Assistance programs Wayne County and Detroit Michigan.
Locate financial help in Detroit as well as Wayne County. There are places that offer help with paying housing costs (rent, mortgages, or utilities); free food; job programs; clothes including winter attire; gas vouchers and much more. Programs are focused on seniors, disabled, the working poor, or struggling households. Find how to get financial assistance near you in Detroit as well as Wayne County or free items from charities, churches and government agencies in .
A wide range of resources are offered. There is everything from free stuff for low income families in Detroit MI (including furniture, school supplies, Christmas toys and more) to emergency financial assistance to stop an eviction or utility disconnection. There are even free home repair interest free loans and grants in Wayne County. Find these and other resources below.
City of Detroit and Wayne County Community Action Resources
If you are struggling, 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 financial assistance programs, 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 is offered by the community action agency for certain tenants. Wayne County’s Rent Assistance and Homeless Prevention Program provides case management and grants to struggling households. Families and individuals with children, single moms as well as those residents with no kids 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. All of the support in the county and city will be used to stop evictions. In addition, you may be able to receive guidance and counseling through life-skills coaching. This processes includes 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 the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. The phone numbers are 734-284-6999 for downriver residents. For those that live in Detroit, they should dial 313-388-9799. Or for additional details, find eviction and rehousing help in Wayne County.
- General emergency and crisis assistance may be offered in the form of grants, loans, or “free stuff”. 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. Call them to find other ways to get mortgage help from the non-profit.
- Wayne Metro's Community Action Weatherization Assistance Program can offer free home improvements that focus on energy conservation. 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
- Some minoir home repairs can be made to the low income, disabled and elderly. More on free home repair grants.
- Wayne Metro can arrange for 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 (734-246-6999) 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 & free career training programs are for the unemployed or people seeking new skills. 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 one of two. Residents of Detroit should call 313-388-9799, and others, such as downriver should dial 734-284-6999. Call them for more information or to apply. Or find programs from Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.
Rent, utility and energy bill assistance or free stuff n Wayne County MI
Neighborhood Legal Services in Wayne County Michigan offers help to low income families and the elderly. There are free lawyers, attorneys, and staff on site. Get free legal aid, consultations and referrals. Lawyers can help deal with debt collectors, work to stop evictions or address housing discrimination issues and assist with applications to SSI, section 8 housing or other benefits. The main office is at 7310 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202. Call (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. Qualified applicants can learn about short term financial assistance for people facing a short to mid term hardship. There may be free government grant money for paying rent or advise on leasing of homes. Or get emergency financial help for security or utility deposits as well as moving costs.
The homeless, or families near it, can get help too. They will even provide utility bill payments to prevent homelessness in the form of disconnection of service. The Detroit Coalition will and assist those who are currently homeless. The program is known as the HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND RAPID REHOUSING (HPRP). Unfortunately it does not provide mortgage payment assistance for homeowners but may be able to offer energy bill assistance to people struggling with their mortgage. The phone number is (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. Other referrals, such as to shelters, may be offered by volunteers from the faith based group. More details on the Friendship House programs in Wayne County..
Free gasoline vouchers or cards can be provide in the Detroit area for employment reasons. If someone is unemployed, or has limited funds/savings and has a job interview, or a new position starting, charities can help them get some gasoline for work. It is limited and has qualifications, but learn where to get free gas vouchers.
Dozens of churches are located in Wayne County. They help families facing poverty, the homeless, and even support single parents by operating child care centers. Each faith based agency is different, but in general they may be able to offer some form of assistance. Whether it is a hot meal, cold weather shelter, or financial assistance, resources are available. More on Wayne County church assistance programs.
Southwest Solutions ((313) 963-6601) runs the homeless prevention and rapid rehousing program. Offers limited financial assistance for paying security deposits and rent help. They may also help with placement into affordable homes or apartments. The is preventing homelessness in the Detroit and Wayne County Michigan area as well as rehouse those without a place to go.
Salvation Army Emergency Services - This non-profit operates from several centers around the county and city of Detroit. They provide social services, guidance, referrals, and support. Financial assistance programs may be available as funding allows.
Qualified families can receive rent, utility bill or mortgage payment assistance. Programs can provide shelter and housing. A clients nutritional needs can be met from free food and meals, including special holiday meal and gift programs in Detroit. Or get free back to school supplies or Christmas toys as well as summer snacks for kids. Read more Detroit and Wayne County Salvation Army, including find addresses and phone numbers.
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. Address is 1726 Howard Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48216, (313) 832-3300.
Adult Well-being Services, Healthy Aging may have financial assistance for select needs. Aid may be for qualified adults experiencing a hardship. Funds can help with rent, housing repairs, and security deposits. Other bills that may be eligible include hearing aids, car repairs, dental care, eyeglasses, and prescription medications.
When it comes to the Healthy Aging organization, any support is only for low income senior citizens or their spouses. As an example, the free car repair programs are mostly done by volunteer mechanics in Detroit, who only provide discounted labor and not the parts. Some miscellaneous medical equipment may be provided.
- 1423 Field St, Detroit, Michigan 48214. Dial (313) 924-7860
- 7737 Kercheval St., Detroit, MI 48214, telephone (313) 925-1135
The Heat And Warmth Fund can help pay heating bills in Wayne County. It is for households that have an immediate need for the delivery of fuel, whose heat has been shut off, or people with a disconnect notice. Call (800) 866-8429 for details.
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, as resources allow and the client qualifies. The location is 2111 Woodward Ave. Suite 608, The Palms Building, Detroit, Michigan 48201. Call (313) 964-2566.
Low income public and private housing units are available. In some cases the individual or family can select a home or apartment to live in and in other instances Wayne County or the city of Detroit will palce an individual into a unit. Other resources available include a shelter, case management, meals, and information on employment assistance. More on low income housing Wayne County.
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. They help with deposits, offer funds to pay for rent, coordinate tenant mediation and offer other aid. More on Detroit rent assistance programs.
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, or utility bills. There are also free vouchers or gift cards for 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. More on Detroit St. Vincent programs.
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, or grants as a form of Moving Expense Assistance
Human Services can also offer free Household Goods Vouchers or Property Tax Payment Assistance or rebates for the elderly. There is also rent or Water Bill Service Payment as well as cash aid. Or get applications to SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, and even Undesignated Temporary Financial Assistance.
Other social services and grant money is offered too by the human Services offices. This government organization administers a number of assistance programs for the low income, seniors, and disabled. Qualified individuals can receive help for energy bills, rent, food, and medical care too. Read about public and government aid in Wayne County. 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
Basic needs, free furniture and clothing is offered from several non-profit organizations, furniture banks and clothing closets in Wayne County. The locations will have items such as free or low cost clothing for work or school. Other items can be sold at a low price, such as furniture, small appliances, furniture for a home and more. Some Detroit centers may have school supplies or holiday assistance too. Continue with free Detroit clothing closets, school supplies and furniture.
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
Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Metropolitan Detroit provides social services to the disadvantaged, some of which are offered regardless of religion. The agency may have grants from the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program for paying rent, utilities or security deposits. Other resources include interest-free loans, Meals on Wheels for seniors or the disabled, free food, and referrals to free medial care for low income Wayne County families. More on Wayne County Jewish Service emergency programs.
Loans - These can help any Detroit area family in need of cash. Money can be provided by payday lenders, credit unions (for members), charities, and other groups. Applications are needed, but some lenders also adjust for people with bad credit. use the money for:
- Housing costs, including rent, heating, deposits, or utility bills.
- Transportation - Gasoline, loans can pay for car repairs, bus passes, and more.
- Miscellaneous costs - Everything from food to debt consolidation, vacations, and other bills can be paid.
- Find more details on Wayne county emergency loans
Rescue Mission (DRMM) can provide some emergency services to the homeless, people facing addictions, and the poor. Some examples of the programs available in Detroit include free meals, food, and emergency shelter. Social workers also partner with guests and clients to help them move into transitional or permanent housing, gain education and employment, and get back on the road to self-sufficiency. More on Detroit Recuse Mission.
Inkster Housing and Redevelopment Commission provides section 8 vouchers and is involved in running this program in the local community. Call (313) 561-2600
Plymouth Housing Commission, which is located at 1160 Sheridan Street, Plymouth, Michigan 48170 (call (734) 455-3670 as well as Taylor Housing Commission (dial (734) 287-9460) both offer financial assistance in the form of rent vouchers. The organizations also have information on other housing solutions, such as loans for paying a security deposit or moving expenses. Or learn about affordable homes and apartments in Wayne County. They can be used by low income and working poor families to pay a portion of a tenants rent.
Detroit Area Agency On Aging provides services across Wayne County Michigan. Disabled residents and senior citizens can use the resources available. Part time jobs may be offered as part of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), home-delivered meals are available, information on housing (such as repairs or modifications) and much more. 1333 Brewery Park Blvd, Detroit, Michigan 48207. Dial (313) 446-4444, or more on Michigan senior assistance.
Free legal representation and advice from firms and volunteer attorneys is available from Wayne County Client Service Center. They can help homeowners avoid a foreclosure and tenants work with landlords on an alternative to an eviction. Other support in Detroit and surrounding towns can assist with applications to disability, help with family civil law, and assistance seniors too. More on Wayne County legal aid.
Detroit and Wayne County free holiday programs, including Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, can help low income families. Some of what may be offered to those that qualify can include a meal, free toys or clothing for children, or a holiday gift basket. Thousands of local families donate to the programs and many other benefit from these resources. Read Wayne County free Christmas and holiday assistance.
Community Housing Network is focused on helping people looking to buy a new home as well as preventing evictions. They are involved in services such as Projects for Assistance in Transition, coordinating low income housing for the disabled, and even support veterans. Many services are run. Read more Community Housing Network assistance programs.
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.
- 1801 E. Canfield, 3040 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48207. Call (313) 456-1000
- 17455 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48227. Phone 313-493-7801
- 4733 Conner, Detroit, MI 48215. Telephone - 313-926-8600
Winter gas and heating bills - Families who live in the greater metropolitan Detroit area can apply for several different private or government assistance programs. Resources can help people both pay their bills, as well as help them conserve energy and save money on their heating costs. Continue reading heating assistance in Detroit.
Detroit Volunteers of America is part of the statewide and national non-profit organization. Priority is on ending homelessness in Wayne County, however several other programs are administered as well.
- Shelter and transitional housing and apartments is available.
- The disabled and seniors can get access to low income housing, food, and referrals.
- Detroit children from low income can get free goods from programs such as Coats for Kids.
- Other resources are available. More information on Michigan Volunteers of America.
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.
Detroit Housing Commission - Assisted Housing Customer Service Center has a waiting list but can provide vouchers and assistance for making rent payments. The funds go to the landlord of private housing and apartments in Wayne County. Note that the family or individual that enrolls still needs to pay a portion of the rent themselves. 2211 Orleans Street, Detroit, MI 48207. Dial (313) 877-8807
Several other organizations and charities assist Wayne County families. They include the following. Find more detailed information on these agencies below.
- DTE Case Management (utility bills) - 800.545.8064
- Salvation Army (energy bills, dental assistance, rent, and food) - 734.453.5464
- Focus Hope (dial 313.494.4600), MIBridges and SER program (1-888-642-7434) and Wayne County Rescue Mission (food only, phone (313) 993-6703).
Catholic Charities of Detroit and SE Michigan has a number of assistance programs. They include free food or hot meals from a program known as All Saints (soup kitchen and pantry). There is low cost behavioral health counseling, free baby stuff including diapers and counseling for new moms as well as other support. Financial literacy and ESL classes are also offered, and more on Catholic Charities assistance in Detroit area.
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.
Another resource for homeowners is the Wayne County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention program. This service 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.
Free food, groceries and vouchers in Wayne County Michigan
Several churches, non-profits, and organizations to turn to include the following. There are free soup kitchens, food pantries, and benefits such as SNAP applications.
- 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.
Several other pantries, soup kitchens and food banks operate in the region. They give free groceries, hot meals, personal hygiene supplies and so much more. Find more details on Detroit area free food pantries.
Reduced priced or free health care in the Detroit area for low income and under or 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) 416-6200 to learn more or make an appointment.
Detroit based Cass Community Social Services (phone number ((313) 883-2277) 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.
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.
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