MICHIGAN: Michigan Rocket Community Fund: Make It Home Program

Michigan Rocket Community Fund: Make It Home Program

Detroit, MI

Make It Home assists eligible residents of Detroit, Michigan who occupy tax-foreclosed houses to become homeowners instead of risking eviction. The program leverages the City of Detroit’s “right of refusal,” allowing the City to purchase properties before the tax foreclosure auction for the value of the back taxes owed. These properties are then sold to the United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) using philanthropic funding from the Rocket Community Fund. UCHC then sells them to the residents through a 0% interest land contract with a payment plan. Residents pay an average of less than $10,000 to become a homeowner through this program.

When the resident finishes paying off the sale price, they receive the deed to their home, free and clear. Throughout the program, residents also have access to home repair grants and loans, as well as financial counseling.