Detroit’s Expanded Efforts to Provide Shelter Amidst Severe Cold
As Detroit faces dangerously cold temperatures, city officials are ramping up efforts to provide safe and warm environments for its residents. In collaboration with local organizations, the city has extended its emergency stand-by shelters and respite locations to protect individuals from the harsh winter conditions.
The City of Detroit, alongside partners such as the Neighborhood Service Organization, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, and the Pope Francis Center, has announced the activation of overnight stand-by shelters. These facilities will be operational until noon on January 27, ensuring that those in need have access to warmth and safety.
- Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) Stand-by Location: 882 Oakman Blvd will open its doors for single adults starting Friday, January 23, from 6 p.m. through January 27 at 12 p.m.
- Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Stand-by Shelter: Located at 13130 Woodward Avenue, this site accommodates families and single adults and will remain operational through January 27 at 12 p.m.
- Pope Francis Center Stand-by Shelter: Situated at 2915 W. Hancock, this shelter is open to single adults until January 27 at 12 p.m.
For those seeking respite during regular operating hours, Detroit’s recreation centers and public library branches are available as warm spaces. Residents can visit these locations to escape the cold.
Medical Assistance for Cold Weather Concerns
In cases where immediate safety is a concern due to the cold weather, individuals are urged to call 911 for a welfare check.
Accessing Emergency Shelters
Residents can access temporary overnight stand-by shelters at any time by walking in without a referral or by calling the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520, which is available 24/7. Additionally, those sleeping outside can visit a police precinct to connect with an outreach team for assistance with overnight services.
In-person assistance is also available at CAM sites located at Cass Community Social Services, 12025 Woodrow Wilson, or NOAH at Central, 23 E. Adams on the second floor. Further information can be found at camdetroit.org/get-help/.
Currently, Detroit has approximately 1,700 emergency shelter and drop-in center beds operated in partnership with local organizations. For housing crises or emergency shelter needs, residents should contact the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520.
After-Hours Shelter Access
For individuals needing shelter outside of normal business hours, there are three options available:
Respite Locations
Detroit recreation centers and public library branches serve as respite locations during specific days and hours.
Detroit Recreation Centers
All recreation centers are open during regular business hours, offering a refuge from the cold.
- Adams-Butzel, 10500 Lyndon: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- A.B. Ford Community Center, 100 Lenox: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Detroit Public Library Branches
All branches are available during their normal operating hours for residents needing warmth. The Main Library operates on varied schedules throughout the week.
- Bowen Branch, 3648 W. Vernor Hwy.: Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon – 8 p.m.
- Campbell Branch, 8733 W. Vernor Hwy.: Mon. & Wed. from noon – 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Additional Resources
For individuals facing domestic violence, Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-866-864-2338. For mental health emergencies, contact 9-8-8 or the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-241-4949.
HelpLine Resources
Detroit Housing Services (DHS) and the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine offer assistance for residents facing housing emergencies. Since its inception, DHS has aided over 5,000 residents in securing permanent housing and stabilized hundreds of households with temporary housing.
The HelpLine offers assistance in several areas, such as finding affordable housing, financial aid for moving costs, employment support to maintain housing stability, and addressing property condition complaints.
Individuals at risk of becoming unhoused or currently unhoused should contact the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520 for assistance tailored to their needs.
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