Refugee Development Center

Housing

Housing Navigation in Lansing

There are many resources to support housing. RDC is here to help!

RDC Housing Navigator

Refugee Development Center’s Housing Navigator Program is a new initiative that will help refugees and future newcomers with housing support, home ownership planning and saving, financial literacy, landlord/tenant support, ongoing home visits, and wrap around family engagement support. The program provides:

  • A structured step-by-step program helping families with:
    - Interventions for Housing Insecurity
    - Home Ownership Planning and Education
    - Financial Literacy
    - Landlord/Tenant Rights Support
    - Ongoing Home Visits
    - Wrap Around Family Engagement Support

Sign Up Here

In Lansing, MI:

Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP)

Develops strong, diverse neighborhoods with a focus on affordable housing, homeownership and financial security in mid-Michigan. Set up a free appointment and learn more about:

  • Homebuyer education and credit building
  • Financial counseling
  • Various housing, yard, and tool maintenance courses and workshops

Center for Financial Health

Provides tools and resources for people to make empowered decisions about financial wellness and safe, affordable, sustainable housing. Services include

  • Financial coaching
  • Classes
  • Housing counseling

City of Lansing Housing Code Compliance

Protects health, safety, and welfare of lansing homes and neighborhoods.

  • For biting or dangerous dogs and animals, call 517-676-8370
  • For strong smells like gas, call 517-483-4361
  • For excessive noise, especially after 10:00 PM, call 517-483-4600

Habitat for Humanity - Capital Region

Homeowner support and opportunities for low to moderate-income Ingham county eligible residents. Programs include:

  • Home repairs on a sliding-scale payback plan
  • Accessibility ramps for those with mobility needs
  • Homebuyer support

Homeowner Education Resource Organization (HERO) Tool Library

Capital Area Housing Partnership offers free tools to Lansing residents for home improvement, landscaping, and repair projects.

  • Tools available, include: drills, saws, ladders, levels, hedge trimmers, and more
  • Call 517-332-4663 for more info or to request free Membership Form

Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) Hometown Energy Savers

Programs, rebates, and discounts to save money and energy in the home.

  • Discounted appliances
  • Free home energy-saving visits
  • Call 1-800-573-3503 for more information

Lansing Capital Area Salvation Army

Utility, eviction, and first month’s rent help, limited:

  • When funding is available
  • Once every 12 months
  • Call 517-482-9715 for eligibility and funding availability

Lansing Housing Commission

Subsidized housing and additional resources:

  • Administers Section 8 and maintains Waiting List
  • Manages subsidized properties throughout Lansing
  • Rent 30% of income
  • Call 517-487-6550 for more info

Legal Services of South Central Michigan

Legal assistance for public benefits, housing law, and more.

  • Income guidelines - no fee for those who qualify
  • Call hotline at 1-888-783-8190

Michigan State University (MSU) Rental Housing Clinic (Legal Aid)

Property and tenant/landlord education and courtroom representation for low-income tenants experiencing discrimination or are at risk of eviction without court order.

Tuesday Toolmen

Volunteers provide free home repairs and safety modifications to low-income seniors and adults with permanent disabilities. Projects include:

  • Grab bars
  • Stair treads
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Exterior doors
  • Thermostats
  • Motion detectors

Other Resources:

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Assistance to very low-income families to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Provides:

  • Eligibility check
  • Application requirements
  • Various assistance and support

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)

Michigan rental resources for:

  • Free quality, rental listings
  • Affordable rentals financed by federal, state, or local housing agencies

US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Federal programs providing assistance with:

  • Rent
  • Subsidized housing
  • Housing vouchers (Section 8)
  • Renter resources

USA.Gov

Government programs for low-income people looking for affordable housing. Resources include:

  • Help paying rent
  • Public housing
  • Affordable rentals
  • Housing vouchers (Section 8)
  • Discrimination information