Detroit Expands Winter Shelter Capacity to Combat Homelessness
As winter approaches, Detroit is proactively bolstering its emergency shelter system by introducing an additional 250 beds compared to last year. The effort is part of a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness in the city, ensuring that every resident has access to a warm and secure place during the cold months.
Under Mayor Mike Duggan’s 7-Point Plan to Improve Detroit’s Emergency Homelessness Response System, the city has enhanced collaboration among the Housing & Revitalization Department, Detroit Police Department, and non-profit service providers. This coordinated effort ensures that homeless individuals receive timely assistance, regardless of the time.
Expanded Shelter Facilities and Services
This year, Detroit will offer over 1,700 shelter beds, marking an increase from the previous winter. The city is also prepared for “Code Blue” emergencies with additional standby shelter options. Mayor Duggan stated, “Over the past several years and with the support of City Council, we have significantly increased our resources and outreach to assist those experiencing homelessness during the winter and have added even more resources this year.”
The city’s winter response strategy involves expanding year-round shelter capacities, activating warming center beds, doubling Drop-In beds, and maintaining standby shelters. This includes:
- A total of more than 1,700 beds citywide, with an increase of about 250 beds compared to the last winter.
- A minimum of 220 Drop-In Center beds for immediate shelter access, 100 Warming Center Beds, and 50 additional standby beds for emergency weather conditions.
- Enhanced street outreach and collaboration with the Detroit Police Department to guide residents to Drop-In locations.
- Shelters will continue to work alongside non-profit organizations to connect residents with immediate shelter and long-term housing solutions.
Support for At-Risk Families
In June 2023, the City of Detroit announced the establishment of a new City office dedicated to assisting Detroiters facing housing displacement. The Detroit Housing Services (DHS) office, managed by the Housing and Revitalization Department, offers direct case management to help residents navigate the complex process of finding stable housing.
The newly launched Housing Stability division aims to aid families with minor children who are staying with friends or family without a lease and are at imminent risk of homelessness within two weeks. The division provides case management and direct services such as employment assistance, obtaining vital documents, and move-in cost support to prevent these families from entering the emergency shelter system.
Julie Schneider, Director of the city of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department, emphasized, “Each winter, our priority is making sure every Detroiter has a safe, warm place to go—and this year, we are expanding our system in ways that not only respond to immediate crisis, but prevent families from ever entering homelessness in the first place.”
Strategic Improvements to Homelessness Response
In 2024, Detroit released its inaugural Strategic System Improvement Plan for Detroit’s Homelessness Response System. This extensive plan aims to enhance the city’s approach to homelessness prevention and response by increasing shelter capacity, streamlining services, and facilitating connections to housing, employment, and behavioral health support.
The strategy is coordinated by the Housing & Revitalization Department (HRD) in partnership with the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND) and various community organizations and departments.
For further information on Detroit’s homelessness response efforts, visit detroitmi.gov/departments/housing-and-revitalization-department/homelessness.
If you are experiencing a housing crisis or require emergency shelter, please call 866-313-2520, available 24 hours for residents experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
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