DETROIT (June 5, 2013) – In an effort to assist local community organizations more effectively help their low income clients find and keep healthy, safe and affordable homes, CLEARCorps Detroit is conducting a forum on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church in which crucial information will be shared that will greatly assist their efforts. Over 50 Detroit-based churches, housing corporations, Head Start programs, and environmental groups will be in attendance.
“We find that many families are prevented from applying for vital programs that would assist their efforts to obtain, maintain, and retain a home due to the many barriers that disqualify them such as unpaid property taxes, utility shut-offs and scam housing deals,” said Mary Sue Schottenfels, Executive Director for CLEARCorps Detroit. “Community organizations run into these barriers all of the time when working with local residents. This forum will provide them with information on programs they can use to help families address these barriers and avoid being scammed. Available resources are often totally unknown to the families that need them the most.”
The resources that will be shared with forum attendees include information, education and programs on avoiding scams, dealing with property tax problems, preventing foreclosures, obtaining utility assistance and free home repairs, purchasing as-is properties and land contracts, and how to get in touch with HUD approved counseling agencies.
In addition to meeting with CLEARCorps officials during the 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. invitation-only forum, attendees will also receive resource materials that include program descriptions, deadlines and eligibility requirements. A “Breaking the Cycle” Resource Binder, containing a myriad of resources, will be presented to each attendee. Community organizations and direct service providers can learn more by calling CLEARCorps Detroit at (313) 924-4000 or visiting clearcorpsdetroit.org.
CLEARCorps is conducting the “Breaking The Cycle” Forum through a generous grant from The Kresge Foundation and in partnership with the Warm Training Center, Michigan Legal Services, Osborn Neighborhood Alliance, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Central Detroit Christian CDC, RSM Environmental and Lead Inspections, Stafford House and Kid’s-In Zion.
About CLEARCorps Detroit … Founded in 1999, CLEARCorps Detroit, a member of the nonprofit Southeastern Michigan Health Association, works to prevent lead poisoning and create healthy homes for children and families through programs, education and outreach, and policy work. The organization currently has four main programs. Healthy Homes Detroit addresses asthma, lead and home safety issues through providing health and safety products, education and home repairs. The Lead Safe Homes Program abates lead hazards from homes in Detroit. LESS Lead targets families whose children have lower, but still unacceptable, lead levels. The Education and Outreach program works with health fairs, Head Starts, and schools to bring information and resources about lead poisoning to both parents and children.
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