When agencies that are paid to help you are instead being unhelpful, biased, or ignoring safety protocols, you have to move past the “front desk” and start the accountability process.
It is a serious violation of policy for a caseworker to force you to name a father if you have a “Good Cause” reason (like domestic violence).
The Rule: You have a legal right to claim “Good Cause” for not cooperating with child support. You do not need a police report; your own sworn statement that you are in danger is often enough.
The Form: Ask for DHS-2168 (Claim of Good Cause). If your specialist refuses, they are breaking MDHHS policy.
The Accountability Step: Request a Fair Hearing. Fill out form DCH-0018 (Request for Administrative Hearing). This takes the decision out of your caseworker’s hands and puts it in front of a Judge.
The Complaint: Contact the MDHHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at 855-644-3728 to report worker misconduct or favoritism.
If Project Clean Slate (PCS) is not responding or you feel you are being treated unfairly, remember they are a City of Detroit program.
The Accountability Step: Contact the Detroit Office of Inspector General (OIG). Their job is to investigate city programs that are wasteful, incompetent, or unfair.
Phone: (313) 628-2517
Email: ReachOIG@detoig.org
The Mayor’s Office: Since PCS is a “Mayor’s Initiative,” you can file a formal grievance through the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at (313) 224-3400.
Legal Aid (like Lakeshore Legal Aid) receives federal money from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). If they are ignored you or providing poor service, they have a mandatory grievance process.
The Accountability Step: Every Legal Aid office must have a Client Grievance Procedure. Ask for the “Grievance Form.” If they don’t give it to you, they are in violation of federal law.
The Federal Level: If the local office doesn’t fix it, file a complaint with the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) at lsc.gov/submit-complaint.
- Project clean slate
If you believe these denials are based on race, favoritism, or bias, you can bypass the local agencies entirely.
Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): File a formal complaint of discrimination. They have the power to investigate state and city agencies.
Phone: 1-800-482-3604
Website: michigan.gov/mdcr
HUD Fair Housing (for Housing Programs): If a housing assistance program is being biased, file a complaint with the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO).
Phone: 1-800-669-9777
Pro-Tip for “Paperwork Trails”
When dealing with these people from now on:
Get Names: Write down the name of every person you speak to.
The “Confirming Email”: After a bad call, send an email (if you can) saying: “Per our call on March 17, you stated you would not process my Good Cause waiver despite my safety concerns. I am documenting this for my Fair Hearing request.” Would you like me to help you find the phone number for the specific “Good Cause” supervisor in the Macomb/Wayne County MDHHS office so you can bypass your regular caseworker?
Real tip (this matters)
If you’re trying to get:
Housing help
Rental assistance
Shelter placement
👉 Say this when you call or walk in:
“I need to be added to Coordinated Entry / HMIS for housing assistance.”
That tells them you understand the system and speeds things up.
communication
Speaking on the phone may feel uncomfortable at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Being clear, respectful, and prepared helps people take you seriously. Learning how to communicate about housing is an important step toward independence and having the freedom to live where you choose.
Scenario 1: Calling About an Apartment Listing
Introduction
Hello, my name is _______. I’m calling about the apartment listing I saw online. Is the unit still available?
Gathering Information
Could you tell me how much the monthly rent is and what utilities are included?
Requirements
What are the move-in requirements? For example, the security deposit or application fee.
Scheduling a Viewing
Would it be possible to schedule a time to see the apartment?
Closing
Thank you for the information. I appreciate your time.
Scenario 2: Asking About Move-In Costs
Introduction
Hello, my name is _______. I’m interested in renting an apartment there and wanted to ask a few questions.
Clarifying Costs
Could you explain the total move-in costs? I want to understand the security deposit, first month’s rent, and any other fees.
Application Process
Do you require a background check or credit check for applicants?
Next Steps
What would be the next step if I decide to apply?
Closing
Thank you for explaining that. This helps me understand the process better.
Scenario 3: Asking About Income Requirements
Introduction
Hello, I’m calling about the apartment you have listed for rent.
Income Requirement Question
Do you have an income requirement for tenants, such as needing to make two or three times the rent?
Documentation
What documents do applicants usually need to provide, like pay stubs or proof of income?
Clarification
If someone is self-employed or works gig jobs, how do they show income?
Closing
Thank you for answering my questions. I appreciate the guidance.
Scenario 4: Asking About Neighborhood and Amenities
Introduction
Hello, I’m calling to ask about the apartment you have available.
Location Questions
Could you tell me a little about the neighborhood and what stores or transportation options are nearby?
Amenities
Does the property include things like parking, laundry, or internet?
Safety and Maintenance
Who should tenants contact if something needs repair in the apartment?
Closing
Thank you for taking the time to explain everything.
Scenario 5: Following Up After Seeing an Apartment
Introduction
Hello, this is _______. I recently came to see the apartment at _______.
Interest
I wanted to let you know I’m interested in the unit and had a few follow-up questions.
Application
Is the apartment still available, and are you currently accepting applications?
Timeline
How long does the approval process usually take?
Closing
Thank you again for showing the apartment and answering my questions.
