Part 3 – Breaking Barriers: Melanie Sharp on Real Estate, Credit, and Families Left Behind

Melanie Sharp brings a unique lens to Detroit’s housing issues. As both a real estate agent and a social worker, she’s seen families struggle on every front—from bad credit to being denied shelter because of their children’s age or gender.

She proposed an incentive-based system where landlords partner with housing agencies. A monthly committee would track high-risk families, coordinate wraparound services, and identify openings. But it’s the system itself, she said, that locks people out.

"You can have the income and a bomb house ready," Melanie said, "but if your credit won’t allow you to get in, the problem continues."

She shared the story of a woman at church with two children. The mom was homeless, but couldn’t go to most shelters because of her 12-year-old son’s size. "He had a man’s body but a baby face," Melanie said. Many shelters don’t allow older boys, forcing moms to choose between safety and staying together.

Melanie also spoke about innovative models from her past work, like Hawaii's mobile crisis teams that deliver mail to homeless individuals.

"We’ve got to think outside the box," she concluded. "And we need to make space for families that don’t fit the cookie cutter."