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March 5, 2026
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$190,000 investment in housing security for local residents inspires ‘hope’

by Tanya035

Written by Tanya Terry, with photos courtesy of Jared A. Field, director of Communications for Genesee County (MI)

On Monday, March 2, representatives from the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office and Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM) joined with the Rocket Community Fund to announce funding that is expected to help many people in Genesee County who need help the most.

The Genesee County Treasurer’s Office received a $100,000 one-year grant from Rocket Community Fund (RCF). The funding is to be used to expand property tax exemption assistance and strengthen foreclosure prevention efforts for eligible homeowners across Genesee County.

FCF also awarded Legal Services of Eastern Michigan $90,000 in grant funding. The nonprofit law firm  provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, senior and those facing discrimination in Genesee County, as well as 13 other mid-Michigan counties.

Gary Goetzinger, vice chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, stated the County government’s role was to convene, coordinate and collaborate so residents are more aware of the resources that can positively impact their lives.

Then, Beth Sorce, senior director of housing stability at the Rocket Community Fund, talked about why Rocket believes stable housing is the foundation for strong families and thriving communities.
“When a homeowner loses their property to tax foreclosure, it’s not just a financial loss,” she added. “It’s a loss of stability, security and often generational wealth.”
According to Source, the Rocket Community Fund’s mission is to both help increase pathways into home ownership and ensuring existing homeowners have what they need to thrive.
She added: “We know…that preventing foreclosure is far more effective and far more just than intervening once the household has already lost their home.”
Genesee County Treasurer Sam Muma said he was thankful to Rocket Community Fund because the grant would allow the County to meet people where they are by recognizing the real challenges being faced every day. He elaborated by saying this could mean navigating paperwork, finding accurate information or simply having the time and the support to apply for assistance.
“”…With the funding we can expand productivity outreach, strengthen property tax exemption assistance and connect more home owners to housing counseling and direct support,” Muma added.
Genesee County Treasurer Sam Muma
Brian Smith, chief operating officer for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, stated he was proud of the work the law firm has been doing in the Flint and Genesee County community for 75 years.
“Legal Services of Eastern Michigan focuses on the issues that affect the most basic needs of our community,” such as having a safe and stable place to live,” said Smith.
According to Smith, most of the clients the law firm serves are at 125% of the poverty level or below.

“Many are seniors, persons with disabilities and families with children with major financial burdens,” he added. “We know that the lack of awareness of available resources, as well as the process of seeking relief, can be barriers, especially for residents who are homebound or elderly….This grant will allow us to respond to urgent, individual needs related to property tax exemptions and foreclosure prevention, while also building a foundation of awareness that can, over time, remove barriers that have existed in our community for many years.”

Mayor Sheldon Neeley said Genesee County leads the nation in many programs and partnerships.
“Many of us in our day-to-day life come across some people that may be homeless,” said Neeley. “We see them in the news, and we just turn the page. We pray for them as we move through the day. But not too often do we provide a solution for those families that’s losing the biggest investment in their family’s life.
“One thing you can talk about is wealth-transitional wealth- and that’s your home,” Neeley said.
Neeley added that the partners who were there were “inspiring hope” by helping to prevent the loss of that wealth.
Many expressed the belief that the help the hope would provide would extend beyond the individuals and families the funds would directly support, and improve the community as a whole.

Lastly, Jerome Threkheld, organizational development coordinator for Genesee County, asked everyone present to say out loud: “We have hope.”

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