Housing Counseling & Homeless Services

Sen. Rosemary Bayer secured the $250,000 grant for the Blueprint to End Homelessness in 2019, but COVID-19 interrupted the completion of the plan until earlier this year. The plan is dedicated to eradicating homelessness in Oakland County through prevention, housing with wraparound services, reforming the system of care, and engaging the community.

The task force included Oakland County Neighborhood and Housing Development and Community Corrections, Alliance for Housing, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, HOPE, Community Housing Network, Lighthouse, Haven, Samaritas, Street Democracy, City of Ferndale, Centro Multicultural de la Familia and many others. Alliance for Housing was a valuable partner during the development process and as the lead non-profit agency dedicated to ending homelessness, coordinating housing, and funding to support Oakland County citizens experiencing homelessness it will be a lead partner during the implementation phase.

Emergency Housing Support

Oakland County's HUD certified housing counselors can provide referrals to various agencies for short-term help to prevent homelessness. The referral agencies can assist in quickly rehousing individuals through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program.

Financial assistance is available to help pay rent, utilities and moving expenses as well as security and utility deposits for qualified individuals assisted through the ESG program. Housing relocation and stabilization services include case management, outreach and engagement, and housing search and placement.

Support is given to area homeless shelter providers for operations, maintenance, and essential services. ESG funded emergency shelters in Oakland County served more than 1,000 homeless adults and children last year.

​Get help with

Preventing Mortgage or Property Tax Foreclosure:  Understand your options if you're having trouble paying your mortgage or property tax.  HUD certified housing counselors can assist with understanding your options, applying through your servicer for mortgage assistance, and referral and application assistance with other programs that can help bring your mortgage current.

Reverse Mortgages for those Aged 62 or Older:  Are you a good candidate for a reverse mortgage?  Housing Counselors can explain the program to you so you can make an informed decision on whether it is the right product for your household.  They can also provide the necessary certificate to be able to apply for a reverse mortgage.

Home Buying Process:  Learn everything involved in buying a home, no matter where you are in the process.  MSHDA, FHA, and other lender certification can be provided

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities:  Find out about security deposits, leases, maintenance, and affordability.

Credit and Budget Issues:  Review your credit report and scores and appropriate ways to improve it, creating and maintaining a household budget, and savings.  Receive appropriate referrals for housing and other resources to assist your household.

Home Repairs, Subsidized Housing and Rental Assistance for Low to Moderate Income Households:  Are you eligible for programs that can help with needed house repairs, increased accessibility or making housing more affordable?

Housing Discrimination:  File a complaint if you feel discriminated against when seeking housing financing or looking for a home or rental property.

Preventing Homelessness:  Get referrals to agencies for help with rent, utilities, and security deposits.

​In Oakland County, fair housing laws guarantee all citizens equal opportunity in secure housing of their choice regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, religion, disability, or family status. Laws apply to the sale, rental, financing, and advertising of housing nationwide. The Oakland County Neighborhood & Housing Development Division can assist residents in cases of suspected housing discrimination.

Inquiries may be directed to a housing counselor at 248-858-1891.