Detroit Offers Shelters and Respite Locations Amid Cold Weather Emergency
As Detroit braces for frigid temperatures dipping into the teens, city officials are mobilizing resources to help residents seek warmth and shelter. The City of Detroit, working alongside the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, is opening temporary facilities to ensure the community can withstand the harsh winter conditions.
In response to the forecast, Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo has declared a cold weather health emergency to prioritize resident safety. Beginning Monday, December 29 at 8 p.m., an overnight stand-by shelter at 13130 Woodward Avenue will be available until Saturday, January 3 at 12 p.m. Residents can access this shelter without a referral or by calling the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520, which operates around the clock.
Overnight Shelter Access
For those needing immediate overnight accommodations, residents are encouraged to visit a police precinct after 6 p.m. or during weekends to connect with outreach teams. Additionally, the in-person CAM site at Cass Community Social Services, located at 12025 Woodrow Wilson, will operate with adjusted holiday hours on Tuesday, December 30, and Friday, January 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More details can be found at https://camdetroit.org/.
The city currently provides over 1,700 emergency shelter and Drop-In center beds in collaboration with local partners. For those experiencing a housing crisis or in need of emergency shelter, the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine remains a vital contact point available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Street Outreach services are accessible from 6 p.m. – 8 a.m. on weekdays and 24/7 on weekends and major holidays.
After-Hours Shelter Access
If you find yourself sleeping outside or in a vehicle after business hours, two key options can provide immediate assistance:
- Contact the Street Outreach team via 866-313-2520.
- Visit the nearest police station: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/police-department/precincts-and-neighborhood-police-officers.
Additional Resources
For individuals facing domestic violence, Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-866-864-2338. Mental health emergencies can be addressed by dialing 9-8-8 or contacting the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-241-4949.
The City of Detroit is dedicated not only to providing immediate shelter but also to offering resources for longer-term housing stability. The Detroit Housing Services office, in conjunction with the HelpLine, assists individuals in securing permanent housing, covering moving costs, and supporting employment efforts to maintain housing stability.
Respite Locations
Two Detroit recreation centers will function as warming centers during the cold spell:
- Adams Butzel Complex, 10500 Lyndon: Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2 from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Coleman A. Young Recreation Center, 2751 Robert Bradby: Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2 from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
In addition, Detroit Public Library branches offer warmth during regular hours, excluding the closures on Wednesday, December 31, and Thursday, January 1. Visit the Main Library or any branch for additional shelter:
- 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: Mon, Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Thu noon – 8 p.m.
- Campbell Branch: Mon & Wed noon – 8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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