Emergency Shelter and Respite Locations Activated in Detroit Amid Severe Cold
As winter’s chill grips Detroit, the city has taken decisive action to safeguard its residents from the biting cold. In collaboration with local partners, Detroit is offering emergency shelter and respite locations to ensure access to warm and safe spaces for those in need.
Emergency Measures in Place
In response to the frigid conditions, Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo has declared a cold weather health emergency. The city is monitoring weather conditions closely and coordinating with the National Weather Service to adapt as necessary. Mayor Mary Sheffield emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “This winter has brought a historically long stretch of dangerously cold temperatures, which makes it all the more important that the City and its partners continue to ensure that residents who need a safe, warm place to stay have access to one.”
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Stand-by Shelter
Starting Friday, February 6 at 6 p.m., Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries will operate an overnight stand-by shelter at 13130 Woodward Avenue. This facility will remain open through Monday, February 9 at 12 p.m., accommodating families and single adults seeking refuge from the cold.
Access to Shelter Services
Residents in need of shelter can access the stand-by shelter without a referral. They can walk in directly or call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520 for assistance. Additionally, police precincts are available to connect individuals sleeping outdoors to outreach teams.
Respite Locations
Detroit recreation centers and public library branches are also designated as respite locations, providing warmth during regular operating hours. The recreation centers include:
- Adams-Butzel, 10500 Lyndon, Detroit 48238: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- A.B. Ford Community Center, 100 Lenox, Detroit 48215: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval, Detroit 48214: Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed Saturday
- Chandler Park Fieldhouse, 12300 Chandler Park Drive, Detroit 48213: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- And more locations available during specified hours.
Public Library Availability
The Detroit Public Library branches offer additional respite options. The Main Library is open Monday and Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday from noon – 8 p.m.; Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Other branches follow varying schedules.
Medical and Emergency Assistance
For immediate safety concerns, residents should call 911. In cases of domestic violence, the Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-864-2338 is available. For mental health emergencies, contact 9-8-8 or the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-241-4949.
Long-term Housing Support
The Detroit Housing Services (DHS) office and the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine offer support for housing emergencies. Since its inception, DHS has placed over 5,168 residents in permanent housing and stabilized 764 households with temporary solutions. Assistance includes help with finding and applying for housing, financial support for moving, and employment assistance to maintain housing stability. For more information, visit camdetroit.org/get-help/.
Additional Resources
For a map of respite locations, visit detroitmi.gov/respitelocations.
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