Detroit to use $6.6M ARPA funding toward home upgrades for residents with disabilities

Detroit residents with disabilities have the opportunity to take advantage of home modifications at no cost, thanks to federal funding.

The city, CHN Housing Partners and Detroit Housing Network are offering various home upgrades to ease accessibility among residents with disabilities using $6.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding. Improvements include the installation of ramps, lifts and grab bars; improvements to doors, thresholds and lighting, and "specialized" modifications such as adjustments for mobility devices, vision impairments and more, according to the city.

Mayor Mike Duggan said as his administration debated how to spend ARPA money to enact change that "could last for a generation," he was approached by Councilmembers Mary Waters and Fred Durhal III to prioritize residents with disabilities.

"Councilmember Mary Waters said ... 'What about the folks with disabilities? Folks that have trouble getting into their house in the first place?' Councilmember Fred Durhal, head of the disability task force, he came to us with the same plan and he says ... 'We need to take care of our residents, sometimes, who think they've been forgotten,' " Duggan said at a Monday announcement.

Dubbed the "Detroit Home Accessibility Program," at least 250 homes will receive upgrades, depending on individual needs, in which a portion of funding will be set aside for seniors with disabilities.

“I always say that housing, like water and energy, is a human right,” said Waters. “Far too often, we forget about those who face challenges with the activities of daily living, and our seniors. Everyone deserves to be able to use their home to the fullest and to age in place, and this program allows exactly that.”

Additional funding has been set aside for residents who are blind or living with low vision, as well as any with cognitive and learning disabilities.

“Every Detroiter deserves to live in a home that meets their needs and ensures their safety, regardless of their physical abilities,” Durhal said. “The Detroit Home Accessibility Program is a commitment to equity and dignity for our disabled community members.”

Eligibility

• Diagnosis of a disability: There must be a full-time resident with disabilities living in the household, which, for the program, is defined as an individual receiving Social Security disability benefits, veterans disability benefits or state child health care services.
• Income: Household income must be below 300% of the federal poverty level, which means an individual earning up to $45,000 or a two-person household earning up to $61,000 would be eligible.
• Property insurance: A valid homeowners insurance policy of a minimum of $35,000 is required.
• Property taxes: Must be current or on a stipulated payment agreement.
• Property condition: Properties must meet minimum habitability standards.

Where to apply

Residents can begin applying online on the Detroit Home Accessibility Program website or by calling 866-313-2520, or going to a Detroit Housing Network location.

The program was crafted with Detroit Disability Power in an effort to "end the disparities people with disabilities face regarding housing, employment, education, transportation and health care."

“Detroit has more than 129,000 disabled residents. Members of this large, diverse and important constituency deserve the ability to fully engage in all that our city has to offer,” said Ani Grigorian, disability access consulting manager at Detroit Disability Power. “This program is an important step toward greater accessibility, and therefore increased well-being.”

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.