• Last two Healthy Home Resource Day (HOPE) events are Friday and Saturday Oct 24 and 25 where residents can receive on-site HOPE application assistance and other homeowner resources
• Last year, over 10,000 Detroit homeowners were approved for either 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% reduction in their property taxes
• The Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program provides qualified homeowners the opportunity to reduce or eliminate their current year property taxes, avoiding the risk of foreclosure
   

The City of Detroit is urging homeowners who need assistance with property taxes to apply for the HOPE program before its application deadline, November 7 at 4:30 P.M. Residents can get help on-site with their application at two upcoming events this weekend.

HOPE, which stands for Homeowners Property Exemption, is an income-based program that may reduce or eliminate a homeowner’s current year’s taxes by 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%. Last year, over 10,000 Detroit homeowners were approved for a reduction in their property taxes.

The last two Healthy Home Resource Day (HOPE) events are Friday, October 24, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Northwest Activities Center 18100 Meyers and Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Perfecting Church, 7616 Nevada. These events, in partnership with several community groups including the Detroit Housing Network, Wayne Metro and United Community Housing Coalition, allow residents to receive on-site HOPE application assistance and access other homeowner resources.

“Over the summer we held several HOPE events to reach as many homeowners as possible to make them aware of the help that’s available. We are making every effort to help Detroit homeowners stay in their homes,” said Willie Donwell, Director, Board of Review, City Council.  “For years, the HOPE program has provided tax relief to thousands of homeowners, making their payments affordable and protecting them from the threat of foreclosure. We urge anyone who is eligible or facing financial hardship to apply for this vital support before the November 7 deadline,” said Donwell.

The HOPE application deadline was moved from early December to early November to give the City of Detroit Property Assessment Board of Review extra time to reach applicants with incomplete submissions, ensuring they have a fair chance to benefit from HOPE.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility for HOPE is based on household income and whether a person owns and occupies their home as their primary residence.  Most homeowners whose income is below the guidelines are generally approved. See the chart of income levels below.

Approved HOPE applications may make you eligible for other assistance programs and help in paying off delinquent property taxes.

HOPE, formerly the Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP) is also referred to as the Poverty Tax Exemption, “PTE” or Hardship Program. The HOPE application is an annual application, and homeowners must apply every year.

Add $5,380.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a 100% exemption.

Add $5,541.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a 75% exemption.

Add $5,703.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a 50% partial exemption.

Add $6,026,00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a 25% partial exemption.

Add $10,491.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a 10% exemption.

Residents can apply online or schedule an in-person appointment at a HOPE event by visiting detroitmi.gov/HOPE or contact the Call Center at (313) 244-0274, walk-ins for the events are available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.