Home Ownership Program FAQ
Q: Why is DHC selling properties now?
A: This strategic decision allows us to focus resources on properties with the greatest impact, generate revenue for reinvestment, and create homeownership opportunities for residents.
Q: How many properties are being sold?
A: [197] Scattered Sites properties will be sold. DHC will continue managing [0] scattered sites properties after this transition.
Q: What happens if residents don't want to purchase?
A: All residents who elect not to pursue homeownership will be will offered two (2) alternative housing options: 1. To receive a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), which may be utilized within the City of Detroit and surrounding five (5) counties 2. An internal transfer to an alternate DHC property that is property sized for your family.
Q: How long will this process take?
A: The complete transition is expected to take [10-12 months], with individual timelines varying based on resident decisions and processing requirements.
Q: Who makes final decisions about resident options?
A: DHC works with residents to identify the best option for their situation, but residents make the final choice about what works for their family.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: At this stage, DHC is committed to following all required HUD processes by first facilitating the successful transition of every family impacted by Scattered Sites Disposition into the ownership of their existing unit or relocation through Section 8 vouchers and Internal relocation.
Q: Will others be eligible to buy a Scattered sites home in the future?
A: Yes, Once all Scattered Sites residents have been successfully transitioned, DHC will follow all HUD Section 18 guidance for Homeownership Programs and provide accessibility to Scattered Sites homeownership to any local qualified family with an income at or below 80% AMI including Low-Income Housing Tenants, Section 8 Voucher Holders, DHC Employees, and Members of the General Public.
Q: Why can’t neighbors buy?
A: Neighbors may have an opportunity to buy houses in the future. However, first we wanted to make houses available to the people currently living in them and support our residents’ becoming homeowners.
Q: When will neighbors be able to buy?
A: DHC is working with the Detroit Land Bank to market the properties after DHC residents have been successfully transitioned. The Land Bank will use their traditional methods of advertising houses being available for the properties they received from the Housing Commission. Neighbors receive postcards calls and other notices in advance of land bank sales so if you were a neighbor, you should have good information about when the house you're interested in is available.
Q: Where is the money for this program coming from?
A:The resources come from the DHC and from philanthropic investors.
Q: What support is available for residents interested in purchasing a home?
A: All eligible buyers will have access to down-payment assistance programs, access to capital improvement dollars, housing counseling services and connections with approved lenders.
Q: Will DHC remain involved after properties are sold?
A: For homeowners, DHC may provide ongoing support through housing counseling partnerships. For rental assistance recipients, DHC maintains relationships if renters remain in DHC properties. DHC will no longer own or maintain homes that are sold to an eligible buyer.
Q: What if residents don't qualify for rental assistance?
A: DHC will work with all residents to ensure that they understand their rights and obligations as mandated under the HUD Section 18 Disposition Program and will ensure all residents are provided with housing.
Q: What if a resident refuses to engage with any option?
A: Staff should document attempts at communication, involve housing counselors and escalate cases to supervisors. Ultimately, the transition will proceed, but DHC will ensure appropriate housing resources are available.
Q: How should staff handle resistance or upset residents?
A: Listen to concerns, provide clear information, connect them with housing counselors for detailed discussions and escalate cases to supervisors when necessary. Remember that change is challenging, and patience is essential.
Q: What training will staff receive?
A: All staff will receive comprehensive training on the transition process, communication protocols, available resources and procedures for connecting residents with support services.
Q: What paperwork is required for each option?
A: Residents will be connected with DHC Staff and a Profesisonal Relocation Partner who will help guide each family through the housing option they elect including identifying all required documentation as applicable.
Q: How do we track resident decisions and deadlines?
A: DHC has created a shared Smartsheet which tracks the status of all Scattered Sites families. Housing-toHome Relocation Specialists will help DHC input data and track the process. Additionally, a project schedule and communication plan have been made available to all staff.
Q: What if residents have questions we can't answer?
A: Don't guess or provide information you're not certain about. Refer to the following DHC team members for additional guidance.
- Bethany Howard (Resident Services)
- EMAIL: HowardB@dhcmi.org
- CELL: 313 - 205 - 6153
- DaJanae Matthews (Real Estate Development)
- EMAIL: MatthewsDa@dhcmi.org
Q: What are the key deadlines residents need to meet?
A:Scattered Sites Residents must meet the following submission deadlines:
- Scattered Sites Resident Housing Option Survey: October 31, 2025
- Scattered Sites Homeownership Program Intake Form: January 2, 2026.
Q: How will new property owners be selected?
A:The selection of a buyer is dictated by the applicant’s ability to meet all qualifications of the SSHOP program and submission of a formal Purchase Agreement and Pre-Approval Letter to DHC.
Primary Supervisor Contact:
Bethany J. Howard
MCD Project Manager - Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) & Home Ownership Resident Services Department
Detroit Housing Commission
1301 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, MI 48207
Work Cell: (313) 205-6153
Housing Counseling Services:
Kita Montgomery
Homeownership Program Manager RSD
Detroit Housing Commission
1301 East Jefferson Detroit, MI 48207
Cell: (313) 671-0398
Section 8 Coordination:
Felicia Burris
Director| Rental Assistance Department
Detroit Housing Commission
2211 Orleans Detroit, MI 48207
Phone (313) 877-8660
Fax (313) 392-9254
burrisf@dhcmi.org
Legal/Policy Questions:
Kirsten J. Silwanowicz
Detroit Housing Commission
1301 East Jefferson Detroit, MI 48207
Chief General Counsel
Emergency/After Hours:
Ernest Collier
Detroit Housing Commission
Eviction & Property Specialist
Cell: (313)-877-8849
colliere@dhcmi.org
This FAQ should be updated regularly as new questions arise, and procedures are refined. All staff should receive updated versions and additional training as needed.
DHC will provide a reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a disability by providing modifications, alterations or adaptation in policy, procedures, or practices. Please advise us if you require a reasonable accommodation.