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Eileen F. Ryan (734) 994-2912

Recognizing the acute shortage of affordable housing in Ann Arbor and acknowledging the importance of a diverse and affordable housing supply, the City of Ann Arbor created an Affordable Housing Task Force in order to gather public input and develop options to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing in the community.

2000-2669 Transitional Housing Program - Liz's House
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Kimberly A. Arne (616) 454 9390

At Liz's House,a transitional housing program,women with children under the age of 4 years can receive the financial and emotional support they need to secure and maintain independent housing. Any woman in an unstable living situation who desires to make the changes necessary for a safe future can find a place to stay through Dwelling Place.

2000-2822 A food Service Program initiated at Restoration Towers and expanded to multiple sites.
Commerce Twp., Michigan
Margaret Davey (248) 685-2421

Restoration Towers, a low income senior high rise apartment building in Detroit, Michigan is sponsored by The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints through its Detroit International Stake Adult Housing Corporation. Under the direction of Paragon Management, Inc. a Food Service Program for the residents of Restoration Towers began in 1983. This award winning food service program has expanded to provide 530,497 meals in 1999. Restoration Towers initially served food week days to its residents and some neighborhood residents who pay a nominal fee. As the staff became more efficient, food services extended to 10 HUD senior apartment buildings without adequate kitchen facilities. Last year 69,574 total meals were served at Restoration Towers and its satellites. In addition, Restoration Towers also prepares hot and cold meals week days and frozen weekend meals to people with AIDS (PWA) totaling 29,045 last year. The Detroit International Stake Adult housing Corporation has a small mission church in Livingston County and heard of their need for congregate and home delivered meals for seniors. A partnership was formed between the Livingston County Jail, the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program and the Detroit International Stake Adult Housing Corporation to prepare meals for the jail and to deliver meals from the jail to six senior centers in cities throughout Livingston County. Meals have since been extended to include Washtenaw County seniors as well. 184,408 meals were prepared for the jail in 1999, 123,132 for the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program, and 70,200 for the Washtenaw County Senior Nutrition Program. In addition, 6,078 meals were provided for special senior events during the last year and 6,277 charter school meals were prepared for low income high school and middle school children. The food delivered to these charter schools began a new outreach program in November of 1999.

2000-2850/2820 Melvindale and Livonia Housing Commission
Livonia, Michigan
Sandra L. Law (313) 381-0012 and Inglis James (248) 477-7086

After a tragedy at a public housing elderly building which resulted in three deaths, the Melvindale Housing Commission teamed with the Livonia Housing Commission and provided ongoing management staffing and services for the Lincoln Park Housing Commission. This service was rendered for two weeks

2000-2910 Invisible Safety Net Emergency Response Plan
Detroit, Michigan
Fredrick E. Washington (313) 226-6280

Project, a collaborative effort between HUD Local offices and State Department of Mental Health/Michigan State Housing Development Authority and local Public Housing Agencies, will provide needed sensitivity training/awareness for on-site resident managers and landlords who provide housing throughout state. Training will identify method to handle potentially violent, explosive situations that occur when residents, who may have mental health issues, miss medications, or cause disruptions at sites. The Emergency Response Plan will identify the necessary supports available to address situations and help managers to handle crisis situations, short of eviction. The theme is determining: Who is responsible when mental ill tenants stop taking their medications and began to disturb their neighbors? Identifying any preventative measures that can be taken before a person mentally decompensates? Addressing senior citizens who feel trapped, not knowing who to contact other than the landlord when their neighbors are in crisis ? Are landlords required to act as social workers? Housing Authorities around the Nation are faced with these questions as Mental Health facilities close in response to Managed Care reorganization. The Mentally ill population is among the fastest growing segment of the homeless due in part to these unanswered concerns and misperceptions. Recent events covered by the Media have depicted mental health consumers as potential time bombs, if left unattended. This project will address the concerns and identify the Invisible Safety Net and Supports already in place throughout the Nation. A State ,County, City and Federal training team has developed a training course to answer and address these concerns in an Emergency Response Plan.

2000-3077 Cathedral Terrace
Detroit, Michigan
Michael Polsinelli (313) 226-7955

This Best practice deals with a Section 202 Elderly Bldg. that was in dire financial condition. It was one of few 202 developments in state to face foreclosure and tax sale due to mismanagement. The development had lost state property tax exemption and owed thousands of dollars in property taxes to City of Detroit & Wayne County.

The building was scheduled for tax sale in May 2000. HUD staff, working to avoid tax sale consequences, contacted the City of Detroit treasurer's office and successfully obtained a stay from placing building in tax sale. HUD paid the outstanding tax and commenced foreclosure proceedings. HUD staff are currently working on the conditions of sale that will make the property attractive to a non-profit entity interested in preserving affordable, elderly housing at the site.

The project provides affordable housing for elderly residents in an underserved neighborhood. Any improvements to project, once sold to eligible party, will preserve affordable housing stock. The stay of tax sale prevented relocation of elderly residents and the loss of affordable housing.

2000-2057 Detroit NAACP and WWJ Newsradio 950 Housing Fair/Semina
Detroit, Michigan
Rose Baugh (313) 226-6866

April 29, 2000, Home Ownership Day In Detroit. This one-day free workshop/housing fair/seminar was aimed at raising awareness and helping ALL Detroiters learn more about Home Purchasing, Remodeling, and Investing in residential real estate in the City of Detroit.

2000-3217 Carver Street Revitalization
Westland, Michigan
Gilbert James (734) 595-0288

The Carver Subdivision Revitalization Program was started in summer of 1995 by the City of Westland, Michigan for redevelopment of a distressed neighborhood in the southeast quadrant of the City. The City, in conjunction with their CHDO, People’s Community Hope for Homes, identified neighborhood needs and developed a Neighborhood Partnership Plan (NPP) to revitalize the neighborhood. The NPP is now being implemented and new housing along with the rehabilitated housing stock is improving the neighborhood.

Content Archived: April 20, 2011