The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced two grants as part of its new Housing Access for Justice-Involved Individuals pilot program, according to a community announcement.
The program focuses on low-income residents who face barriers to housing due to past involvement with the criminal legal system. It also includes financial incentives and education for landlords who agree to rent to these individuals in two Michigan communities.
Grants awarded to Washtenaw and Battle Creek organizations
LEO awarded $279,183 to the Ann Arbor Housing Development Corporation, which will expand support through the Washtenaw Housing Alliance’s Rising Hope for Housing program. The funding will help provide placement services, landlord incentives, and follow-up support for justice-involved residents in Washtenaw County.
A second grant of $390,817 went to Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek, which will support housing access in Calhoun and St. Joseph counties, especially among rural landlords. The funds are intended to provide one-time bonuses, rental assistance, and education for both landlords and tenants, according to the announcement.
Pilot supported by state and private funds
LEO is funding the pilot with $470,000 in state funds and $200,000 from the Michigan Justice Fund, a collaborative of 17 Michigan-based and national funders. The additional support allowed LEO to expand the program from one region to two and to hire an evaluator to measure the impact…