The policy brief shows that existing programs, while they provide improvements, fail to meet the amount of Detroit households in need of aid to make substantial repairs.

Importantly, the survey results demonstrate that vaccine hesitancy is surmountable. More than 1 in 3 residents (34%) who reported being unlikely to get vaccinated between January and March 2021 have since received at least one dose of the vaccine. 

The greatest discrepancy between those willing and unwilling to vaccinate is related to how they view science on the effectiveness of the vaccine and the advice of doctors. While 94% of people likely to vaccinate say scientific findings on vaccine effectiveness are important to their decision, just 62% of those unlikely to vaccinate say it is important.

The task force’s report on engagement in Detroit is used as a guide across campus to ensure that research and engagement projects are conducted in an equitable and mutually beneficial manner. The task force was chaired by Robert Sellers, vice provost and chief diversity officer, and included representatives from all areas of campus.

The variety and volume of the efforts are a collaboration with Detroit’s neighborhoods, its community organizations and its residents. While the specific goals and partners of each effort vary, all of the work aims to help boost the vitality of Detroit and the region. 

Since 2017, the city of Detroit, Rocket Community Fund, and United Community Housing Coalition have implemented the Make It Home program, which has offered more than 1,100 occupants of tax foreclosed houses the chance to purchase (or re-purchase) their homes through a one-year 0% interest loan to cover the cost of back taxes.

We are seeking to engage a broad range of stakeholders – frontline staff, agency leaders, academics, financial institutions, policymakers, funders, individuals with lived experience of financial hardship, and general members of the community.

DMACS shows roughly 69% of Detroiters currently view the pandemic as very serious for themselves personally and their community. Previous waves of the survey found nearly all Detroiters are wearing masks, with the latest survey showing 98% of residents wear masks some or all of the time while doing activities outside their homes.

Residents want living-wage jobs, good schools, affordable housing, accessible health care, and other foundations of economic well-being.