Detroit has faced a housing crisis for many years. Economic downturns, the foreclosure crisis, and a dwindling industrial base have contributed to housing instability for many residents. According to data from the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, Detroit has one of the highest eviction rates in the United States. In a city where approximately 35% of residents live below the poverty line, the threat of eviction looms large for many families.
In a progressive announcement, Mayor Mike Duggan has appointed Diamond Conley as the new Executive Director of the Office of Eviction Defense in Detroit. Replacing April Faith-Slaker, who laid the groundwork for the office in compliance with Detroit’s Right to Counsel ordinance, Conley brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to helping Detroiters facing housing instability. This change in leadership marks a significant step forward in the fight against eviction, with profound implications for the city’s Black community, which has been disproportionately affected by this issue.
Prior to her new role, Conley built a career advocating for others. Her experience as a staff attorney at Lakeshore Legal Aid, public defender, and advocate for those charged with felonies has provided her with invaluable insights into the challenges Detroiters face in navigating the complex world of landlord-tenant relations.
In taking the helm at the Office of Eviction Defense, Conley is determined to make a significant impact on housing stability, particularly within Detroit’s Black community. Her multifaceted approach, combining innovative solutions, expanded legal representation, community outreach, and collaboration with regulatory bodies, promises a brighter and more secure future for those facing eviction in the city.
Her appointment is more than just a changing of the guard; it’s a testament to her lifelong dedication to helping those in need. Conley’s career has been marked by a consistent commitment to giving back to her community in various capacities. She emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals who may lack resources or education, underscoring the need for strong advocacy on their behalf.
“Diamond Conley is the right person for this job. Her passion for advocacy will surely create an environment where more Detroiters are aware of and utilize the resources made available by this office,” said Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett, Jr. “We thank April Faith-Slaker for the work she has done to create the Office of Eviction Defense. Her expertise in data analytics helped set the City of Detroit up for success.”
For Conley, her new role as Executive Director is the culmination of a journey that has prepared her to champion the cause of housing stability in Detroit. With family and friends residing in the city, some of whom are also searching for safe and affordable housing, her connection to the community is deeply personal and profound.
The Role of Eviction Defense in Empowering the Black Community
The appointment of Diamond Conley and the continued growth of the Office of Eviction Defense have had a profound impact on Detroit’s Black community. Here’s how:
Increasing Awareness and Utilization: Conley’s passion for advocacy and her commitment to transparency will undoubtedly lead to increased awareness among Detroiters about the resources available through her office. Her efforts will help ensure that the Black community, which has often been disproportionately affected by evictions, knows about and uses the assistance provided.
Enhancing Legal Representation: Research shows that tenants are nearly 90% more successful in winning their cases when they have an attorney provided to them. By expanding the office’s presence at the 36th District Court, Conley aims to ensure that more Detroiters, particularly those in the Black community, have access to quality legal representation when facing eviction.
Addressing Landlord Education and Compliance: Conley’s proactive approach to collaborating with Detroit’s Department of Buildings, Safety, and Environmental Engineering can have a positive impact on the quality of housing in the city. This is especially important for the Black community, as they often face subpar housing conditions.
Community Engagement: Conley’s commitment to engaging with the community is a promising sign. By connecting with residents, particularly in neighborhoods with a higher concentration of Black residents, she can better understand their unique needs and concerns, ensuring that the Office of Eviction Defense is tailored to address these specific challenges.
The Office of Eviction Defense was established because of the Right to Counsel Ordinance, a significant legislative achievement passed in 2022. It provides critical legal counsel and representation to anyone earning up to twice the federal poverty level who is facing eviction. With generous funding from the city, the state, and the Gilbert Family Foundation, the office has the resources to make a substantial difference in the lives of Detroiters, particularly in the Black community.
Since the onset of the pandemic, over $300 million has been directed towards eviction prevention and defense, benefiting thousands of Detroit renters. This comprehensive approach, combined with dedicated leadership like Diamond Conley’s, is a beacon of hope for the city, particularly for its Black residents.
In Conley, Detroit has a dedicated leader who brings both professional expertise and a personal connection to the cause of eviction defense. Her appointment marks a positive step towards preserving the housing stability of Detroit’s Black community and ensuring that they have access to the resources and legal representation needed to secure their homes and their future.
Recognizing the significance of equitable access, Conley is working to develop a user-friendly app. This innovative solution will bridge the digital divide for Detroiters who primarily rely on their smartphones for internet access. The app’s purpose is to provide valuable information about the resources available through the Office of Eviction Defense. Additionally, it will equip users with essential guidance on what they need to prepare when they appear in court.
This initiative is particularly vital for underserved communities, including those in Detroit’s Black community, who may not have easy access to online resources. By providing information at their fingertips, Conley is ensuring that more residents have the tools to navigate their housing-related challenges effectively.
The importance of eviction defense in the city of Detroit cannot be overstated. It is not just about preventing individuals and families from losing their homes; it’s about preserving the stability of communities, maintaining economic security, safeguarding public health, promoting racial and economic equity, and reducing homelessness.
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