The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-05-13
| LOCAL VICTORY
COUNCIL BACKS
HOUSING PIE AS

The problems OF low cost war
housing in the Detroit area are re-
ceiving careful study by the Detroit
Victory Council. an organization
consisting OF representation from
labor, management. Federal, and
community agencies
AT recent meeting, the Council
voted 10 take immediate steps
aimed TO bring housing relief to
minority groups IN this area. EN-
phasis was placed on the need OF
Negroes for several thousand addi-
the need for release OF critical
building supplies and the selection
OF additional housing sites.
The report OF the Housing Com
mittee OF the Victory Council di-
rected the attention OF the members
10 considerable evidence supporting
the claim that critical situation
exists in the field OF housing for
Negro war workers in the Detroit
area. The Council voted 10 immed-
lately contact governmental author
tiles in Washington. including mill
tary and WPB heads to determine
the amount OF building supplies and
materials that can be made avail
able for low cost housing in De-
troit.
Subsequently. communication
from Mr.. William Divers. Regional
Representative OF the National
Housing Agency, regarding the re-
lease OF building materials has
caused the Council to be optimistic.
Mr.. Divers stated in part, Il have
discussed with Mr. John Bland
ford. Administrator, National Hous-
ing Agency, the proposals which the
Detroit Victory Council is contem-
plating regarding the housing OF
war workers. Mr.. Blandford has
subsequently discussed the release
OF lumber for such housing with
Mr.. Donald NJ. Nelson. chairman of
the War Production Board. Mr.. Nell
son in turn has given Br. Blandford,
personally, every assurance that the
lumber for all housing projects
planned in the Detroit area will be
made available.
There arc $50 housing units now
-lnder-WaN-faf- kefS-in-thls
city. Funds arc available for 1000
additional units. The Victory Coun-
Gil voted to direct its efforts TO
bringing about the addition OF
$500 more public war housing units
as minimum figure.
Evidence points to housing needs
by Negro war workers in the De-
troit area far exceeding the more
than 5000 housing units planned.
according To w. F. Stirton, exccu-
tive secretary Of the Detroit Victory
Council.
Further demonstration OF the
Councils recognition OF the need
for housing relief 10 minority
groups is evidenced in a motion
extending aid in the selection OF
sites for the proposed additional
housing.
An attempt TO educate all people
TO more thorough understanding
Of the minority housing problem
and possible solution is emphasized
as the basis of success in this plan
to give much-needed relief to an
important element among Detroits
war production workers, declared
the Council.
The Detroit Victory Council,
formed in October, l943. Is a non
profit organization Incorporated
under the laws of the State of
Michigan. The Council not only CO.
ordinates and encourages the use
of all facilities for winning the war,
but affords an opportunity for the
individual citizen 10 be articulate
in determining policies regarding
the community's participation in the
furtherance Of the war effort.