DETROIT (WWJ) -- The City of Detroit is committing $9.2 million over the next three years to expand housing assistance for families living in Detroit shelters.
Officials say that's more than a 500% increase over previous spending on similar programs.
The initiative focuses on families with children, offering up to a year of rental assistance along with intensive case management.
At a news conference Wednesday, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said she believes that homelessness "should be rare, brief, and nonrecurring."
Through this initiative, the city estimates approximately 140 households each year will transition from shelters into permanent housing.
"I believe that the true measure of success is not simply on how many families we can serve in shelter, as we will continue to have capacity and bring on more beds. But it's also about how many families we can help leave shelter behind and move into safe, stable homes where they can rebuild their lives," Sheffield said.
The city expects the family housing program to assist roughly 1,500 people over the next three years.
Several dozen families who will benefit from this program have already been identified. Families currently staying in Detroit shelters should speak with their shelter provider or case manager to learn more about the assessment and referral process. [Learn more about the program]
