Our homeless response system, which provides critical support to people experiencing homelessness in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, is facing a crisis. The 2024 Point-in-Time count showed a 16% increase in homelessness in Detroit, with a 35% rise in families experiencing homelessness. Chronic homelessness also surged by 26%, underscoring the need for expanded resources and policy interventions.
Our homeless response system, which provides critical support to people experiencing homelessness in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, is facing a crisis. The 2024 Point-in-Time count showed a 16% increase in homelessness in Detroit, with a 35% rise in families experiencing homelessness. Chronic homelessness also surged by 26%, underscoring the need for expanded resources and policy interventions.
Federal Policy Shifts & Program Impacts
The May 20 General Membership meeting covered the recent executive orders which have led to major changes, including the rollback of DEI initiatives, disruptions to HUD contracts, and proposed cuts to rental assistance by over 50%. Agencies are facing challenges with funding delays, HUD Field Office closures, and new restrictions on language and established practices.
To address these changes, attendees were asked about their interest in regular townhall meetings starting in June. These sessions would aim to provide CoC system updates, unpack policy, and explore solutions together. Several voiced support for biweekly or monthly meetings. More information will be coming soon.
Budget Outlook
The current fiscal year is operating under a continuing resolution, with no funding increases. As of now, Our CoC is currently operating budgets that were approved FY2024 . However, The proposed FY26 “skinny budget” could eliminate CoC funding, merge programs into ESG, and impose stricter eligibility and time limits - reshaping the homelessness response system. Also mentioned was non-housing parts of the budget that directly impact people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and more. This includes substantial cuts for SNAP, Medicaid and other social safety net programs.
Multiple ways were offered to get involved in funding and policy advocacy including: staying informed via trusted newsletters and advocacy listservs (NLIHC, NAEH, MCAH); contacting legislators—calls, emails, and personal stories make a difference. Joining events like MCAH’s Capitol Hill Day and local city council meetings. And supporting initiatives like the Michigan Homeless Bill of Rights and opposing rights-restricting legislation like the SAVE Act.
The Ambassador Program was created to serve the homeless population within the Detroit CoC shelters and housing programs. The main purpose of the ambassador program is to empower clients. This may be done through policy creation, education, resource connection, advocacy, and 1:1 client mediation. Exact program functions will be determined based upon emerging community needs and group interest and capacity.
We’re excited to share that the Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC) has been awarded $40 million in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) annual CoC Program Competition! This funding will support vital programs and services aimed at preventing and ending homelessness in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
A huge thank you to our partners and providers who work tirelessly to support our community. Read the full breakdown of how this funding will be allocated on our CoC Funding page.
Tasha Gray, Executive Director, HAND
In late December, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count data. The PIT count gives us a snapshot of homelessness throughout the nation on any given night. Homelessness is at an historic high, rising 18 percent since 2023. People experiencing homelessness for the first time, families, and new arrivals have contributed to the sharp increase in the past year. Detroit is not far removed from what is happening nationally. We witnessed a 16 percent increase from 2023 to 2024 PIT Count.
With COVID era funding and eviction protection expiring, we are seeing more people become homeless and even more quickly than before. Also, housing choice vouchers are not funded at the level of need. Another challenge of homelessness is better coordination is needed between other systems (corrections, foster care, etc.) and the homeless systems to lessen the inflow into the homeless system.
One bright spot for the nation and Detroit has been the decline in homelessness amongst veterans, dropping 8% nationally and 7% locally. The nation has invested in VASH, a program for veterans where housing choice vouchers and supportive services are offered. Likewise, SSVF (Supportive Services for Veterans Families) targets time-limited housing support and services for veterans and their families.
We need to double down on what is working and find solutions where gaps exist. Let us finish what we started with Veterans and apply the lessons learned to all populations. Moving forward together, we will END homelessness.
— Tasha Gray, Executive Director, HAND
October 25 the final FY2024 Detroit Continuum of Care Application and all project applications were submitted to HUD. The application and the Project Priority Listing have been publicly posted to HAND's website, and may be accessed here. This is the CoC application the CoC general membership voted to approve on October 15, 2024.
The 2025 Board applications are now open for submissions! The CoC Board is responsible for the governance and oversight of the Detroit CoC as well as carrying out specific responsibilities entrusted to the board by the Continuum at large (more information on the function of the board and the responsibilities and qualifications of board members can be found in the application linked below).
Board elections will occur CoC November 19 at the Detroit CoC General Membership meeting (register). Only General Membership may vote.
The direct application is here and additional information about the 2025 Board Elections is here. Nominations closed October 8th Below is the list of the available vacant seats, along with a timeline of key election dates.
Member-at-Large (2 seats open)
At-large seats are defined as stakeholders and partners otherwise not listed in other elected categories (service providers and/or currently or formerly homeless individuals. Some examples of eligible Members at Large include:
Faith-Based Organization, Homeless Advocacy or other appropriate advocacy agencies, Business Entities, Public Schools and/or Higher Education Institution, Department of Community Health, Healthcare for the Homeless and/or Hospital, Police Department, Workforce Development, Department of Corrections, Landlords, Philanthropy/foundation.
Community Advocate (1 seat open)
These seats are reserved for persons with lived experience of homelessness (PWLEH). Per our most recent update to the Governance Charter, these positions will be elected by the Detroit Advisors Group (a committee of PWLEH that provide oversight to the CoC).
Homeless Service Provider (3 seats open)
Services must be conducted in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck
September 17 - Applications released
October 8 - Nominations Due
October 25 - Direct Applications Due
November 4 - Applications posted for review on our website
November 19 - Board elections will occur
November 25 - Elected members notified
January 2025 - Board Orientation Series will begin
For regular updates on the election, subscribe to our newsletter.
The Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC), the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND), and the City of Detroit conducted a one-night Point-in-Time count of persons experiencing homelessness in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park on January 31, 2024.
