Wayne County assistance programs.

Find ways to get help with bills, and programs that offer long term support.

If you are struggling in today’s weak economy, the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency provides a wide range of programs, resources, and services to low-income persons in Wayne County. The agency does not cover the metro Detroit area. Some of those resources, as well as contact information, are listed below. Also at the bottom find information on other non-profit organizations and charities.

Rent assistance and homeless prevention

Wayne County’s Rent Assistance and Homeless Prevention Program provides case management and grants to struggling households. Families and individuals with children who are at risk of being evicted from their apartment or home, or who may otherwise become homeless are eligible for this program. If you apply and are accepted, you can receive short-term support such as assistance with paying your utility bills, mortgage help, or help with paying your rent. In addition, you may be able to receive guidance and counseling through life-skills coaching including finances and budgeting, credit counseling, health and nutrition, and links to other family and community resources. Participants in the program will eligible for up to one year of support, with up to six additional months for a follow up period. Call Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is 734-246-2280.

Emergency and crisis assistance

This program will identify the needs of families and provide them with information and referral to both external and internal resources including clothing, food, and other supportive services. Clients can get direct assistance and grants to help with utilities, rent, mortgage, food voucher services, and heating bills. The Outreach workers act as the agency's liaisons to the five Regional Advisory Councils. Find other ways to get mortgage help. Learn more.

 

 

 

Wayne Metro's Weatherization Assistance Program

This is a free program that is funded through the United States Department of Energy and it offers energy assistance to income-eligible home owners and renters in Wayne County, including Hamtramck, Highland Park, Dearborn, and Harper Woods the Grosse Pointes. Weatherization saves people money, and it works by reducing household energy consumption through cost-effective, energy efficiency measures that are free to the homeowner, including:

• Window Repair/Replacement
• Attic, Floor, or Wall Insulation
• Steel Replacement Doors
• Storm Windows
• Roof Replacement (in some cases)
• Programmable Thermostat
• Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
• Furnace and Duct Replacement or Repair
• Roof Repairs
• Ceiling and Wall Repairs
• Smoke Detectors

Assistance From The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

It was designed to strengthen and revitalize Wayne County residential neighborhoods through the renovation of low to moderate income, owner occupied homes throughout the area. This assistance program is made possible through a partnership between the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (734-246-2280) and Out-Wayne County municipalities. The CDBG Program has a goal of providing income-eligible homeowners with a one-time, 0% interest deferred loans or cash grant that is used to make improvements and repairs to their homes, and ensure they are safe, livable, and modernized.

 

 

Wayne Metro's Employment & Training Program

For the thousands who are unemployed, this program works to improve peoples job readiness and employment skill level. Employment counselors and other professionals help to identify barriers that can delay or hinder employment and then they work with applicants to develop Individualized Service Plans based on client goals. They offer computer training, work experience programs, and more.

They have several offices and locations throughout the area. The main office is at 2121 Biddle, Ste. 102, Wyandotte, MI and the phone number for Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is 734-246-2280. Call them for more information or to apply.

Wayne County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention program

This program provides expert advice and a variety of other services from counselors who are part of the county's Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program. Counselors from the program say that about one-third of foreclosure filings are preventable, and people need to ask for help.

The county's foreclosure assistance program has been in place for over three years, and it does a great job in connecting homeowners with certified housing counselors who can efficiently and quickly help homeowners with their mortgage problems, and the program ensures confidentiality.

Counselors will work directly with the homeowner, and their bank or lender to explore all options and solutions that may be available. This may involve mediation sessions, loan modifications, and interest rate reductions.

Click here to find other ways to get mortgage assistance, or dial (313) 833-2948 to learn more about Wayne County’s Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program.

Reduced priced health care in the Detroit area for low income and under and uninsured

Advantage Health Centers provides various types of medical care for adults and children. Fees for the service may be based on a sliding scale. Call (313) 369-1960 to learn more or make an appointment.

Detroit based Cass Community Social Services (phone number (313) 833-1168) provides outpatient health care services to several dozen patients per week. Among other services, they offer tests and free prescription drugs. They provide information on drug companies programs, such as the Merck patient assistance program.

Detroit Community Health Connection provides basic health care services, and the price of the care will be based on the patients ability to pay for their bills. Among other services they offer physical examinations, and immunizations. Dial (313) 897-7700.

Saint John Health System has a location in Wayne County and Detroit. They are a community clinic that provides basic health care services to those in need, including immunizations, preventative care, physical examinations, consultations, family planning, diagnosis and treatment of common ailments, and nutrition assistance. Some health care assistance is free, and some will be based on a sliding scale. (313) 567-7462

There are about ten other clinics as well as health and dental centers in Wayne County. Many offer care to the low income and uninsured in the community too, often using a sliding fee scale. Read more Wayne County clinics.

Utility, Dental, Health Care, and Dental Assistance

Several other organizations and charities assist Wayne County families. They include:

• DTE Case Management (utility bills) - 800.545.8064
• Salvation Army (energy bills, dental assistance, rent, and food) - 734.453.5464
• Calvary Baptist Church, Focus Hope, and Salvation Army (food)  - 734.455.0022 or 313.494.4600.

Rent and energy assistance in Wayne County

Neighborhood Legal Services in Wayne County Michigan offers short term financial assistance for people facing a short to mid term hardship. The agency provides limited financial assistance and grants for paying rent, leasing of rental units, back unpaid rent and rental arrearages, security and utility deposits, utility and heating bill arrearages and they will even provide utility bill payments to prevent homelessness and assist those who are currently homeless. The program is known as the HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND RAPID REHOUSING PROGRAM (HPRP). Unfortunately it does not provide mortgage payment assistance for homeowners but may be able to offer utility bill assistance to people struggling with their mortgage. (313) 964-1975.

Another agency to turn to for rent help, eviction prevention services and money for utility bills is the United Community Housing Coalition. (313) 963-3310

Friendship House ((313) 871-7443) in another place to turn to for help. They can provide funding to help individuals pay their heating, electric, and water utilities, rent and even funds for mortgage payments.

Southwest Solutions ((313) 963-6601) runs the homeless prevention and rapid rehousing program. Offers limited financial assistance for paying security deposits and rent help, with the goal of preventing homelessness in the Detroit and Wayne County Michigan area. They can also assist those who are currently homeless.

Health Emergency Lifeline Programs - HIV/AIDs patients can apply for prescription medications, emergency housing, hating, and utility bill assistance. Patients families can apply for the programs too.
1726 Howard Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48216, (313) 832-3300.

Community And Home Supports - Funds and grants can be provided to pay rent, deposits, electric, heating, or utility bills. Up to $1500 can be paid out. 2111 Woodward Ave. Suite 608, The Palms Building, Detroit, Michigan 48201, (313) 964-2566.

Every year thousands of families face evictions and homelessness in Detroit and Wayne County. A couple dozen agencies administer low income housing and rent assistance programs. More on Detroit rent assistance programs.

Financial assistance for various expenses and bills

Saint Christine Christian Services (phone number (313) 535-7272) provides emergency financial assistance for different types of expenses. The programs are made available to residents of the Brightmoor area. They types of aid provided include financial assistance once/year with paying rent, mortgage help, utility payment bill assistance, prescription medications, bus fare, and even funds for medical bills.

Society of Saint Vincent DePaul - Archdiocese of Detroit, which can be reached at (313) 393-2930, is a place that offers temporary financial assistance for expenses such as heating and utility bills, rent, and other bills. Families and individuals who are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis or emergency and have insufficient resources to obtain essential services may be able to qualify for help. They can also provide food, clothing, and even run a vehicle donation program.

Michigan Department of Human Services may be able to provide help to families and individuals facing conditions of some type of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety of the individuals. Programs offered include Home Rehabilitation Grants, Mortgage Payment Assistance, Moving Expense Assistance, Household Goods Vouchers, Property Tax Payment Assistance, Water Bill Service Payment Assistance, Rent Payment Assistance, Rental Deposit Assistance, Undesignated Temporary Financial Assistance, Utility Deposit Assistance. Phone (313) 361-7300.

Additional Wayne County Department of Human Services offices are located below

• 1505 Suncrest Dr., Lapeer, Michigan 48446, call (810) 667-0800
• 6534 W. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48209, (313) 554-8300
• 12140 Joseph Campau St., Hamtramck, Michigan 48212, phone (313) 892-0180
• 25637 Ecorse Rd., Taylor, MI 48180, (313) 375-2500

Wayne County Veterans Affairs Department - Former and discharged veterans, and their families including wives, widows, husbands, children, mothers, and other immediate family members can apply for rent, utility, and energy bill assistance. Also access a free food pantry, groceries, and other aid. 28 W Adams Suite 1710, Grand Park Centre Bldg., Detroit, Michigan 48226, phone (313) 224-5045

City of Detroit Department of Human Services – This may be the leading community action agency in the city of Detroit. This organization covers residents who reside the metro area. They operate in four offices around the city, and the addresses and phone numbers are below. The primary resource they offer is the Community Services Division, and it can provide services, including information on grant programs and financial assistance, to the low income. Some of the programs they can, or have knowledge on, include to the Head Start, one-time emergency aid for utilities or heating bills, and home weatherization.  Other services provided to the disadvantaged include emergency food, budget and debt counseling, summer lunch program, and tax assistance.

• Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers, Detroit, MI 48235, Call (313) 887-6656
• Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval, Detroit, MI 48214, Telephone (313) 852-4786
• 13303 E. McNichols, Detroit, MI 48205, call (313) 628-0775
• 5031 Grandy, Detroit, MI 48211, telephone: (313) 852-5634

Water bills and sewer expenses - Families who are faced with water service shut off may be able to receive grants or financial assistance to pay their bills. Priority is provided to seniors, families with children, the disabled, and other high risk individuals who are faced with difficulties not of their doing. Find more information on Detroit water bill assistance programs and resources.

 

 

Wayne County assistance programs and non-profits agencies that also help anyone across Michigan

Below is information on agencies, non-profits and assistance programs that help families and individuals  across Detroit and Wayne County.

• Michigan Section 8 housing
• Michigan mortgage assistance and foreclosure programs
• Michigan food banks
• Michigan free HUD foreclosure and housing counseling
• Michigan heating and utility bill help
• Michigan free legal advice
• Dental clinics can provide free care. Click here.
• Michigan free health care

Mortgage delinquency counseling, debt reduction, and credit repair

There are several non-profit agencies that offer these types of services to homeowners, borrowers, and people who need financial assistance. In addition to the organizations listed below, find additional Wayne County credit counseling services.

Greenpath Debt Solutions - Receive free HUD certified and housing counseling to deal with foreclosures. Dial (800) 550-1961.

Bethel Housing Counseling Agency - Homeowners in Detroit can turn to this organization. They help people deal with debt concerns, offer information on mortgage payment and assistance programs, and can provide foreclosure counseling. Phone (313) 833-9912.

Southwest Solutions - Counselors will work with Wayne County homeowners, lenders, and banks to re-negotiate mortgages into more manageable interest rates, waive fees and agree to new terms. Foreclosure prevention counseling services are available to low to moderate income homeowners. The services are free to qualified individuals. Phone (313) 841-9641.

Detroit HUD agencies and law firms - There are several federal government certified HUD counseling agencies and law firms in the Detroit Michigan and Wayne County area that provide both mortgage help and foreclosure solutions. Read more on Detroit foreclosure prevention programs.

Free food and vouchers in Wayne County Michigan

Several churches, non-profits, and organizations to turn to include:

• City Mission Harvest - Provides food packages and groceries to low income individuals and families. Dial (313) 541-3531.
• Delray United Action Council - (313) 297-7921
• Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries - Provides emergency food assistance. Usually 2-3 days worth of food is offered. (313) 993-6703.
• Grace Temple Church of God in Christ - Call the church at (313) 931-4040. They offer food in a crisis.
• The Safe Center provides food products and groceries that are acquired through affiliation with Forgotten Harvest and distributes to individuals in need. Phone (313) 839-6664.

City of Detroit

The options and resources above cover the entire county. You can also find a listing of some services that are tailored more for the city of Detroit. Learn more.