News Summary
In light of the tragic deaths of two children due to carbon monoxide poisoning while living in a van, Detroit mayoral candidates are focusing on housing and homelessness solutions. Candidates like Saunteel Jenkins and Rev. Solomon Kinloch are presenting proposals for affordable housing and crisis prevention strategies. The community is rallying for comprehensive solutions to address the city’s homelessness crisis, emphasizing the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses to individuals in dire situations.
Detroit Mayoral Candidates Focus on Housing Solutions After Tragic Deaths of Children
DETROIT – In the wake of the tragic deaths of two children, A’Millah Currie, age 2, and Darnell Currie, age 9, due to carbon monoxide poisoning in February while living in a van, housing and homelessness have emerged as pivotal issues in the upcoming Detroit mayoral primary election. The candidates have unified their message, stressing that the circumstances leading to such a tragedy should never have occurred in a city with available resources.
The candidates, including Saunteel Jenkins, Rev. Solomon Kinloch, Todd Perkins, and Mary Sheffield, have made it clear that preventive measures addressing homelessness should be prioritized. Kinloch has promised to construct 100,000 “truly affordable” housing units if elected. Jenkins advocates for increased utilization of housing bonds to create more affordable options, while Sheffield supports allocating more funds from the city’s housing trust fund for permanent supportive housing for individuals earning less than 30% of the area’s median income.
Perkins has expressed openness to declaring a state of emergency regarding homelessness, a move that could unlock additional funding. All candidates agree on the necessity of addressing the gaps in the city’s homelessness response system, which became painfully evident after the Currie children’s deaths.
Critical Issues and Candidates’ Proposals
The deaths of the Currie children have revealed several critical deficiencies in Detroit’s approach to homelessness, including a severe lack of family shelter spaces and limited hours for intake systems. Candidates argue against merely reacting when individuals reach their lowest state; instead, they emphasize the need for proactive outreach to prevent homelessness before it occurs.
Data shows that 76% of calls to Detroit’s shelter referral system come from individuals already in shelters, underscoring the need for effective prevention strategies. Kinloch has underscored that with the resources available in Detroit, there is no justification for such tragedies. In response, the city has enacted a seven-point plan designed to enhance homelessness resources, which involves increasing shelter beds and expanding outreach services to the community.
Recent assessments have identified a need for 295 additional emergency shelter beds and 870 permanent supportive housing units. In the past year, the number of homeless individuals in Detroit increased by 16%, exacerbating an already precarious situation.
Barriers to Accessing Housing
Experts in the field have identified significant barriers that hinder access to affordable housing, particularly income requirements and past evictions. The rising rental prices in Detroit bear a significant impact on this issue, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment reaching $1,314. These costs place substantial pressure on families struggling to secure stable housing.
In response to the growing crisis, Detroit City Council approved nearly $2.4 million in Community Development Block Grants aimed at agencies providing emergency shelters. The utilization of American Rescue Plan funds has also facilitated the establishment of additional outreach teams to assist homeless individuals.
Comprehensive Solutions Needed
The candidates are unanimous in their call for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to tackle homelessness in Detroit. They emphasize the pressing need for more domestic violence shelters, resources for veterans, and tailored assistance for children experiencing homelessness. The city’s strategy is also pivoting towards a “housing first” model, which seeks to provide permanent housing without preconditions, prioritizing stability before addressing additional challenges like mental health and employment.
Candidates propose enhancing current mechanisms such as the Coordinated Assessment Model to streamline assistance and reduce waiting times for those in need. They are also committed to collaborating with nonprofits and faith-based organizations to augment housing development and improve access to essential services.
The Detroit mayoral race has ignited a significant focus on prolonged challenges surrounding homelessness and the dire need for affordable housing solutions. As the election approaches, candidates demonstrate a shared commitment to implementing effective strategies aimed at improving housing availability and safeguarding vulnerable populations in the city.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Mayoral Candidates’ Plans for Homelessness
- Detroit Free Press: Mayoral Candidates Talk Housing
- The Conversation: Lack of Affordable Housing in Detroit
- Bridge Detroit: Candidates on Affordable Housing
- Model D Media: Ending Homelessness in Detroit
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Homelessness in Detroit
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: Detroit Housing Crisis
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
