Scattered Sites Homeownership Program (SSHOP)

Scattered Sites Homeownership Program (SSHOP) is sponsored by Rocket Community Fund and Detroit Housing Commission (DHC). This initiative transforms public housing challenges into a direct pathway to homeownership for Detroit families.

Rocket Community Fund » Rocket Community Fund Invests $1. 2M into Phase One of Detroit Housing Commission Scattered Sites Homeownership Program, Helping Prevent Resident Displacement Rocket Community Fund Invests $1.

2M into Phase One of Detroit Housing Commission Scattered Sites Homeownership Program, Helping Prevent Resident Displacement Published: January 28, 2026 Written by Ashleigh Dandridge Current Residents Will Have First Opportunity to Purchase Homes Through New Partnership (Jan. 28, 2026) Rocket Community Fund and Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) today announced a $1. 2M grant to support the Scattered Sites Homeownership Program (SSHOP).

This first-of-its-kind initiative transforms one of public housing’s most persistent challenges into a direct pathway to homeownership for Detroit families. For years, DHC has faced operational challenges in managing hundreds of single-family homes scattered across the city.

Rather than simply disposing of these properties, DHC is leveraging this transition to create meaningful opportunities for the families who already call these houses home. Through SSHOP, current scattered-site residents will receive priority access to purchase their homes. They will receive comprehensive support, including down payment assistance and home repair funding.

The program is designed to ensure that families who have lived in these neighborhoods for years can build equity and stability without displacement, remaining part of this city’s growth and future. “This is about turning a challenge into our most transformative opportunity for residents,” said Arthur Jemison, Director, Detroit Housing Commission.

“Instead of simply managing inefficiencies, we’re creating a clear path to wealth-building for families who have been part of Detroit’s fabric for generations. Every resident in a scattered-site home will have real options and support to own a home in Detroit. ” The SSHOP program is supported through a partnership with Rocket Community Fund, which provides philanthropic investment to help remove structural barriers to homeownership.

Guided by its mission to help families achieve stable homeownership, Rocket Community Fund invests in housing solutions that encourage ownership, improve access to resources and support housing stability for families. “Homeownership is a critical pathway to stability and long-term prosperity, but too many families face barriers that put it out of reach,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of Rocket Community Fund.

“This investment helps remove those barriers by giving Detroit families the opportunity to purchase the homes they already live in, build equity and strengthen their futures. We’re proud to partner with the Detroit Housing Commission to expand access to homeownership and create lasting opportunity.

” Once all current scattered-site residents have been successfully transitioned, DHC will follow HUD Section 18 guidance to make remaining homes available to other qualified families with incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), including other DHC residents, Section 8 voucher holders, and members of the public. DHC is also partnering with the Detroit Land Bank to market properties that are not purchased through SSHOP.

The Scattered Sites Homeownership Program aligns with DHC’s broader work to modernize public housing, improve resident services and expand pathways to economic mobility. By converting a longstanding operational challenge into a resident-centered solution, DHC is setting a new standard for how public housing agencies can support wealth-building and stability.

“This is about building a future where public housing residents have real opportunities to own and invest in Detroit,” said Jemison. “Now we’re making sure they can hold onto the homes they’ve made their own. ” DHC held three open-house meetings last fall with Scattered Site residents to discuss the program and solicit input from residents through a survey.

Based on this feedback, the current program design will allow scattered-site residents to have three pathways forward: Homeownership Through SSHOP Qualifying residents can purchase their current home with support, including: Home repair funding (DHC or contractor will hire contractors to fix or improve the home) To qualify, residents must meet the following criteria: Residency as a DHC tenant for at least one year Credit score of approximately 600 Current on rent or in good standing on a payment plan Annual income higher than $15,000 Ability to qualify for a mortgage Minimum 1% down payment contribution Completed SSHOP application Through a specific HUD program associated with dispositions, residents who choose not to pursue homeownership can receive a special Housing Protection Voucher, which can be used to select an available residence in Detroit or the five surrounding counties.

There is an application procedure andvoucher availability may take 9–12 months from application. (Residents may stay in their units until this process is complete) Internal Transfer to Another DHC Property Residents can request a transfer to another DHC property that better fits their family’s needs.

Founded in 1933, the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) is committed to providing quality affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents across the Detroit Metropolitan area. As Michigan’s largest public housing agency, DHC manages approximately 4,000 housing units for seniors and families.

For over 90 years, DHC has enhanced the quality of life for its residents through safe and decent housing and comprehensive support services. For more information, visit www. dhcmi.

org . Rocket Community Fund aims to simplify complex and inequitable systems to ensure that every American has access to stable, healthy housing. It also invests in people and practices that provide meaningful opportunities for education and employment.

Through its For-More-Than-Profit model, Rocket Community Fund recognizes that business and community are inextricably linked, and it purposefully harnesses team member talent, technology, policy advocacy and philanthropic resources to invest in comprehensive community development in Detroit and across the country.

Alongside financial investments, Rocket Community Fund has organized Rocket Companies, Bedrock and other affiliated team members to provide more than one million volunteer hours nationwide, including more than 720,000 in Detroit. For more information, visit RocketCommunityFund. org.