The end of March marks a critical period for Michigan homeowners who are delinquent on property taxes. If arrears and penalties are not settled by March 31, they risk foreclosure starting April 1. In response, Detroit-area non-profits, such as Michigan Legal Services (MLS) and the United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC), are intensifying their efforts to assist low-income residents.
These organizations, which provide essential housing-related services, have been boosted by the participation of law students through Stanford Law School’s Alternative Spring Break program. Since 2020, students have traveled to Detroit to support MLS and UCHC in preventing foreclosures. The initiative was inspired by research conducted by Michelle Wilde Anderson, a professor at Stanford Law School, who learned about the significant role of these non-profits during her work in Detroit.
According to 2023 data, Detroit has the highest foreclosure rate among large metropolitan areas in the U.S., with one in every 1,575 housing units at risk. This stark reality underscores the importance of the collaborative efforts to keep families in their homes. Law students assist by distributing time-sensitive information, conducting research, and providing support in housing court, offering a glimpse into the workings of public interest law.
One notable program operated by UCHC is Make it Home, which enables the purchase of foreclosed homes at auction for current tenants, who then repay through no-interest loans. This creative solution exemplifies the innovative approaches employed by Detroit’s legal aid organizations.
These collaborations provide invaluable learning experiences for students while significantly contributing to the community’s resilience against the foreclosure crisis. As students gain practical skills and broaden their perspectives, homeowners benefit from legal advocacy that integrates law, policy, and economic considerations.
This year, Stanford Law’s pro bono efforts extended beyond Detroit to various U.S. regions, where students addressed issues from criminal record clearance to indigent defense. These initiatives reflect the broader mission of bridging legal services with community needs, ultimately helping underserved populations navigate complex legal landscapes.
For more details on the comprehensive efforts being made to counteract foreclosures in Detroit, visit Stanford Law’s article.