LANSING, MI - The Michigan State Housing Development Authority rolled out a program last month that offers resettlement support to refugees and other immigrants.
The Newcomer Rental Subsidy provides refugees, asylees and immigrants from areas like Ukraine, Cuba, Haiti and African countries about $300 to $500 a month in rental subsidies. Assistance is available for up to 12 months.
Amy Hovey, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, said the program aligns with a goal to increase affordable housing across the state for everyone “including those seeking to build a new life here.”
“This program is truly a win-win, as it addresses the most pressing barrier to refugee resettlement by meeting housing needs while setting up families for success with increased employment and opportunity,” Hovey said in a statement.
The two-year program is being funded by the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund with $4 million designated to the Office of Global Michigan.
Households need to apply for rental aid and eligibility and will be evaluated periodically, a news release said. Eligible recipients must be enrolled in an Office of Global Michigan-funded or similar employment program. They will also receive financial and budget education.
The United States resettled 24,645 refugees in the last fiscal year – falling below a 125,000 cap – according to the Refugee Council USA. Michigan was ranked No. 4 for welcoming 713 refugees behind California, Texas and New York.
Most refugees arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Sudan, Burma and Ukraine.
More on MLive:
GOP presidential candidate would ban Gotion battery plant, Chinese investments in U.S.
Morel mushroom growth tracked by soil temperature forecasts this week
5 years after Nassar case, Michigan Senate passes additional sexual assault protections