DETROIT – Detroit homeowners can learn about resources available for property tax help at several upcoming events happening across the city this spring and summer.
The Homeowners Property Tax Exemption (HOPE) Program is holding a series of free, in-person application events across Detroit starting next month.
The income-based program can reduce or even eliminate a homeowner’s property tax burden, and in some cases, help wipe out back tax debt, too.
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro), the Gilbert Family Foundation, and the Rocket Community Fund are among the nonprofits leading the effort.
“We’ve received thousands of requests for property tax assistance,” said Jasmine Carson, Executive Director at Wayne Metro. “The need is there. And we’re happy to be able to provide those services for our community.”
Upcoming HOPE events
The next event is happening next weekend. Here’s the full schedule:
- Saturday, May 9 | 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Islamic Center of Detroit, 14350 Tireman, Detroit
- Saturday, June 20 | 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Eastside Community Network, 4401 Conner, Detroit
- Saturday, July 18 | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Crowell Recreation Center, 16630 Lahser, Detroit
- Saturday, August 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit
- Saturday, September 19 | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere, Detroit
- Saturday, October 23 | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers, Detroit
‘You’re not alone’
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.”
The Gilbert Family Foundation says it has helped eliminate property tax debt for at least 13,000 families to date. The work addresses a long-standing crisis: in 2014, 48% of properties in Detroit were delinquent on property taxes, according to the organizations involved.
Grannemann said the in-person events are designed to meet residents where they are.
“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.”
One homeowner’s story
For Brittany Jackson, a first-time homeowner, the HOPE program came after months of stress trying to manage overdue taxes on her own.
“Hectic. Like chaos. And worry. Frustration,” Jackson said.
She tried payment arrangements, repeated calls, partial payments, and multiple programs — but nothing was enough on its own. After being referred to Wayne Metro, she applied for HOPE.
“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.”
How to apply
You don’t have to wait for an event. Wayne Metro says you can apply online or in person anytime.
- HOPE Program info (Wayne Metro): waynemetro.org/propertytax
- Gilbert Family Foundation / Rocket Community Fund / Detroit Tax Relief Program: gilbertfamilyfoundation.org