New home repair program aims to replace 1,000 roofs for low-income Detroiters
“Officials urged Detroiters to also apply for a poverty tax exemption, which is a requirement to qualify for the roof repairs. The deadline to apply for a poverty tax exemption is Nov. 12. ‘We have to remember that we still have homeowners, besides the home repairs that they need, (who)are still struggling with the payment of their back taxes,’ said Willie Donwell, administrator for the property assessment board of review.
‘We think that home repair is a critical issue — one of the most critical issues facing Detroiters — as it relates to housing stability primarily, but then also the other things that can lead to, such as providing a foundation for economic opportunity for wealth building and obviously for seniors, the ability to age in place,’ said Patrick Cooney, assistant director for policy impact at U-M’s Poverty Solution initiative.”