Michigan Volunteers of America programs.
The national, non-profit organization known as Volunteers of America also operates in Michigan. The staff, volunteers, and partner organizations are committed to helping people in need rebuild their lives, gain stability, and make it through a short term, difficult period. The Michigan groups focus on addressing housing, homelessness, providing emergency assistance and other support. Volunteers of America can assist the most vulnerable among us, such as the elderly, infants, disabled, and sick. Some of the main services available are listed below.
Free VOA Michigan holiday programs
Adopt-A-Family will match families in need of Christmas joy with individual and/or corporate sponsors. These companies or individuals will in effect adopt the individual for the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays. The non-profit will arrange for them to get toys, new clothes, gifts, and even a free wonderful Christmas dinner. Also please donate if you can, as your gift will make a different and bring holiday joy to the less fortunate. This free holiday service is offered statewide, and more details on Michigan Volunteers of America Adopt a Family.
Coats for Kids are collected at the Eastwood Towne Centre and disbursed to both adults and children in need. This will help keep the less fortunate warm during the cold Michigan winter months. The New Hope Day Center can be reached at (517) 489-5296.
Short term and emergency homeless shelters
There are several shelters that are run by the Volunteers of America in Michigan.
- New Hope Day Center in Lansing offers a place to stay and other services. Some of what is offered includes substance abuse education, employment assistance, counseling, and other health services. Phone (517) 484-4414.
- The Lansing Women’s and Children’s Overnight Emergency Shelter offers women and children a warm, safe place to sleep. Case management services are provided too. Lansing (517) 484-4414
- Men’s Overnight Emergency Shelter is in Lansing Michigan. Call (517) 484-4414. This is a 50-bed shelter that offers men a warm, safe place to sleep.
- Emergency shelter for veterans is available. This includes the Veterans Dormitory Program (call (517) 484-4414) or the Veterans Housing Program (VHP). Together these places can offer case management; budgeting assistance; individual and group counseling; medical care; job interviewing and placement; and more for veterans.
- In addition to the shelters, Volunteers of America also runs the Community Kitchen. Free, nutritious meals (including breakfast and lunches) are served to the hungry and homeless in the area. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Dial (517) 484-4414.
The state’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, or HVRP, is a fully comprehensive employment and job training program. It can help address employment barriers, offer supportive services, and otherwise help homeless veterans and give them the ability to participate in job skills training programs while meeting their basic needs. Call the Lansing site at (517) 484-4414.
- Other veterans services are offered too. Call 877-509-8387.
Housing placement assistance from the Volunteers of America in Michigan
Permanent Housing Programs are available. The demand for them is very high and the centers have limited capacity. Some of the units are noted below.
- Coventry Place Apartments I & II in Redford is for low-income seniors and disabled individuals. Residents will need to pay 30% of their income towards rent. (313) 531-5335.
- Oak Village Square Apartments will provide housing to up to 75 seniors and elderly members. It also provides social activities. Detroit Michigan based, call (313) 934-0010.
- McDonald Senior Apartments is also for seniors in Michigan and it overlooks Harris Lake. A portion of income needs to be paid for rent. Call the Pontiac Michigan location at (248) 292-2095.
- Sumby Senior Housing of River Rouge can be reached at (313) 357-2891. The housing is for low-income seniors.
There are several other housing programs for the elderly and disabled. Some of the independent living apartment buildings are located in the communities of Detroit, River Rouge, Redford Township, Pontiac and Buena Vista Township. They are low income, subsidized housing units and apartments. Residents will need to pay a portion of their income towards monthly rent. A focus of the housing is on the disabled and senior citizens. Some of the main housing programs are below.
- Partridge Creek Senior Village
- Buena Vista Senior Community - Buena Vista Twp.
- Sumby Senior Housing - River Rouge
- Liberty Commons Apartments/Townhomes - Battle Creek
Financial aid and community resources
Volunteers of America has several partner organization and charities in Michigan that they work with or offer referrals too. Some of those groups are noted below.
The THAW, or Heat and Warmth Fund, is for paying heating and utility bills. The non-profit organization can offer low-income individuals and families with emergency energy bill assistance. They also have information on conservation and advocate for long-term energy solutions.
God's Helping Hands is made up of local churches. This particular charity group provides assistance in the counties of Oakland, Macomb, and Lapeer counties. Some services may also be offered for other counties in Southeast Michigan. Qualified low income families may receive free clothing and food. Anyone can receive help from God's Helping Hands, regardless of religion.
The Christian Woman's Alliance is a key Michigan Volunteers of America. The organization is a local non-profit that helps qualified clients in taking charge of there well-being. Most of the aid is provided from referrals. The organization offers benefits such as utility bill assistance, food, shelter, clothing, help for senior citizens, and more. Call the non-profit at (248) 945-0101 or 313-989-2487.
Additional Homeless Services and housing assistance is available. The Michigan Hotel Emergency Lodging Program can arrange for shelter in motels or hotels, free food, case management services, and other assistance for families and individuals with disabilities when all other emergency shelter options are exhausted. The hotel vouchersS are offered for free to qualified families.
The Michigan Volunteers of America works to end veteran homelessness. The non-profit has decided to make this a strategic priority and one of their main goals. Some of the transitional housing units and resources for veterans are noted below.
Detroit - There is a 60-bed Housing Program. It provides assistance such as case management; medical care; individual and group counseling; substance abuse treatment; credit repair; job interviewing and placement technique, and more.
Lansing veterans can also get help from Volunteers of America Michigan. There are transitional housing programs in this city and county as well. Case management, food, employment assistance, and other social services are all administered.
Niles is supported by a program as well. Veterans can receive housing, basic health care, and recreational opportunities.
A program known as Capital Area Stand Down for Homeless Veterans runs once a year in downtown Lansing. Multiple service providers and charities services to veterans, including hair cuts, social security advice, health screenings, legal services, eye and vision testing, job assistance, clothing, free food and supplies and more to those in need of help.
Volunteers of America Michigan Thrift Stores are open to the general public. The organization and its volunteers will collect donated items, clothing, furniture and more and sell them to the public. Proceeds from the sale of these donated items go to fund the vital social services and financial aid programs that are administered by the organization. The main thrift stores are below.
- 1135 N. Belsay Road, Burton, dial (810) 223-0420
- 5411 South Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48911, (517) 272-3126
- 3800 West Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48917, call (517) 703-9088 for hours.
- Corunna Thrift Store, 2520 E. Main Street, Corunna, MI 48817, main phone 989-472-4977
Contact information for main VOA programs in Michigan
There are various housing programs, assistance, and other support offered, as noted above. However the main Michigan Volunteers of America offices are as follows.
- 21415 Civic Center Drive, Suite 210, Southfield, Michigan 48076, phone number is (248) 945-0101
- 430 North Larch Street, Lansing, Michigan 48912, dial (517) 484-4414.
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