The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is the state agency that runs housing programs and sets policy

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is a state agency that administers housing programs funded by federal and state money. It does not run local housing authorities — those are separate entities in each county or city. MSHDA sets rules for programs, distributes money to local agencies, and runs a few programs directly. If you are looking for when ready help with rent or a housing voucher, you will contact your local housing authority first; MSHDA is the layer above that.

MSHDA's main programs include the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (which funds affordable apartment construction), rental information for people experiencing homelessness, down payment help for first-time homebuyers, and emergency rental funds during declared disasters. The agency also oversees the state's public housing authorities and sets minimum standards they must follow.

Key Takeaways

  • MSHDA is a state agency, not your local housing authority — you contact your local authority for vouchers and routine information.
  • MSHDA runs specific programs like disaster rental information and homelessness prevention, which you access through local partners or directly.
  • The agency's phone line and website tell you which programs are currently open and which local agencies administer them in your county.
  • MSHDA does not process individual applications for most programs — local housing authorities and nonprofits do that work.

How to find out which MSHDA programs are open in your area

MSHDA's website lists all active programs and shows which ones are accepting new people. The site also tells you which local agency runs each program in your county. Start at michigan.gov/mshda and look for the program name you need — for example, "Emergency Rental information" or "Homebuyer Programs."

If you cannot find what you need online, call MSHDA's main line at 517-373-8370. Staff can tell you whether a program is open, whether your county has funding, and which local agency to contact. They cannot tell you whether you personally meet the rules — that happens when you contact the local agency — but they can confirm the program exists and is taking new people.

Many MSHDA programs are run by local housing authorities, nonprofits, or community action agencies. MSHDA's website or phone line will give you the specific contact for your area. Do not send documents to MSHDA unless the program instructions specifically say to do so.

MSHDA rental information programs and who runs them

MSHDA administers federal rental information money that flows to local agencies. The most common is Emergency Rental information, which covers back rent and utilities for people who fell behind during hardship. This program is run by local housing authorities, county departments, or nonprofits depending on where you live. MSHDA does not take applications directly — you contact the local agency.

MSHDA also runs Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) programs through local nonprofits. These cover rent, deposits, and moving costs for people at risk of homelessness or recently homeless. Again, you contact the local nonprofit, not MSHDA, to explore.

During declared emergencies — such as the COVID-19 pandemic or severe weather — MSHDA may open temporary rental information funds. These are announced on the website and through local housing authorities. The rules and process process change depending on the emergency, so check the website or call the main line for current information.

MSHDA homebuyer programs and down payment help

MSHDA runs several programs that help first-time homebuyers cover down payments and closing costs. The Michigan Homebuyer Program offers down payment information and below-market mortgage rates through approved lenders. You do not contact MSHDA directly — you work with a participating lender or a nonprofit housing counselor who can connect you to one.

To use these programs, you typically need to complete homebuyer education through an approved counselor. MSHDA's website lists counselors in your area. The lender or counselor will explain income limits, the maximum loan amount, and what documents you need to bring.

MSHDA also funds down payment information through nonprofits in some regions. The website shows which nonprofits in your county offer this help and what their specific rules are.

MSHDA's role in public housing and housing authorities

MSHDA does not own or operate public housing directly. Instead, it oversees local public housing authorities that do. If you live in public housing or want to explore for it, you contact your local housing authority, not MSHDA. MSHDA sets minimum standards those authorities must follow — for example, how quickly they must process applications and how they calculate rent.

If you have a complaint about your local housing authority's conduct — such as discrimination or a violation of program rules — you can file a complaint with MSHDA. The agency investigates and can require the local authority to correct the problem. MSHDA's website has a complaint form and instructions.

How to contact MSHDA and what to have ready

The main phone line is 517-373-8370, open Monday through Friday during business hours. Have ready the name of the program you are asking about and your county. If you are calling about a specific process you already submitted to a local agency, have that agency's name and your process number.

MSHDA's website is michigan.gov/mshda. Most programs have a dedicated page with contact information for local administrators, income limits, required documents, and current status. You can also email questions through the website contact form, though phone is usually faster for urgent questions.

If you need help understanding a program or filling out documents, ask the local agency or nonprofit running it in your area. They have staff trained on that specific program and can walk you through the process. MSHDA staff can confirm a program exists and is open, but the local agency is your main point of contact once you are ready to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MSHDA the same as my local housing authority?

No. MSHDA is the state agency; your local housing authority is a separate organization in your county or city. You contact your local authority for Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and routine information. You contact MSHDA only if you need to know about state-level programs or have a complaint about how your local authority is treating you.

Can I call MSHDA to learn about I meet the income limit for a program?

MSHDA staff can tell you what the income limit is, but they cannot determine whether you personally meet it. That decision happens when you contact the local agency running the program. Bring your recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documents to the local agency, and they will tell you whether you may have access to.

What if the program I need is not open in my county?

Call MSHDA at 517-373-8370 and ask whether the program will open later or whether there is a waiting list. Some programs run out of money and reopen when new funding arrives. MSHDA can also tell you about similar programs run by nonprofits or other agencies in your area.

How long does it take MSHDA to process an process?

MSHDA does not process most applications — the local agency does. Timelines vary by program and by how quickly you submit documents. Ask the local agency for an estimate when you explore. If you applied months ago and have not heard back, contact the local agency to ask for a status update.

Can I file a complaint about my local housing authority with MSHDA?

Yes. MSHDA investigates complaints about discrimination, rule violations, and other misconduct. Go to michigan.gov/mshda, find the complaint form, and submit it with details about what happened and when. Include the local authority's name and any documentation you have.