What We Do Who We Serve HPN Ready — Rental Readiness & Homeownership Contact Apply — It's Free

Ready Program

Help getting
housed.
No judgment.

A free four-module program run by HUD-certified counselors. We help you understand your rights, strengthen your application, and connect you with HPN landlords who are ready to work with you.

Apply Now — Free See the Curriculum
Free
No cost, ever
HUD
Certified counselors
Detroit
Based & focused

This program is for you if —

We work with renters at every starting point, including:

  • You've been rejected by landlords before
  • You have a prior eviction or open collections
  • You're in temporary, shared, or transitional housing
  • You have a Section 8 voucher and can't find a landlord
  • You simply want to know your rights and be a stronger applicant

No income minimums. No credit score cutoff. Open to all Detroit-area renters.

The Curriculum

Four modules.
One certification.

Work through four sessions with your assigned counselor. Complete all four and you're Ready certified — eligible for priority matching with HPN landlords.

MODULE 01

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities

Know the law before you sign anything. What Detroit landlords are legally required to provide — and what they cannot do.

Michigan tenant protection laws
Lease terms to read carefully
Security deposit rules & disputes
Eviction process & your defenses
MODULE 02

Budget & Credit

A housing budget that actually works. How to read your credit report, dispute errors, and build toward stability step by step.

Rent-to-income ratio coaching
Reading & disputing your credit report
Savings goals for move-in costs
Rental assistance resources in Detroit
MODULE 03

Housing Search Skills

Where to look, what to watch for, how to stand out. Practical coaching on finding and applying for units in Detroit's rental market.

Detroit rental market overview
Red flags in listings & lease terms
Application strategy & timing
Priority access to HPN listings
MODULE 04

Screening Prep

Understand exactly what landlords look for and build your documentation package so you're ready when the right unit comes up.

What landlords actually check
Rental history & reference documents
How to write an explanation letter
HPN fair housing screening standards

Who We Serve

Everyone deserves
a fair shot.

Ready doesn't screen people out. We meet you where you are and work from there.

Renters who've been turned down

A prior eviction, open collections, or poor credit doesn't disqualify you. Our counselors help you address those barriers and build a stronger application.

People in unstable housing

Staying with family, in a shelter, or in transitional housing? We build a clear, step-by-step plan with you — and stay with you through it.

Voucher holders who can't find a landlord

Every HPN member accepts source of income. Ready certification gives you priority access to that network — landlords already committed to working with you.

How It Works

From application
to housed.

A counselor works with you every step of the way. You're never navigating this alone.

1
Submit your application
Takes about five minutes. A counselor will contact you within one business day to schedule your intake assessment.
2
Intake assessment & goal setting
Your counselor reviews your situation, goals, and barriers. Together you build a plan specific to you.
3
Complete the four modules
Sessions are flexible — phone, video, or in person. You move at your own pace with consistent support.
4
Earn certification & get matched
Pass the final assessment, receive your certificate, and enter the HPN matching queue. Placement typically within 2–4 weeks.
5
30-day check-in after move-in
Your counselor follows up to make sure your housing is stable and your lease is going well.

Certification unlocks
real units.

Ready certification connects you directly to HPN landlords who've committed to fair housing and are actively looking for certified tenants.

View HPN Listings
Sample HPN listings — Ready graduates get priority access
2BR · East Side Detroit$750 / mo
1BR · Northwest Detroit$650 / mo
3BR · West Side$895 / mo
2BR · Midtown areaVoucher OK
Live listings updated at homeforce.io/hpn

Track Your Progress

Already enrolled?
Log in to your portal.

See your module progress, connect with your counselor, view matched listings, and access all your program materials — in one place.

Participant Login Need portal access?
portal.homeforce.io / rental-ready
TW
Welcome back
Tamara Williams
Module 2
Program Progress — 50% complete
Module 01 — Tenant Rights
Module 02 — Budget & Credit
Module 03 — Housing Search
Module 04 — Screening Prep

Apply Today

It starts with
one form.

No income requirement. No minimum credit score. This program is free and open to any Detroit-area renter who wants support getting housed.

Completely free — no fees, ever

Questions before applying? Contact us →

About You
Your Housing Situation

A counselor will contact you within 1 business day. You'll receive a confirmation at the email you provided.