Great Lakes Wire

Michigan’s campaign to end homelessness has seen strides this year, according to state leaders.

According to a news release from the governor’s office, November was proclaimed as Homeless Awareness Month by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) in an effort to put the spotlight on initiatives that are meant to mitigate homelessness.

“Gathering the necessary data to reflect upon our programs and statewide initiatives allows us the insight to better coordinate our efforts and weigh priorities,” Kelly Rose, chief housing solutions officer at Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), said in the release. “Through education, analysis and offerings—we will stay vigilant in our pursuit to help every Michigander find a place to call home.”

MSHDA reports that the state saw a 44% decline in evictions from 2019 and 2021, a 12.75% annual decline. The data can be found in the 2021 Campaign to End Homelessness annual report, which examines annual statistics with regard to eviction, housing instability and homelessness.

Minorities continue to be plagued by issues related to housing stability with 42% of black renters and 41% of Latino renters stating in the report that they weren’t sure whether they could pay their monthly rent compared to 19% of white renters.

To highlight the problem, Homeless Awareness Month hopes to educate renters on aid available to them and examine homelessness in the state.