Round three of Detroit’s Down Payment Assistance Program launched today. 

The program offers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance and homebuyer education and counseling. The program has already help 794 residents purchase their first homes. This round is expected to help nearly 450 more first-time homebuyers.  

Mayor Mary Sheffield says often the biggest barrier to homeownership is not the mortgage but the down payment.

She says when residents own their homes the entire community benefits.  “It also strengthens our communities, our neighborhoods, and home ownership helps stabilize our neighborhoods. As residents takes pride in their homes, they invest in their blocks, and they help build stronger communities.” 

Sheffield says the program will prioritize households that were impacted by the 2023 flood disaster.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Rapper Tee Grizzly builds apartments

Rapper Tee Grizzly is planning to build an apartment building in the Brush Park Neighborhood. Named Wallace Estates, the building will have 37 units made up of mainly studios and one-bedrooms with about five two-bedroom units. Around 20% of the units will be held at below market rents.  

The $12 million development will be a block away from Woodward and walking distance from Little Caesars Arena.

The development is scheduled to go before the Historic District Commission today for design approval. If approved, construction will start in late summer.  

Nino Salvaggio market opens in Wayne County

Locally owned Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace is opening its first store in Wayne County today. It’s the fifth location in metro Detroit for the chain.

The 48,000 square foot grocer will be located on Schoolcraft College campus in Livonia. The store will include an indoor-outdoor café and a classroom intended for student instruction and public enrichment courses.  

Black family wellness

The non-profit Metro Detroit Chapter of the Links, Incorporated is hosting the 2026 Black Family Wellness Expo next Saturday, March 21 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center.

The free community event will include free health screenings, wellness education for the entire family, and voter registration opportunities.

St. Patty’s parade

Detroit’s 68^th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade kicks off this Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m. in Corktown. The parade will start at Sixth Street and will travel down Michigan Avenue. The parade is expected to attract nearly 100,000 attendees, according to its website.

St. Patrick’s day is March 17.

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