No matter the race, religion, or family structure, every person shares a universal longing for a place to call home. Home is where love is celebrated, where gratitude meets safety, and where peace provides a foundation for life’s most cherished moments. Yet, for many, securing that sanctuary is anything but simple. It’s not just about money; it’s about access, resources, and navigating systems that too often fail to uplift those who need it most. Homeownership is an investment that requires intentionality, collective support, and a commitment to creating pathways for those who have been locked out for far too long.
The road to homeownership for many Detroit families has often been riddled with barriers, especially for those navigating the impact of systemic inequities. However, the Make It Home program, a collaboration between the Rocket Community Fund, the United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC), and the City of Detroit, has created a pathway to stability and generational wealth for residents at risk of displacement. Since its inception in 2017, this program has helped more than 1,600 families transition from uncertain renters to secure homeowners, with nearly 100 families joining that list this year.
Families in Detroit have long faced challenges when it comes to housing security. Many renters diligently pay their rent each month, only to discover their landlords have failed to pay property taxes, resulting in tax foreclosures. The Make It Home program steps in to address this injustice, offering these residents an opportunity to stay in their homes and, ultimately, own them. Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized the significance of this work, saying, “These are individuals and families who have been paying their rent every month, only to find out that they faced losing their home because their landlord wasn’t paying the taxes. Thanks to the generosity of the Rocket Community Fund and partnership with UCHC and the Wayne County Treasurer, we are able to give these families the peace of mind and security of going from a vulnerable renter to a homeowner.”
The Make It Home program is rooted in Detroit’s “right of refusal,” allowing the City to purchase properties before the annual tax foreclosure auction. Properties are acquired for the value of back taxes owed or twice the state equalized value when a Claim of Interest has been filed. Once purchased, these properties are transferred to UCHC, which sells them to residents through a 0% interest land contract. Residents make payments into an escrow account over approximately one year until they reach the purchase price. On average, families participating this year paid $6,500 to achieve homeownership. Once payments are complete, participants receive the deed to their home and gain access to repair grants, loans, and financial counseling provided by the program.
For many Detroiters, the program is not just a means of acquiring property—it is a lifeline. Anita Graves, one of this year’s participants, shared her journey. After losing her mother in December 2021, she found herself navigating the probate process while balancing full-time studies. Her mother’s west side home ultimately went into foreclosure in early 2024. In June, UCHC reached out to Graves about the Make It Home program. By February, she had purchased her mother’s home and reclaimed a piece of her family’s history. “I’m incredibly grateful for UCHC and the Make It Home program for helping me save my mother’s home,” Graves said. “It’s more than a place to live; it’s a piece of my family’s history. Moving back in feels like reclaiming something precious, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the support that made it possible.”
This sentiment reflects the program’s broader mission of transforming housing insecurity into stability and opportunity. Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund, explained, “Make It Home transforms a destructive system that leads to displacement and instability into one that builds generational wealth for Detroit families. We’re not just helping families stay in their homes, we’re empowering them with the resources to invest even more deeply into their communities and the long-term health of our community.”
The success of the Make It Home program goes beyond preventing displacement. By turning renters into homeowners, it allows residents to build equity and strengthens Detroit’s neighborhoods. Council President Mary Sheffield underscored the program’s impact, stating, “The Make It Home program is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and opportunity. By ensuring that Detroiters can stay in their homes and secure a pathway to homeownership, we are not only preserving neighborhoods, but we are also providing a foundation for families to build a brighter future.”
The journey to homeownership often begins with securing the deed, but for many, the challenges do not end there. Deferred maintenance from previous owners can leave new homeowners with critical repair needs. Recognizing this, the Rocket Community Fund launched the Make It Home repair program in 2019. Through grants and low-interest loans administered by UCHC, participants can address essential repairs focused on health and habitability. Since the repair program’s launch, 566 homes have benefitted from these resources. This year, the Rocket Community Fund committed an additional $300,000, bringing its total support for repair funding to $4 million.
Councilmember Mary Waters highlighted the importance of these efforts, saying, “Detroit is a city of opportunity, the birthplace of the American Dream – having a stable job with benefits and the ability to own your house to build wealth. Programs like Make It Home help us make this dream a reality, and I am so thankful that this program has helped us move 1,600 families from renting to homeownership in our community.”
The Make It Home program also addresses situations beyond delinquent landlords. Homes that enter tax foreclosure due to inadequate estate planning or other complications can also be saved, ensuring they remain within families and communities. UCHC, a Detroit nonprofit that has been providing housing assistance since 1973, plays a critical role in these efforts. In addition to administering Make It Home, the organization offers workshops on programs like the Homeowner Property Exemption (HOPE), Pay As You Stay (PAYS), and the Detroit Tax Relief Fund. These resources help families retain their homes and avoid foreclosure.
Ted Phillips, Executive Director of UCHC, reflected on the importance of collaboration in tackling Detroit’s housing challenges. “Make It Home is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing complex housing challenges. We’re grateful for the partnership with the Rocket Community Fund and the City of Detroit in creating a program that not only prevents displacement but also empowers Detroiters to build equity and achieve their dreams of homeownership when many thought that was impossible.”
Detroit’s housing landscape is often a reflection of broader inequities, but programs like Make It Home show what is possible when communities, organizations, and local government come together. The commitment of the Rocket Community Fund, with $700,000 in new funding for this year’s cohort and ongoing repair assistance, reinforces the potential for sustainable change. The transformation of renters into homeowners is about dignity, stability, and a future rooted in equity.
As Detroit continues to grapple with housing insecurity, Make It Home stands as a powerful example of how intentional programs can address systemic issues while uplifting residents. For families like Anita Graves’, this work represents more than just a solution—it offers a foundation for reclaiming history and building a legacy. Programs like this remind us of the strength found in collective action and the importance of creating pathways to stability and opportunity for every Detroiter.
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