DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. - The housing market crisis is a nationwide problem. The USAG-Detroit Arsenal remains sympathetic to the needs of Soldiers, Families, and Civilians and is prepared to offer assistance to qualified individuals through our Housing Services Office. Below are a few points to consider in this challenging economy.
Whether renting or buying a home, the consumer should thoroughly research the risks and evaluate the opportunities before entering into any public or private contract.
The rental market offers plenty of choices and may appear to be a lower risk option, but one should be aware of the delinquent landlord who may make the decision to foreclose on the property before the rental contract expires.
Lower interest rates, sale prices, and foreclosures can lure prospective buyers into entering the housing market; however, property ownership can be a source of frustration when it comes time to relocate. Homes may not be able to be resold in time to comply with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. As a result, families may be financially burdened with paying two mortgages or even be forced to live in different quarters and in different states. (The military member moves in order to comply with orders, but the spouse remains behind to sell the house.)
DA Civilian homeowners might also be reluctant to accept positions of greater responsibility as a result of the housing market crisis.
The bottom line is this: The housing market crisis can adversely affect the military's mission.
During these unpredictable times, the Army is committed to supporting and assisting their team members with obtaining financial guidance and assistance. The Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management (ACSIM) has created a Strategic Communication Plan to ensure Soldiers and their Families are made aware of the types of training, counseling and information available.
The following programs/websites regarding various housing, financial and family issues are provided:
Housing Assistance Program (HAP): www.hap.usace.army.mil
Military OneSource: www.militaryonesource.com
Army OneSource: www.myarmyonesource.com
Military Home Front: www.militaryhomefront.com
Army Housing One Stop: https://onestop.army.mil
Automated Housing Referral Network: www.ahrn.com
Army JAG: www.jagcnet.army.mil
The U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal also has local installation resources available:
Aca,!AcArmy Community Service, located in Building 230, Room 1260, provides Financial Counseling/Army Emergency Relief (586-573-0482) and Spouse Employment Assistance and Employment Readiness Counseling (586-573-0489).
Aca,!AcHousing Services Office (586-574-8178/9627), located at the Visitor's Control Center, in Building 232 offers lists of off-post apartments and property managers that provide discounted rents, waived application fees and minimal security deposits.
Aca,!AcEmployee Assistance Center (586-574-6808) offers financial workshops. Watch the WRN-All e-mail distribution for information.
Soldiers, Families, and DA Civilians are encouraged to utilize all the resources at hand. As stated in the Army Family Covenant, the Army is "committed to . . . providing our Soldiers and Families a Quality of Life that is commensurate with their service." Helping DA Families during the housing market crisis is one way the USAG-Detroit Arsenal keeps our Army Strong.
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