Conyers Encourages HUD Secretary Donovan to Expand Funding Streams for Housing Development & Stemming the Tide of Foreclosures

DETROIT – September 4, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Tomorrow, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) will meet with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and other Members of Michigan’s congressional delegation to discuss federal efforts to strengthen Southeast Michigan’s housing market and assist Detroit as it faces chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy. Prior to the meeting, Rep. Conyers issued the following statement:

“I look forward to engaging Secretary Donovan about ways the federal government can work hand-in-hand with local housing agencies and housing advocates here on the ground in Southeast Michigan to stem the tide of foreclosures, expand access to affordable housing, and eliminate blighted properties that harm our community,” said Conyers.

“I am pleased that HUD recently announced an $8.5 million grant to the Detroit Housing Commission that will facilitate large-scale improvement projects in our city. In conjunction with the recent release of federal funds for targeted blight remediation throughout the state, it is clear that there are significant new federal resources that can be leveraged to improve the safety of our community.

“As we come together to discuss ways to buoy Detroit, I also support considering NAACP-Detroit President Reverend Wendell Anthony’s idea to make more federal funding programs available to Detroit to help it meet its financial challenges. All options are on the table as we work to strengthen Detroit, and I look forwarding to collaborating with Secretary Donovan to discuss a meaningful path forward.”