For many Michigan families, a leaky roof, unsafe home conditions or lack of reliable transportation can create obstacles that affect nearly every aspect of daily life. From getting to work and accessing health care to maintaining independence and remaining safely housed, these challenges often stand in the way of stability and opportunity.
To help address those barriers, the DTE Foundation has awarded $148,000 to six Michigan nonprofits through its 2026 Community Empowerment Awards: Critical Repairs Program. The funding will support organizations providing critical home repairs, accessibility improvements and transportation assistance to individuals and families experiencing housing instability and transportation challenges across DTE’s service territory.
This year’s awards focus on practical, community-driven solutions that help people remain safe in their homes, maintain their independence and stay connected to essential services, employment and health care.
“Access to safe housing and reliable transportation are foundational to basic needs and quality of life,” said Rodney Cole, president of the DTE Foundation. “These nonprofit partners understand the needs of their communities and deliver solutions that protect dignity, remove barriers and create greater access to opportunity. We are proud to champion their work and the meaningful difference they make for individuals and families across Michigan.”
Now in its third year, the Community Empowerment Awards program supports nonprofit organizations developing sustainable, community-centered responses to local needs. Prior to the 2026 awards, the program had invested more than $669,500 in 22 nonprofits across Michigan.
Supporting Local Solutions Across Michigan
The 2026 recipients serve communities ranging from Detroit neighborhoods and rural Upper Peninsula counties to West Michigan and Kent County communities. Together, their projects will help residents access safe housing, dependable transportation and critical resources that support long-term stability.
360 Detroit, Inc.
Serving Detroit’s Virginia Park neighborhood and surrounding communities, 360 Detroit works to revitalize neighborhoods and improve quality of life through community development, housing initiatives and resident-focused programming. Through the Community Assistance for Resident Elders (CARE) program, the organization will provide critical home repairs and accessibility improvements for 10 to 12 low-income senior households, helping older adults safely age in place.
Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation
For more than three decades, Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation has worked to strengthen Detroit neighborhoods through housing, education, employment and economic development programs. Its Community Empowerment Award grant will support accessibility and safety improvements for approximately 30 low-income senior households with disabled residents, helping individuals remain safely and independently in their homes.
Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency (DICSA)
Based in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, DICSA connects residents with resources that strengthen self-sufficiency and quality of life. The organization’s transportation program provides door-to-door service for seniors, individuals with disabilities and low-income residents. Funding from the DTE Foundation will support approximately 240 free round-trip rides, helping residents access medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential destinations.
Full Throttle Ministry
Operating throughout Metro Detroit, Full Throttle Ministry addresses one of the region’s most persistent barriers to economic stability: transportation. The organization restores donated vehicles and partners with local agencies to provide reliable transportation to individuals and families working toward self-sufficiency. Through the grant, Full Throttle will help restore and place vehicles with low-income households, improving access to employment and essential services.
Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
Founded in 1978, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan empowers individuals and families by helping them achieve equity, self-sufficiency and personalized prosperity. Serving more than 30,000 individuals annually, the organization provides workforce development, family support, youth services and language assistance throughout West Michigan. DTE Foundation funding will support transportation assistance and bilingual case management services for at least 35 low-income participants, helping community members access jobs, education and critical services.
North Kent Connect
North Kent Connect serves residents throughout northern Kent County by providing access to basic needs, financial assistance and programs designed to promote economic independence. Through its transportation initiative, the organization will help eliminate transportation barriers for low-income households, ensuring that residents can reach work, medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential destinations.
Creating Pathways to Stability
While each organization’s approach is unique, all six recipients share a common goal: helping Michigan residents access the resources they need to live safely, remain connected to opportunity and build a more stable future.
By partnering with nonprofits deeply rooted in their communities, the DTE Foundation continues to support local solutions that strengthen neighborhoods, improve quality of life and create lasting impact for families across Michigan.