DETROIT – Property taxes can be a heavy burden for families across Metro Detroit, and falling behind can put a home at risk of foreclosure.
That’s why nonprofits, including the Gilbert Family Foundation, Rocket Community Fund, and Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro), are working to help thousands of Detroit homeowners get caught up through several property tax relief programs.
Wayne Metro staff say the demand for help remains high.
“We’ve received thousands of requests for property tax assistance,” said Jasmine Carson, Executive Director at Wayne Metro. “But the need is there. And we’re happy to be able to provide those services for our community.”
One of the key resources is the Homeowners Property Tax Exemption (HOPE) Program, an income-based exemption that, in many cases, can eliminate a homeowner’s property tax burden.
For Brittany Jackson, a first-time homeowner, the program came after months of stress while trying to manage overdue taxes on her own.
“Hectic. Like chaos. And worry. Frustration,” Jackson said.
She said she tried multiple approaches to get back on track, but it wasn’t enough.
“Asking for payment arrangements. Constantly calling. Making small or partial payments. Applying for different programs,” Jackson said.
After being referred to Wayne Metro, Jackson applied for HOPE, and says the support changed everything.
“It was a huge relief,” Jackson said. “Like, being able to start fresh and know that you’ve got someone that’s got your back.”
Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund, said the issue is widespread and often systemic.
“150,000 families have struggled with property tax foreclosure in the last 15 years,” Grannemann said. “So, it’s not just you. You’re not alone.”
Grannemann said the organization supports a network of community nonprofits that do direct outreach and help residents complete the HOPE application in trusted, familiar settings.
“We work with a network of nonprofits all across the city, who do direct outreach,” she said. “They have resources in community centers to be able to meet people where they are at and help them fill out the Homeowners Property Tax Exemption application.”
She added that qualifying for the exemption can also open the door to back tax relief.
The Gilbert Family Foundation says it has helped wipe out property tax debt for at least 13,000 families to date.
The work comes amid a long-standing need: in 2014, 48% of properties in Detroit were delinquent on property taxes, according to the organizations involved.
How to apply
Wayne Metro says signing up for HOPE is simple and can be done online or in person.
- HOPE Program info (Wayne Metro): https://www.waynemetro.org/propertytax
- Gilbert Family Foundation / Rocket Community Fund / Detroit Tax Relief Program: https://gilbertfamilyfoundation.org/news-and-stories/gilbert-family-foundation-rocket-community-fund-announce-500-million-philanthropic-investment-in-detroit-will-pay-off-property-tax-debt-for-low-income-homeowners