Detroit Hometown Summit Offers Vision For Affordable Housing

DETROIT — Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) and Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) will host Hometown Summit: A Vision for Affordable Housing on Wednesday, July 1, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at WCCCD’s Northwest Campus, 8200 Outer Drive West in Detroit. The event will bring together regional leaders to address one of Detroit’s most pressing challenges — ensuring access to safe, stable and affordable housing.

The solutions-focused summit will feature keynote remarks from Marcia L. Fudge, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and will convene decision-makers from government, housing development, education, philanthropy, the nonprofit sector and community organizations to discuss practical strategies for expanding housing opportunities across the region.

Hosted by WCCCD and NSO, the event is designed to foster collaboration among legislators, developers, advocates, nonprofits, funders, landlords, courts, service providers and residents committed to building a stronger housing ecosystem for Detroit and Southeast Michigan.

“Affordable housing is not just a housing issue — it is a foundation for economic mobility, public health, educational success and community stability,” said Linda Little, president and CEO of Neighborhood Service Organization. “This summit is about bringing the right voices to the table who can move beyond discussion and toward meaningful action. By convening leaders from every sector, we can identify solutions that strengthen neighborhoods, support families and create lasting pathways to housing stability.”

The summit will begin with welcome remarks from Little and Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, chancellor of Wayne County Community College District, followed by the keynote address from Secretary Fudge.

Programming will include three panel discussions examining affordable housing from multiple perspectives:

The Vision — A discussion focused on the future of affordable housing and its role in regional growth and success. The session will be moderated by Little and Adam Hollier, former Michigan State Senator, and will feature Secretary Fudge and other regional leaders.

The Reality – Titled “Can We Sustain the Housing Market?” this panel will explore practical challenges facing the housing sector, including construction costs, housing inventory, financing and development opportunities. Participants include representatives from the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department, the Real Estate Association of Developers (READ), the 36th District Court Landlord-Tenant Division, educational leaders, builders and funding organizations.

The Need – This discussion will examine housing instability and the barriers facing vulnerable populations, including youth aging out of foster care, families experiencing domestic violence, and residents navigating eviction and housing insecurity. Community advocates, faith leaders and housing experts will share perspectives on support systems and policy solutions.

“Affordable housing is one of the defining issues facing Detroit’s future,” said Hollier. “The challenges are complex, but they are not insurmountable. This event creates an opportunity for leaders across sectors to align around solutions that increase housing access, strengthen communities and ensure Detroit’s growth benefits everyone. We are honored to welcome Secretary Fudge and a diverse group of stakeholders who are committed to moving this conversation forward.”

Organizers say the summit comes at a critical time as Detroit continues to experience economic investment and neighborhood revitalization while many residents still face affordability challenges, limited housing inventory and barriers to long-term housing security.

The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is encouraged due to limited seating.

RSVP: For more information and to register, visit the event registration page.