The Detroit Housing Commission

What The Detroit Housing Commission does

The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) is a quasi-governmental public housing authority established in the 1930s (firmographics record 1933; corporate-history record 1939) and headquartered at 1301 E Jefferson, Detroit, Michigan. It is Michigan's largest public housing agency, administering Low Income Public Housing (LIPH), the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) program, Project Based Vouchers (PBV), and specialized initiatives including the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Jobs Plus, YouthBuild, and Home Ownership programs. Its owned portfolio spans 10+ properties — family communities (e.g., Smith Homes, Brewster Homes, Charles Terrace/Sojourner Truth), senior housing (e.g., Riverbend Towers, Sheridan Place I & II), and elderly high-rises — across the Detroit Metropolitan area. DHC also operates a Real Estate Development department managing major redevelopments (Villages at Parkside, The Sanctuary at Brewster, Forest Park/Diggs, Choice Neighborhoods).

DHC's technology layer is built on third-party platforms rather than proprietary AI or software: SecureCafe powers applicant, resident, and landlord portals (housing applications, rent payment, maintenance requests, recertification), Vendor Café handles vendor registration, MITN/BidNet manages procurement solicitations, and Zoom supports virtual public board meetings. Resident-facing digital equity investments include the EnVision Center (a central resource hub with computer lab and training) and the Digital C Initiative, which delivers free 500/100 Mbps home internet to residents of Diggs Homes, Forest Park Apartments, and Brewster Homes through 2028.

DHC's revenue model is non-commercial: primary inflows are HUD federal funding (operating subsidies for public housing, administrative fees for HCV administration, and grants for redevelopment), supplemented by tenant rental income set at approximately 30% of adjusted gross income. The go-to-market is community-led — referrals from 60+ partner organizations (Wayne State, Gleaners, Detroit at Work, Molina, AmeriHealth Caritas, Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority, etc.), public notices, and direct service delivery. Customer segments are exclusively low- and moderate-income Detroit residents (typically below 50% of area median income), including low-income families, the elderly and near-elderly, persons with disabilities, homeless and at-risk populations, and out-of-school youth aged 18–24.

Name

The Detroit Housing Commission

Legal name

Detroit Housing Commission

Website

https://dhcmi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1939

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Detroit Housing Commission is Michigan's largest public housing authority, administering Low Income Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and Project Based Vouchers across 10+ properties in Detroit. It serves low-income families, seniors, disabled persons, and at-risk populations through federally funded housing programs and wraparound resident services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Housing Services

NAICS

Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings (53111), Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (9251)

SIC

Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Voucher & Rental Assistance Programs (Tenant-Based/Project-Based) (FSALAKAI), Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD)

Keywords

• Public housing programs
• Rental assistance vouchers
• Affordable housing services
• Resident self-sufficiency
• Housing redevelopment

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. HUD Federal Funding: Primary funding source from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for public housing operations, rental assistance, and development programs. DHC is a HUD-funded public housing authority.
2. Tenant Rental Income: Rental payments from public housing residents based on income-adjusted formulas. Residents pay rent calculated as typically 30% of adjusted gross income.
3. Administrative Fees (HCV Program): Administrative fees earned from HUD for managing the Housing Choice Voucher program, including program administration, inspections, and compliance activities.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) operates Michigan's largest public housing agency, providing affordable rental housing and rental assistance to low- and moderate-income residents of the Detroit metropolitan area. DHC directly owns and manages 10+ residential properties (LIPH program) and administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program as well as Project Based Voucher units, complemented by Resident Services programs (Family Self-Sufficiency, Jobs Plus, YouthBuild, Home Ownership) and major real estate redevelopment projects such as Villages at Parkside, Sheridan Place, Brewster Homes, and The Sanctuary at Brewster.

Product overview

The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) operates as Michigan's largest public housing agency providing a portfolio of affordable housing programs and services. The core offerings include Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) across multiple residential properties, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) rental assistance program, and Project Based Voucher housing. DHC complements its housing portfolio with comprehensive Resident Services including the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, Jobs Plus employment initiative, YouthBuild job training, Home Ownership Program, and the EnVision Center as a central resource hub. The organization also operates a Real Estate Development department managing major redevelopment projects including Brewster Homes, Sheridan I & II, Villages at Parkside, Forest Park/Diggs (Choice Neighborhoods Initiative), and new construction at The Sanctuary at Brewster. The Digital C Initiative provides free internet access at select properties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Envision Center: Central resource hub for DHC community providing on-site training programs, resources, services and activities for self-sufficiency.

Products and services

• Public Housing (LIPH) Rental housing owned and operated by DHC for low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities across multiple properties in the Detroit metropolitan area; rent calculated as approximately 30% of adjusted gross income.
• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Federally-funded rental assistance (formerly Section 8) helping eligible low-income persons, elderly, and persons with disabilities rent housing in the private market by subsidizing rent payments to private landlords.
• Project Based Voucher (PBV) Program Rental assistance attached to specific properties rather than to the tenant; tenants receive assistance for designated units at project-based locations.
• Home Ownership Program Program helping Public Housing and HCV residents achieve homeownership through financial coaching, savings programs, and homeownership counseling, including the Scattered Sites Homeownership Program (SSHOP) for current residents of disposed DHC single-family homes.
• Resident Services DHC department providing resident engagement, advocacy, and customer service across programs in economic empowerment, health and wellness, educational advancement, youth programming, and community engagement.
• Real Estate Development DHC department focused on creating high-quality, safe, and vibrant communities through rehabilitation and new construction; manages multiple development projects including Brewster Homes, Sheridan I & II, Villages at Parkside, Forest Park/Diggs, and Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.
• Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Program promoting economic self-sufficiency through customized action plans, job training, education access, and financial literacy; participants build savings accounts that grow with income increases and receive the full amount upon completion.
• Jobs Plus Program Comprehensive job-based program providing intensive employment services, financial incentives, job training, job placement assistance, personalized counseling, and GED-HSE attainment for public housing residents.
• YouthBuild Program Community-based pre-apprenticeship, job training, and educational services for DHC youth ages 18-24 who left school without a high school diploma; combines construction training with GED preparation.
• EnVision Center Central resource hub serving DHC Public Housing, HCV (Section 8) residents, and HUD-assisted families with on-site training programs, resources, services, and activities to enhance self-sufficiency; includes an on-site computer lab and serves as the home base for YouthBuild participants.
• Digital C Initiative Free high-speed internet service (up to 500 Mbps download / 100 Mbps upload) provided at no cost to residents of Diggs Homes, Forest Park Apartments, and Brewster Homes through 2028, with no fees, contracts, or credit checks required; delivered through Canopy, Powered by Connect 313.
• Riverbend Towers Elderly high-rise building at 4386 Conner Avenue, Detroit, with 90 one-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom units; recently renovated providing luxury-style affordable senior living.
• Harriet Tubman Apartments Affordable housing property at 2450 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, providing affordable housing units for low-income families.
• State Fair Apartments General occupancy affordable housing community at 1231 W. State Fair, Detroit.
• Smith Homes Family housing community at 14313 Crescent Drive, Detroit, with 83 two-bedroom, 45 three-bedroom, and 29 four-bedroom units.
• Sheridan Place I & II Elderly and near-elderly housing community at 7501 & 7601 E. Jefferson, Detroit, with 409 one-bedroom units; currently undergoing substantial rehabilitation.
• Charles Terrace / Sojourner Truth Historic affordable housing properties at 4801 E. Nevada, Detroit, with 2-4 bedroom apartments including newly renovated units and wheelchair-accessible options.
• Algonquin Apartments Affordable housing property at 4711 Trumbull, Detroit, with 11 two-bedroom and 1 one-bedroom units.
• Greenbrooke Manor Affordable housing property at 19805 Greenfield, Detroit, with 1-2 bedroom units.
• Diggs / Forest Park Place Family and senior housing at 1331 East Canfield, Detroit. Forest Park has 97 units (96 one-bedroom, 1 two-bedroom); Diggs has 104 units (3-6 bedroom); redevelopment under Choice Neighborhoods Plan.
• Brewster Homes Occupied affordable housing site with 250 units at 3526 St. Antoine St, Detroit, currently in predevelopment planning for redevelopment.
• The Sanctuary at Brewster New $80 million development project to construct four affordable housing buildings and a supportive housing community called The Sanctuary at Brewster, providing 211 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing in Brush Park; completion scheduled for 2027.

Quantifiable outcome

• 133 FSS participants graduated, with $947,592.21 in escrow payments to graduates
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• City of DetroitcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The City of Detroit partnered with DHC to receive a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant for the Greater Forest Park/Eastern Market neighborhood. Detroit was one of 13 communities nationwide awarded the grant in 2024. The partnership focuses on redevelopment of Forest Park Apartments and Diggs Homes, with the goal of replacing 100% of housing units within the neighborhood as part of new mixed-income developments. The collaboration spans housing, people (resident services), and neighborhood transformation.
• Ginosko Development CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGinosko Development Company is the development partner for the Villages at Parkside 52-acre redevelopment project on Detroit's east side. The partnership involves converting public housing (Section 9) to Section 8 funding through HUD's RAD program. DHC and Ginosko are redeveloping Parkside as a new residential community with mixed housing options across several affordable income ranges. The project involves substantial rehabilitation of existing units and new construction.
• 60+ Community Partner OrganizationssupportingOthersDHC has established partnerships with over 60 community organizations providing services across economic empowerment, health & wellness, educational advancement, community engagement, digital equity, food programming, workforce development, and youth programming. Partners include: Street Court, Democracy Detroit, DTELISC, Michigan Treasury, Accounting Aid Society, Lakeshore Legal, Molina, Advance Health Group, Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority, AmeriHealth Caritas, Blue Cross Complete, Wayne State University, Wayne County Community College District, Gleaners Food Bank, Forgotten Harvest, Salvation Army, Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, Detroit at Work, YouthBuild, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and many others.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA): NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the United States, operating public housing and Section 8 programs for low-income residents in New York City. It is comparable to DHC as a HUD-funded municipal PHA running LIPH, HCV, and resident services programs, though at much greater scale.
• Chicago Housing Authority (CHA): CHA is the second-largest PHA in the U.S., operating public housing and HCV/Section 8 programs in Chicago. It is comparable to DHC as a major Midwestern municipal PHA delivering LIPH, vouchers, and resident self-sufficiency programs, and is currently undertaking major redevelopment similar to DHC's Choice Neighborhoods work.
• Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA): Philadelphia Housing Authority is one of the largest PHAs in the U.S., serving low-income residents through public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. It is comparable to DHC as a large urban PHA administering LIPH, HCV, and resident services in a legacy industrial city.
• Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA): HACLA administers Los Angeles public housing and one of the largest HCV programs in the nation. It is comparable to DHC as a major municipal PHA operating LIPH, Section 8, Project Based Vouchers, and resident services in a geographically concentrated urban service area.

Direct peers

• Boston Housing Authority (BHA): BHA is a HUD-funded public housing authority operating public housing units and rental assistance programs in Boston. It is comparable to DHC as a similarly scaled PHA delivering LIPH, HCV, family self-sufficiency, and elderly housing programs in a single metropolitan area.
• Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta (AHA): Atlanta Housing Authority operates public housing and HCV programs serving low-income residents in Atlanta and is recognized for its mixed-income redevelopment approach. It is comparable to DHC as a similarly scaled PHA undergoing RAD conversions and mixed-income redevelopment in a legacy industrial city.
• Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA): CMHA operates public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and senior housing across the Cleveland metropolitan area. It is comparable to DHC as a similarly sized Midwest PHA administering LIPH, HCV, and resident services in a legacy manufacturing city with population decline.
• Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC): HABC administers public housing and voucher programs serving Baltimore residents, including senior housing and supportive housing. It is comparable to DHC as an East Coast PHA delivering similar programs in a legacy industrial city with concentrated poverty.

Others

• Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro): Wayne Metro is a community action agency providing housing, workforce, and supportive services to low-income families across Wayne County. It is comparable to DHC as a regional partner delivering workforce, housing counseling, and self-sufficiency programming, and is an active community partner referenced in DHC's outreach ecosystem.
• Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA): MSHDA is Michigan's state housing finance agency administering federal and state housing programs including LIHTC, rental assistance, and affordable housing development. It is comparable to DHC as the state-level housing authority providing complementary funding, oversight, and program coordination for affordable housing across Michigan.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/100072284385009
• Instagraminstagram.com/dhcresidentservicesdept

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Detroit Housing Commission