Detroit Mobilizes Emergency Shelters Amid Severe Cold Weather
With a significant drop in temperature, the City of Detroit is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and warmth of its residents. In collaboration with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, the city will provide an emergency stand-by shelter and respite locations to protect citizens from the harsh winter conditions.
Denise Fair Razo, Chief Public Health Officer, declared a cold weather health emergency to bolster ongoing initiatives to safeguard the community during this severe weather spell. The city remains vigilant, closely monitoring conditions and receiving updates from the National Weather Service to take necessary actions.
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.” She encouraged those in need of shelter to reach out to the Housing HelpLine at 866-313-2520 or visit any police precinct.
Emergency Shelter Operations
The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is activating an overnight stand-by shelter at 13130 Woodward Avenue. This shelter will open from Friday, February 6 at 6 p.m. until Monday, February 9 at 12 p.m., accommodating both families and single adults.
Medical and Emergency Assistance
For immediate safety concerns due to the weather, residents are advised to call 911 for a welfare check. The temporary overnight shelter can be accessed at any time without a referral by walking in or contacting the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520, available 24/7.
If individuals are sleeping outside and require assistance after hours, they can visit a police precinct to be connected with an outreach team for overnight services. Additional in-person assistance is available at CAM sites like Cass Community Social Services and NOAH at Central. More information is available at https://camdetroit.org/get-help.
Respite Locations: Recreation Centers and Libraries
Detroit’s recreation centers and public libraries are open during regular hours as respite locations. Notable centers include:
- 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.
- Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval, Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Closed Saturday
Public Libraries
All Detroit Public Library branches are open during their normal hours for warmth and shelter:
- Main Library: Monday, Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday noon – 8 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Bowen Branch, 3648 W. Vernor Hwy., varies by day
- Campbell Branch, 8733 W. Vernor Hwy., varies by day
Additional Resources
For domestic violence emergencies, contact Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-864-2338. In case of a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8 or the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-241-4949.
Support Services
The Detroit Housing Services office and the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine are dedicated to helping residents achieve stable housing. Since its inception, DHS has successfully placed over 5,000 residents in permanent housing and provided temporary housing support to hundreds of households.
Services include assistance with finding affordable housing, financial help for moving costs, employment support, and addressing property condition complaints. Residents at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact the HelpLine at 866-313-2520 for immediate support and resources.
For more information on respite locations, visit: detroitmi.gov/respitelocations
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