Community Development Programs

About

The Community Development Department manages Westland's federally funded Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs. These programs provide a variety of activities for low to moderate income Westland residents. Participants in these programs must meet federal income and family qualification guidelines. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the funding for these programs.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was established for the purpose of providing emergency assistance to stabilize communities with high rates of abandoned and foreclosed homes, and to assist low-moderate income households. Westland completed NSP activities under the original grand and continues similar programs using CDBG and HOME program funding. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program substantial amendment (PDF) details Westland's program goals. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program final report (PDF) details the program accomplishments.

Programs

Homeowner Rehabilitation

The Homeowner Rehabilitation Program provides deferred low interest loans for limited repairs of housing conditions, such as furnaces, water heaters, roof, windows, siding, sewer, basement, concrete, barrier free access, etc. Homeowners repay the loan when the homeowner sells or rents the house. City Staff work with the homeowner to hire contractors and inspect the quality of the work.

Applicants must have owned and lived in the house for at least one year, be current in mortgage, property tax and water/sewer payments and must meet federal income guidelines as outlined in the Homeowner Rehabilitation Brochure (PDF) Also the Homeowner Rehabilitation Application (PDF) is easy to complete. For more information, call 734-793-9390.

Homebuyer Assistance

The Homebuyer Assistance Program provides a down payment and/or closing cost assistance for low to moderate income first time homebuyers. The Homebuyer Assistance Program is in the form of a deferred loan, up to the maximum amount of $7,500.00 for homes built prior to 2000 and $14,500.00 for homes built since 2000, depending on the applicants actual need. In order to participate, applicants must qualify for a conventional or FHC mortgage, have liquid assets less than $15,000.00 and meet federal income guidelines.

If the homebuyer sells the property during the five year term of affordability, the homebuyer must fully repay the down payment assistance (no pro-ration or deduction) to the City of Westland. The Homebuyer Assistance Program brochure (PDF) contains all of the program guidelines. National FAITH Homebuyers manages the program for the City of Westland. For more information contact National FAITH at nationalfaith.org or call 313-255-9500.