Keeping Detroiters in Their Homes
Your path to resilient homes & thriving neighborhoods starts here!
At JEI, we believe that resilient homes are cornerstones of thriving neighborhoods. As a HUD-approved counseling agency and a proud partner in the Detroit Housing Network (DHN), we’re here to help you unlock opportunities that transform housing challenges into sustainable solutions.
Our dedicated Housing Services team offers personalized assistance and connects residents to city, state, and federal programs designed to uplift and sustain the communities we serve. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking resources or preparing for your first purchase, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our services include:
Property Tax Assistance & Tax Foreclosure Prevention (HOPE)
Housing & Credit Counseling
Home Repair / Energy Efficiency Services
0% Interest Detroit Home Repair Loan Application
Homebuyer Preparation, Counseling & Education
Asset Protection (Estate Planning Workshops)
Together, let’s build stronger, more vibrant communities—one home at a time.
Property Tax Assistance & tax Foreclosure Prevention (HOPE)
Need assistance with your property taxes? Current or past due? Our housing counselors can assist you with options:
Property tax exemptions
Property tax foreclosure prevention
For assistance, please contact our housing team at 313-314-6414.
Homeowners Property Tax Exemption (HOPE) 2024 application is now available!
→ Download and print HOPE Application
→ Review and gather required documents
If you would like assistance with your application, gather your supporting documents and contact us at 313-314-6414.
** If you are approved for the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE), and the Pay As You Stay (PAYS) programs, the Detroit Tax Relief Fund can eliminate any remaining delinquent property taxes for Detroit homeowners.
Contact the Detroit Tax Relief Fund at: 313-244-0274.
Housing & credit Counseling
JEI helps homeowners learn about building and restoring your credit, slashing your debt, budgeting, managing savings and assets. We offer workshops, personal one-on-one financial counseling sessions, coaching, and training events to help you reach greater financial stability including:
Free Tri-merge Credit Report (all three credit bureaus - a $100 value)
home Repair & Energy efficiency services
Is Your Home Ready for Every Season?
Looking to save on energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round? JEI’s weatherization and home repair services can help. As a participant in the Detroit Home Repair Fund and other state-run home repair programs, JEI combines these resources to assist residents in making their homes resilient, safe, and healthy. With simple yet effective upgrades, you can protect your home, reduce energy usage, and cut costs—all while improving your quality of life.
Need dependable home repair or weatherization services? Join our waiting list today to secure your spot with one of our housing counselors. Our streamlined sign-up process ensures your repair needs are prioritized and connects you to essential resources. Here’s how to get started:
Complete the Interest Form: Navigate to the “Home Repair Waiting List” section.
Provide Your Details: Fill in your contact information, repair needs, and other essential details.
Take the first step toward a safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient home today!
Alternative home repair programs
JEI’s housing team assists Detroit homeowners with the loan intake process, including clarifying program eligibility requirements and submitting applications. For more information on this program, please visit City of Detroit’s 0% Interest Home Repair Loan Program
If you would like an application, have any questions about the program, or are interested in scheduling a phone intake appointment to apply for the loan, we can help you get started. Please call us at 313-314-6414.
Home Repair Resource Guide
DETROIT 0% INTEREST HOME REPAIR LOAN
The City of Detroit offers 0% interest home repair loans between $5,000 and $25,000. Loans are available for Detroit homeowners to invest in and repair their home, if you meet eligibility requirements. 0% interest means you pay back ONLY what you borrow- not a penny more. These are 10 yr. loans.
HOW TO APPLY: Intake forms are available at DetroitHomeLoans.org. You can also find copies at intake centers and City of Detroit recreation centers. All applicants must complete the intake forms and submnit all required documents to an intake center. Assistance completing ther form will be available at intake centers.
Contact our housing counselors for assistance.
homebuyer preparation, counseling & educatION
Embarking on the journey to homeownership may seem like a daunting task, but with JEI, you'll never have to take that journey alone. As a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, we're here to guide and support you every step of the way. Our certified housing counselors are your trusted partners, ready to demystify the process of buying a home and ensure your success.
In our comprehensive 3.5-hour Homebuyer Education class, you'll team up with our knowledgeable housing counselors, and local industry experts, to gain a deeper understanding of the homebuying process. Upon completion of the class, you'll receive a certificate that's often required by many lenders to qualify for down payment assistance programs, opening up even more possibilities for you as a future homeowner.
Participants will learn about the entire process, step by step, including the following:
MSHDA financing options and other affordable mortgage options
Home buying team players
The closing process
Understanding escrow
JEI resources & much more!
Class Schedule
Our virtual homebuyer education classes are offered monthly - every 2nd Wednesday from 4:30pm to 8:00pm. Visit the Events section on our website to register and access call details.
Mortgage Delinquency & Default Prevention
Mortgages can be tricky – a lot can happen over a 30-year period. If you are facing challenges such as delinquency, being underwater, or are in need of counseling, we can help you navigate your options.
Get started online here.
ASSET PROTECTION | ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOPS
Ensuring your home and financial assets are protected for future generations is an important step in building a resilient legacy. Through our partnership with the Detroit Housing Network, residents can access estate planning and will workshops that empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Led by experienced housing counselors, these workshops cover topics such as wills, trusts, and the probate process. Eligible residents can even receive free estate planning services after attending a workshop.
Click below to learn more and take the next step in safeguarding your family’s future.
Housing sustainability
A healthy community is a strong community. The Housing team at JEI has established partnerships with the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health and Wayne State University’s Center for Urban Studies. Together we address the needs of our most vulnerable residents by developing and disseminating resources related to reducing energy burdens, climate adaptation, flood mitigation, remediation, and emergency preparedness and assistance, thereby ensuring a more sustainable and resilient community.
Mr. & Mrs. Hughes lost their family home to property tax foreclosure. They sought the assistance of JEI to resecure the home from the Detroit Land Bank via their Buy Back program.
JEI’s Housing team guided them through the process successfully. With this assistance, a multi-generational family was able to stay in the neighborhood.
JEI’s Housing Counselors are available by phone, Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm.
Phone: (313) 314-6414
Fax: (313) 769-8627
Email: resourcehub@jeffersoneast.org
You may also access our counselors, and programs & services in person at the JEI Neighborhood Resource Hub.
Days: Mondays through Thursdays
Hours: 9am - 5pm, by appointment.
Address: 14300 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48215. (Main entrance on Lakewood St.)
