Blog

Explanation Of Michigan Housing Law

Our legal services attorneys have noticed that many of our clients face similar issues in Michigan housing law. We created this handy one-pager that lays out common issues people might face, the MI laws pertaining to them, and potential remedies to the issues.
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An arial view of the Wayne County Criminal Justice Complex from above.

An Unjust City Prioritizes Incarceration Over Housing

In order to build a just city, we must begin by prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable, unlike what we’re currently seeing in Detroit. We cannot continue to allow billionaires to profit from the misery of incarcerating our communities while we wait for policymakers to address issues like housing and food insecurity.
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The LOVE Building Grand Opening

Last week, The LOVE Building celebrated its grand opening with events from Tuesday through Friday. As a tenant partner in the LOVE Building, we were thrilled to participate in the festivities. Our brilliant Community Legal Advocate, Lauren Thomas, coordinated events for our office.
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MDRJN Third Community Circle Keeper Training

DJC’s Metro Detroit Restorative Justice Network (MDRJN) concluded its third Community Circle Keeper Training on Saturday, July 14th! Over five weeks, 14 participants from various fields, including peer mental health crisis response, abolition, public education, legal system, higher education, counseling, and community organizing, gathered in a circle to learn about restorative justice. 
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A group of activists wearing masks and black t shirts stand behind a table covered with literature about freeing political prisoners

DJC Commemorates Black August 2024

This month marks the 45th anniversary of the first Black August. We're using this time to uplift the work of our former legal director, who fought against mass incarceration for decades.
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DJC Client Goes from Being Unhoused to First-Time Homeowner

At the Detroit Justice Center, we often use the phrase Just Cities to talk about an envisioned future where every life is valued equally. Our discussions always include affordable and safe housing for all. Without stable housing, we are at our most vulnerable, which is why we insist on housing as a human right. One aspect of our affordable housing work includes creating long-term affordable housing through building community land trusts, but our attorneys also work with clients who face legal issues with their housing.
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Mental Health Awareness Month Interview With Sheba Rogers

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as the month draws to a close, we wanted to highlight the work of our Senior Program Manager, Sheba Rogers, who is currently undertaking a mental health ecosystem scan of Detroit. We asked Sheba about what she’s been working on, and about the state of mental health care in our city.
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Demystifying Cash Bail: Understanding What It Is and It Is Not

At Detroit Justice Center (DJC), we know that cash bail can upend a person’s life if they’re not able to pay. It perpetuates inequality, criminalizes poverty, and undermines the presumption of innocence. So, what exactly is cash bail, and what misconceptions surround it? Let's delve into the nuances.
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Detroit Justice Center Announces 2024 Artist in Residence

This year’s Artist in Residence will be Cherise Morris, whose proposal “Abolition is an Ancestral Wisdom,” wowed the judges with its innovation, impact, and artistic merit. Morris’ selection marks the first time a writer has been selected for this residency.
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