What is DED?
DED is a 501(c)(5) nonprofit that supports individuals and organizations working to end housing insecurity through coordinated advocacy, organizing, and legislative reform.

What does “501(c)(5)” mean?
It’s a federal tax exemption for labor and agricultural organizations. DED qualifies by improving conditions for tenant organizers and housing justice advocates.

Why a 501(c)(5) instead of a 501(c)(3)?
As a 501(c)(5), DED can engage in direct lobbying and collective action to reform housing laws—something 501(c)(3)s are limited in doing.

What’s an umbrella organization?
DED unites and supports a network of tenant unions, legal collectives, mutual aid groups, and housing advocates under one strategic structure.

Who can join DED?
Tenant organizers, housing justice coalitions, community legal clinics, and others working to stop displacement are welcome to affiliate.

Are donations to DED tax-deductible?
Not as charitable contributions. However, dues or contributions may be tax-deductible as labor-related business expenses in some cases.

What are DED’s core activities?
Legislative advocacy, tenant organizing support, training, eviction defense coordination, and public policy campaigns.

Does DED support political candidates?
No. DED does not endorse or oppose political candidates, but we advocate for legislation and ballot measures that protect housing rights.

Does DED provide direct housing?
No. DED supports organizations that do, but its role is advocacy and capacity-building—not housing provision.

Can DED help fight an eviction?
DED doesn’t offer legal representation but partners with groups who do. We coordinate mutual aid, legal education, and community defense.

What happens to DED’s surplus funds?
All revenue is reinvested into our mission: expanding organizing capacity, advocacy training, and tenant protections.

How does DED engage in lobbying?
We push for pro-tenant, pro-organizer policies in Lansing and local municipalities. This is central to our tax-exempt purpose.

How is DED legally compliant?
We don’t campaign for candidates, track lobbying activity, avoid private benefit, and operate exclusively to improve housing labor conditions.

Can individuals join DED?
Yes. Individuals involved in housing advocacy can join as supporters or organizers, depending on their role in the ecosystem.

How do I get involved?
Contact us for a membership orientation. DED is stronger when our collective voice leads the charge for housing justice.

What is the primary purpose of DED?
Detroit Eviction Defense (DED) exists to advance the betterment of labor conditions for individuals and groups engaged in tenant organizing, eviction prevention, and housing justice advocacy across Michigan.

What is the organization’s tax status?
DED is applying for or holds recognition as a 501(c)(5) tax-exempt labor organization under the Internal Revenue Code.

How does DED meet 501(c)(5) exemption criteria?
DED improves conditions for those engaged in housing justice labor by offering organizing support, education, advocacy training, and policy development—raising efficiency and working conditions across its membership.

What qualifies as labor in this context?
Labor includes tenant organizing, eviction response coordination, mutual aid planning, housing research, and community defense—activities performed as vocations or in direct service of occupational improvement.

How is DED structured as an umbrella organization?
DED serves as an association of member organizations engaged in housing justice labor. It coordinates advocacy, strategy, resources, and professional development on behalf of its members.

Are members entitled to inurements or earnings?
No. DED’s net earnings do not inure to the benefit of any private individual or member. All surplus funds are reinvested into programmatic purposes aligned with its exempt function.

Does DED provide savings or investment services?
No. DED does not receive, hold, manage, or disburse savings or investment funds. It is strictly an advocacy and coordination entity.

Can DED engage in political activity?
DED does not participate in or intervene in political campaigns on behalf of any candidate. Any political activities are non-primary and incidental, as permitted by 501(c)(5) guidelines.

What is DED’s approach to lobbying?
Lobbying is a central, permissible activity under 501(c)(5). DED actively pursues legislative reforms that improve labor conditions for tenant advocates and housing organizers.

Is lobbying activity disclosed?
Yes. DED provides members with notices, when required, regarding the percentage of dues used for lobbying and may pay proxy taxes if applicable.

What types of member organizations are eligible?
Tenant unions, housing coalitions, legal and research collaboratives, and mutual aid collectives engaged in tenant-focused labor are eligible for membership.

Does DED offer direct legal services or housing?
No. DED does not provide direct representation or housing but supports organizations that do through strategic collaboration.

How are surplus funds allocated?
100% of surplus is reinvested into exempt activities: training, organizing infrastructure, campaign development, and capacity building.

How does DED ensure exempt purpose alignment?
DED maintains clear boundaries around campaign activity, tracks expenditures, and centers all activities on labor-related housing justice goals.

What is DED’s relationship to member organizations?
DED coordinates, supports, and advocates on behalf of member organizations but does not control their internal governance. It facilitates shared advancement of labor rights in the housing sector.