Important housing nonprofit loses HUD funding, launches emergency crowdfunding campaign

The United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC), an organization we’ve covered several times in the past, does essential work for those facing housing insecurity. It’s been especially important in the fight against tax foreclosure, offering assistance, both financial and technical, and conducting outreach to residents whose home may be in danger of foreclosure. 

But UCHC received some devastating news this week: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will cut $1.1 million from its budget. According to a Detroit Free Press article, that amounts to 40 percent of its overall budget and 90 percent of its housing placement capital, which went towards finding housing for the homeless and those living in shelters. 

“In a city with a 40 percent poverty rate, unreliable public transportation, a tangled education system and a limited supply of truly low-income housing options, UCHC’s placement program had been a life raft,” writes Allie Gross. She adds that “the program helped more than 1,000 Detroiters last year.” 

To combat this budget loss, UCHC launched an emergency Patronicity campaign, hoping to raise $60,000 by April 30. According to the campaign, the funds will go towards “critical services” that prevent families from being evicted.