Delray Home Improvement Program
 

WELCOME TO THE DELRAY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Applications from eligible households are now being accepted. Click here for English and click here for Spanish to complete the online Delray Home Improvement Program application.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is a once-in-a-generation undertaking. Not only will the project deliver much-needed transportation improvements for international travelers, it will also provide jobs and opportunities for growth to the Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan region. A key project element is the inclusion of a Community Benefits Plan.

The Community Benefits Plan was developed in consultation with local residents, businesses, elected officials and other stakeholders. Based on feedback and requests from the Southwest Detroit community, the project team has incorporated the Delray Home Improvement Program, a $4 million (CDN) program that helps residents undertake home repairs for properties located in Delray.

The project team has engaged Local Initiatives Support Corporation Detroit (LISC Detroit) to administer the Delray Home Improvement Program throughout 2021-2024, as funding permits. LISC Detroit brings extensive experience managing similar programs in the Detroit area.

PURPOSE

The Delray Home Improvement Program is a free home repair program for eligible homes or duplexes in the area surrounding the Gordie Howe International Bridge and US Port of Entry construction site in the Delray, Detroit neighborhood.

Successful applicants may receive items from pre-approved repair/replacement list, based on an assessment of the home, with a per-house cap of $20,000 (USD). Improvements offered include: 

  • Roof repair and/or replacement
  • Window and/or door replacement
  • Roof and/or wall insulation installation
  • Repair or replacement of heating, ventilation, and/or air-conditioning (HVAC) unit 

BOUNDARIES AND TIMING

The program serves residents in the area surrounding the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Delray, Detroit.  The program boundaries are:

  • Fort Street and/or I-75 to the north
  • Clark Street to the east
  • the Rouge River to the west
  • the Detroit River to the south

Properties within these boundaries are currently eligible for application. 

ELIGIBILITY

  • Residential properties located within the program area that are in need of one or more of the available repairs.
  • An on-site inspection will determine the scope of repairs for each property and confirm if the house is safe for contractors to proceed with the repair work.
  • Before proceeding in the home improvement program residents will need to:
    • Confirm enrollment in a payment plan if a review of property tax status shows the residence is at risk of foreclosure, and/or
    • Resolve any outstanding blight violation(s) associated with the property.

HOW TO APPLY

Limited spots are available for participation in the Delray Home Improvement Program. Nearly 100 homes have had or are in process of having repairs done to their homes. As of November 2023, nearly all funds have been committed, and limited space remains for new applicants to the program.

Applications are being accepted until funding is exhausted. Remaining spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible households that provide all required documentation. Once the spaces are reserved, no further applications will be processed, including those that may have been partially completed. Repair services on all remaining homes will occur through the remainder of the 2023 construction season and into 2024.

  • Determine eligibility. Property owners or tenants can apply.
  • Submit an application at any time during the program duration:
    • To complete the online application in English, click here
    • To complete the online application in Spanish, click here
    • Complete and mail a paper application to LISC Detroit at 3031 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 560, Detroit, MI 48202. You can download the paper application in English or Spanish. 

Contact us for more information and to request an application form to be mailed to you: