The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homelessness as an Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. According to the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND), there were 5,687 homeless individuals in 2021.One thousand one hundred twenty individuals were considered chronically homeless, defined as being diagnosed with a long-term disabling condition and having been homeless four or more times in the past 3-years or having been or has been homeless for one year continuously with that disabling condition.
Many unhoused individuals in Metro Detroit are not being considered homeless but lack access to safe, stable, and secure housing. Many have resorted to continuous transitional housing like sleeping in cars, abandoned buildings, or from house to house. The Community of Hope collaboration seeks long-term, safe, and affordable solutions.