Detroit Opens Shelters and Respite Centers Amid Extreme Cold Emergency

Detroit Residents Offered Shelters and Respite as Temperatures Plummet

As Detroit braces for plummeting temperatures, resources have been mobilized to ensure citizens can find warmth and safety. With the mercury predicted to dip into single digits and wind chills expected to be below zero, the City of Detroit is taking action to help its residents. Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo has declared a cold weather health emergency to safeguard those most vulnerable during this extreme cold spell.

Overnight Shelters and Daytime Respite Locations

To provide overnight refuge, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries will open a stand-by shelter at 13130 Woodward Avenue starting Friday, December 12, at 8 p.m. until Tuesday, December 16, at 9 a.m. Residents can access this shelter without a referral by walking in or contacting the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520, which operates around the clock.

For those needing immediate help after hours, going to a police precinct post-6 p.m. or over the weekend will connect them with outreach teams for overnight assistance. Alternatively, in-person assessments are available at Cass Community Social Services and NOAH at Central during specified hours. Detailed information can be found at https://camdetroit.org/.

Comprehensive Shelter Resources

Detroit’s network of more than 1,700 emergency shelter and Drop-In center beds is ready to accommodate residents facing housing crises. The Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine, accessible at 866-313-2520, offers assistance Monday through Saturday during business hours and connects individuals to street outreach services outside these hours.

Finding Shelter After Regular Hours

For those seeking shelter during non-business hours, two options are available:

Contact 866-313-2520 to connect with a Street Outreach team.

Visit the nearest police station. A list of precincts can be accessed here.

Additional Emergency Resources

If you’re in a domestic violence situation, the Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-866-864-2338. For mental health emergencies, dial 9-8-8 or the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-241-4949.

Detroit Housing Services and Helpline

The Detroit Housing Services office and Resource Helpline continue to support residents with housing crises, having placed thousands in permanent housing. The Helpline provides assistance with finding and securing stable housing, financial aid for moving, employment assistance, and addressing property condition complaints.

Respite Locations in Detroit

To escape the cold during the day, residents can visit Detroit Public Library branches and City recreation centers during normal operating hours. Specific locations and their hours include:

City of Detroit Recreation Centers

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

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

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

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

Detroit Public Library Branches

Main Library: Mon & Thu-Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tue & Wed 12 p.m. – 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 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Campbell Branch, 8733 W. Vernor Hwy.: Mon & Wed 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.