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Language Assistance Services | Servicios de Asistencia de Idiomas | خدمات المساعدة اللغوية

Language Assistance Services | Servicios de Asistencia de Idiomas | خدمات المساعدة اللغوية

To contact MSHDA for language access services:

Call: 1-855-646-7432

Email: MSHDA@michigan.gov

Visit or Mail:
Lansing Office: 735 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing MI 48912
Detroit Office: 3025 W. Grand Blvd., Ste 4-600, P.O. Box 02990, Detroit MI 48202 

MSHDA Language Access Plan

Michigan has a population of over 10 million people, and about 10.2% speak a language other than English at home. About 36% of this population would benefit from language access support based on limited English proficiency. 

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Language Access Plan has been developed to ensure that all Michigan residents have access and can meaningfully participate in the programs, activities, and services of the MSHDA. This language access plan outlines the language assistance services provided by the Authority to ensure communication and participation for individuals with limited English proficiency.

MSHDA is committed to advancing the goals of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166 by enacting the 2023 Meaningful Language Public Access to State Services Act and the 2023 Statewide Meaningful Language Access Coordination Act.

MSHDA strives to ensure access for all people using or seeking to use our housing services. MSHDA, established in 1966, administers various housing programs funded by state, federal, and private/public partnership resources to meet the diverse housing needs of Michigan residents facing the greatest barriers to securing housing stability. MSHDA programs offer a path to homeownership, assistance to maintain and add accessible home features, emergency housing services to prevent and end homelessness, and rental housing voucher subsidies while also investing in the development and rehabilitation of affordable for-sale and rental housing statewide. Details of MSHDA services can be found in the MSHDA Program Guide.

Your Rights

  • The right to receive language assistance to better understand services, programs, and documents.
  • The right to meet with designated MSHDA staff and an interpreter.
  • The right to receive written translation of documents provided by MSHDA.
  • The right to receive accurate language services as to MSHDA documents.
  • The right to file a complaint if you feel these rights are not honored.
 

Free Language Assistance Services

MSHDA is committed to taking reasonable steps to ensure meaningful communication and access to information for people who need language services help. Free language access services will always be made available. If a person’s preferred method of receiving interpreting and translation help is by a support person like a family member or friend this is allowable if the person is 18 years or older. Relying on a minor under the age of 18 to provide language assistance is not permitted.

MSHDA uses different tools to make sure individuals needing language access receive help. The MSHDA website includes a language access services link posted in multiple languages and is published in different areas on the website where people look to connect to housing resources. This link shares information about rights, services, and how to file a complaint. The welcome desks at MSHDA’s Detroit and Lansing offices are equipped with tools to help. Trained staff aid people by using “I Speak” cards and coordinate interpreting services. The services are provided by bilingual staff and contracted interpreters and are offered by phone, virtually, and in person. Written translation services are provided by contracted translators. 

 

How to File a Complaint

If you feel you have not been properly provided with language assistance services, here are the steps to file a complaint:

When to File a Complaint

  • Timeframe: Complaints should be submitted within 180 days from the date of the incident to ensure prompt investigation and resolution.
  • Ongoing Issues: If the issue is ongoing, file your complaint as soon as possible.

Your feedback is valuable in helping us improve language access services for all individuals. If you need help with the filing process or have any questions, contact us at 517-335-1181 or SOM-Language-Access@michigan.gov.

Complaint Process Based on National Origin

MSHDA will direct members of the public that believe they have been the victim of unlawful discrimination due to national origin to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR).

MDCR investigates complaints of unlawful discrimination in employment, education, housing, public accommodation, law enforcement and public service. If individuals want to file a complaint, the alleged discrimination must have taken place in the last 180 days, and must be based on religion, race, color, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, arrest record, disability, marital status, familial status, or genetic information. 

MSHDA contracts require its partners to follow antidiscrimination laws, but MSHDA can only enforce the contract, not the laws. The Authority does not have the legal power to act against individuals for breaking those laws. MSHDA will provide individuals who believe they have been subjected to unlawful discrimination with the following steps from MDCR to file a complaint:

  • If you have questions about civil rights, or believe you have experienced unlawful discrimination, you can file a complaint with the MDCR.
  • You can contact MDCR by phone, in writing, online, or in person.

Other Resources

American Sign Language (ASL)

This language access plan provides information on the delivery of language assistance services for spoken languages. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Effective Communication requirements are the appropriate space to meet the needs of people who are deaf/hard of hearing and who have communications disabilities, including hearing, vision, and speech disabilities. ADA Effective Communication requirements are also included for those individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing and use American Sign Language (ASL). Please use the following link to find the respective State of Michigan department’s ADA Coordinator for effective communication compliance needs: michigan.gov/disabilityresources/ada-notice/coordinators

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA)

In accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), State of Michigan (SOM) executive branch departments will not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of disability in their programs, services or activities.