Rent Party Detroit
Raising money through cultural events to prevent eviction and education on housing inequity.
About
Our mission is to promote housing security, to educate the public on housing inequities, and to facilitate local community action to prevent homelessness. We raise money through social and cultural events for the Rent Party Detroit Fund to prevent eviction and homelessness in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park.
In addition to hosting signature events where all the proceeds go to the fund, Rent Party Detroit encourages neighbors to help neighbors by making their events “rent parties.” Rent parties were popularized during the Great Migration by black migrants living in Harlem. Their housing options were limited, overpriced and unsafe. The substandard conditions led to extreme overcrowding and also created a tight-knit community. If a neighbor couldn’t make rent, they would throw a “rent party” complete with music, dancing and spirits, and a collection jar for the host. They helped each other stay in their homes, despite the external systemic forces working against them.
While paying homage to traditional rent parties, we have expanded the definition of a rent party to include concerts, poetry readings, and even sales at local businesses where a portion of the proceeds go to the RPD Fund. All proceeds go directly to help Detroit-area families facing eviction and are administered through our partnership with United Community Housing Coalition, which provides direct support to families in need of housing through legal advocacy and housing placement services.
People
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Founder
Get Involved
In addition to donating directly to the fund, get involved by volunteering to organize a rent party, make your next event a rent party or host a rent party for family or friends. There are also unique opportunities for business owners and artists to become involved.