Beginning Feb. 1, families affected by cash benefit lifetime limits could qualify for a total of six months housing assistance through a Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) program.  

Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura D. Corrigan and a MSHDA Executive Director Gary Heidel announced that MSHDA would provide up to an additional three months rental or mortgage assistance, in addition to the existing three months currently being provided by DHS, for families affected by the cash assistance lifetime limits.

“As a housing provider for low-income families and our strong partnership with DHS, we intend to match their three-month rental or mortgage assistance offer with an additional three months for the same population,:” said Heidel. “We have stepped up to the plate with $1 million over the next two years to help these families have stable lives in their communities and neighborhoods while they are finding jobs and getting back on their feet.”

DHS is contacting families who are reaching their three month limit in rent assistance to facilitate an extension through MSHDA’s program.  Families who take advantage of this program must meet certain overall criteria, including a self-initiated job search and reporting through Michigan works during the first three months. In addition, for any extension of three months of MSHDA assistance, a verifiable job search will be required, including a minimum number of job applications.