Detroit Extends Emergency Shelters as Severe Cold Weather Persists

Detroit Expands Emergency Shelters Amidst Severe Cold Snap

As Detroit faces severe winter temperatures, the city has taken steps to ensure its residents are protected from the extreme cold. Emergency stand-by shelters and respite locations have been extended to provide safe, warm spaces for those in need.

Denise Fair Razo, the Chief Public Health Officer, has officially prolonged a cold weather health emergency to bolster efforts aimed at safeguarding residents during this harsh weather. City officials remain vigilant, closely tracking updates from the National Weather Service to take necessary measures for resident safety.

“Our priority is keeping every Detroiter safe and warm. During these bitter cold conditions, the City of Detroit is making sure every resident has access to a safe and warm place,” stated Mayor Mary Sheffield. “If you need shelter, call our Housing HelpLine at 866-313-2520, visit any police precinct, or go directly to a stand-by shelter. No one should have to face this extreme cold alone.”

In response to the plunging temperatures, organizations like Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Pope Francis Center, and Neighborhood Service Organization have activated overnight standby shelter services.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Stand-by Shelter at 13130 Woodward Avenue will operate until Monday, February 2, at 12 p.m. This location accommodates families and single adults.

Pope Francis Center Stand-by Shelter at 2915 W. Hancock will also operate until Monday, February 2, at 12 p.m. This location is designated for single adults only.

Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) Stand-by location at 882 Oakman Blvd will remain open until Monday, February 2, at 12 p.m. This site caters to single adults only.

Medical Assistance for Those Out in the Cold

If someone’s immediate safety is at risk due to the weather, it is advised to call 911 for a welfare check.

Access to Overnight Stand-by Shelter

Residents can utilize the temporary overnight stand-by shelters at any time, either by walking in without a referral or by contacting the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520, available 24/7.

For those sleeping outside and needing assistance after hours, visiting a police precinct can connect them with outreach teams for overnight services. Additionally, in-person visits to CAM sites at Cass Community Social Services at 12025 Woodrow Wilson or NOAH at Central at 23 E. Adams on the second floor are available. More information can be found on the CAM Detroit website.

The City of Detroit, in partnership with local organizations, operates approximately 1,700 emergency shelter and drop-in center beds. Those experiencing a housing crisis or needing emergency shelter should contact the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520.

Access to Shelter Outside Normal Business Hours

(After 6 p.m. on weekdays or 24/7 on weekends)

Call 866-313-2520 to connect with a Street Outreach team, Motor City Mitten Mission.

Visit the nearest police station: Detroit Police Precincts.

Walk into the temporary overnight Stand-By shelter sites anytime without a referral.

Respite Locations

The City of Detroit recreation centers and Detroit Public Library branches are serving as respite locations during regular business hours.

Detroit Recreation Centers

Adams-Butzel, 10500 Lyndon: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

B. Ford Community Center, 100 Lenox: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval: Mon-Fri 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Closed Sat

Chandler Park Fieldhouse, 12300 Chandler Park Drive: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Clemente Recreation Center, 2631 Bagley: Mon-Fri 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Sat

Coleman Young Recreation Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Crowell Recreation Center, 16630 Lahser: Mon-Fri 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive: Mon-Fri 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Brock: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Helen Moore Community Center, 11825 Dexter Blvd.: Mon-Fri 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd.: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort St.: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon: Mon-Fri 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Sat

Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Detroit Public Library Branches

All Detroit Public Library branches are open during their normal hours for residents seeking warmth.

The Main Library: Mon, Thu-Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue-Wed noon – 8 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Bowen Branch, 3648 W. Vernor Hwy.: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Campbell Branch, 8733 W. Vernor Hwy.: Mon & Wed noon – 8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Chandler Park Branch, 12800 Harper: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Chaney Branch, 16101 Grand River Ave.: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Chase Branch, 17731 W. 7 Mile Rd.: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Conely Branch, 4600 Martin: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Duffield Branch, 2507 W. Grand Blvd.: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Elmwood Park Branch, 550 Chene: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Franklin Branch, 13651 E. McNichols: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Hubbard Branch, 12929 W. McNichols: Mon & Wed noon – 8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Jefferson Branch, 12350 E. Outer Drive: Mon & Wed noon – 8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Lincoln Branch, 1221 E. Seven Mile Road: Mon & Wed noon – 8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Parkman Branch, 1766 Oakman Blvd.: Mon & Wed noon – 8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Redford Branch, 21200 Grand River Ave.: Mon & Wed noon – 8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sherwood Forest Branch, 7117 W. Seven Mile Road: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.

Wilder Branch, 7140 E. 7 Mile Rd.: Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Mon & Wed noon – 8 p.m.

Other Resources

If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-864-2338 for immediate help.

If you are facing a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8 or the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-241-4949.

HelpLine Resources

The City of Detroit is dedicated to providing not only shelter to those without housing but also resources to help residents achieve long-term stability. The Detroit Housing Services (DHS) office and the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine offer support for housing emergencies. Since its inception, DHS has successfully placed 5,168 residents in permanent housing and stabilized 764 households with temporary housing.

DHS and the HelpLine offer assistance with several housing-related issues, including:

Assistance with finding, applying, and moving into stable, affordable, and permanent housing

Financial support to cover moving costs

Help with employment to ensure residents can remain housed after relocation

Addressing property condition complaints, such as lack of heating

Individuals at risk of becoming unhoused or currently without housing should reach out to the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520. Based on their needs, they will be connected to resources that can prevent homelessness or provide street outreach assistance.

Respite Location Map: Detroit Respite Locations