Hope Shelters Director Calls for $10M Investment in Oakland County Affordable Housing

The Oakland County Board Meeting held on August 14, 2025, featured a significant public comment from the interim executive director of Hope Shelters, who raised urgent concerns regarding the county's substantial budget surplus. The director, a Holly resident, highlighted the county's reported $291 million surplus, emphasizing the need for a portion of these funds to be allocated to support the community, particularly those facing economic hardships.

During the meeting, the director proposed a plan to invest $10 million in affordable housing and an additional $1 million for each local shelter organization to bolster their annual budgets. The director pointed out that while funding from state and federal sources is crucial, local government support has been lacking, forcing shelters to rely heavily on fundraising efforts, which have been challenging since the pandemic.

The director stressed the critical role that organizations like Hope Shelters play in stabilizing individuals in crisis and preventing homelessness. They called for evidence-based policies to enhance access to safe shelter, affordable housing, healthcare, and other supportive services. The director also noted the urgent need to address the underfunding of the homeless service workforce, which is often overworked and underpaid, leading to high turnover rates and low capacity to serve those in need.

The meeting underscored the pressing issues surrounding homelessness in Oakland County and the potential for the county's surplus to make a meaningful impact on the lives of its residents. The director's comments served as a call to action for local officials to prioritize investments in community support services.