04/24/2026
OBK Executive Director, Jeffrey Auguste, recently attended Homelessness Advocacy Day hosted by the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH). It was an impactful day of connecting with advocates, policymakers, and community leaders committed to strengthening housing stability across Michigan.
A highlight of the day was meeting directly with legislative leaders and staff, including Parker, Legislative Staff for State Representative Will Snyder; Senator Roger Victory; and State Representative Betsy Coffia. These conversations are critical to ensuring the voices of those we serve are heard at the state level and that housing stability remains a legislative priority.
During the event, MCAH highlighted key legislative priorities for 2026 aimed at improving fairness and transparency in housing:
🏠 Tenant Protections Bill Package (SB 372–375)
This package focuses on fair tenant screening, clearer lease agreements, and reducing unnecessary barriers that can lead to evictions. It promotes reusable application reports, limits excessive fees, and strengthens tenant rights in the screening process.
⚖️ Eviction Protections Legislative Package (HB 4982–4985)
These bills aim to reduce preventable evictions by extending notice and redemption periods, giving families more time to access resources and stay housed. They also include provisions to seal eviction records in appropriate cases, helping people move forward without long-term barriers.
Eviction remains a leading driver of homelessness, and these efforts are centered on prevention, fairness, and long-term stability for individuals and families.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of these important conversations alongside MCAH and to connect with a wide range of organizations, including local partners, Mid Michigan Community Action and TrueNorth Community Services. Together, we continue working toward stronger housing stability across Michigan.
