Detroit ordinance provides free legal counsel to those facing eviction
DETROIT, Mich. (Aug. 1, 2023) — On Friday, August 4 at 2:00 p.m., Sen. Stephanie Chang and other community leaders will hold an event to celebrate funding for Detroit’s “Right to Counsel” — a program that provides free legal representation for tenants facing eviction who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
In May 2022, the Detroit City Council passed the ordinance to permit counsel for tenants facing eviction and received initial funding of $6 million from the American Rescue Plan Act — as well as private funding of $12 million over 3 years. Currently, state funding in the FY ‘24 budget is aimed at providing free legal representation to Detroit tenants in landlord-tenant disputes. This will further help protect tenants’ rights and promote greater access to affordable housing for Detroiters.
WHO: Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and other Detroit lawmakers
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield
Tonya Phillips, Community Partnerships & Development Director, Sugar Law Center
WHAT: Press conference announcing state funding for Detroit Right to Counsel
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 beginning at 2 p.m.
WHERE: MACC Development, 7900 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48214
The press conference will be an opportunity for the media and community to learn about the significance of state budget funding for Right to Counsel, which will assist in preventing evictions and keeping people in their homes.
Members of the media are encouraged to attend this event to gain firsthand information and speak with key stakeholders. For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Sen. Chang or other attendees, please contact Emily Nguyen at 517-373-7346 or at enguyen@senate.michigan.gov.
Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) is proudly serving her second term representing Michigan’s Senate District 3, which includes the city of Detroit.
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