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Free Resources for Detroit Families Facing Financial Hardship

10 min readMarch 15, 2026Financial Help

If you're struggling to make ends meet, you're not alone. Thousands of Detroit families face financial hardship every day—and there's no shame in asking for help. In fact, that's exactly what these resources are here for.

We've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find the assistance you need, whether it's food for your family, help with utility bills, housing support, or services for your children. Many of these programs have no documentation requirements, and most are completely free.

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Note: Information is current as of March 2026. Programs and availability may change. When in doubt, call the listed phone numbers to confirm eligibility and availability.

Jump to a Category

Food Assistance

Gleaners Community Food Bank

Largest food bank in Southeast Michigan. Find a distribution site near you.

866-GLEANERVisit Website
Multiple locations throughout Detroit

Forgotten Harvest

Rescues surplus food and distributes to those in need. No documentation required.

248-967-1500Visit Website
Distribution sites across Metro Detroit

SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)

Apply for monthly food assistance through Michigan DHHS.

844-799-9876Visit Website
Apply online or at local DHHS office

WIC Program

Nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

800-26-MIWICVisit Website
Multiple clinic locations

Utility Assistance

THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund)

Emergency assistance for utility bills. Can help prevent shutoffs.

800-866-THAWVisit Website
Apply online or by phone

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy)

Federal program for heating and cooling bill assistance.

844-799-9876Visit Website
Apply through local Community Action Agency

DTE Energy Assistance

Payment plans, shutoff protection, and assistance programs for DTE customers.

800-477-4747Visit Website
Call or apply online

Wayne Metro Community Action

Utility assistance, weatherization, and emergency services.

313-388-9799Visit Website
7310 Woodward Ave, Detroit

Housing & Rent Help

CERA (COVID Emergency Rental Assistance)

Rental and utility assistance for qualifying households.

866-313-2520Visit Website
Apply online through MSHDA

Detroit Housing Commission

Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and housing resources.

313-877-8000Visit Website
1301 E. Jefferson Ave, Detroit

Legal Aid of Southeast Michigan

Free legal help for housing issues, eviction defense, and tenant rights.

877-964-4700Visit Website
Multiple intake locations

Covenant House Michigan

Shelter and services for homeless youth ages 18-24.

313-463-2000Visit Website
2959 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Detroit

Children & Family Services

Head Start / Early Head Start

Free early childhood education for income-eligible families.

313-870-7465Visit Website
Multiple locations in Wayne County

Michigan Child Care Subsidy

Help paying for childcare while you work or attend school.

844-799-9876Visit Website
Apply through DHHS

Brilliant Detroit

Family resource centers offering free programming for children 0-8.

313-451-2294Visit Website
Multiple neighborhood hubs

Kids Food Basket

Provides nightly meals for children facing hunger.

313-459-6620Visit Website
Through participating schools

Healthcare & Mental Health

Healthy Michigan Plan

Free or low-cost health insurance for qualifying adults.

844-799-9876Visit Website
Apply online or by phone

Community Health Centers

Affordable healthcare regardless of ability to pay.

313-869-0477Visit Website
Multiple locations in Detroit

Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network

Mental health and substance abuse services for Wayne County residents.

800-241-4949Visit Website
24-hour crisis line available

Prescription Assistance Programs

Help paying for medications through manufacturer programs.

Education & Job Training

Detroit at Work

Free job training, career coaching, and employment services.

313-962-WORKVisit Website
Multiple career center locations

Focus: HOPE

Job training, education, and food assistance programs.

313-494-5500Visit Website
1400 Oakman Blvd, Detroit

Goodwill Industries

Job training, employment placement, and career services.

248-456-1000Visit Website
Multiple locations

Detroit Public Library

Free internet, job search help, GED prep, and educational resources.

313-481-1300Visit Website
5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit

El Bethel Is Here to Help

If you're a member of our community and need assistance, our church family is here for you. We offer emergency food assistance, prayer support, and can help connect you with resources.

25295 Grand River Ave, Redford, MI 48240

Remember: There's No Shame in Asking for Help

The Bible tells us to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). These resources exist because our community believes in helping each other. Whether you're going through a temporary setback or a longer season of difficulty, these programs are designed to give you a hand up.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with someone who might need it. And if you're in a position to give back, consider volunteering with or donating to these organizations—they run on the generosity of people like you.

Detroit is strong because we take care of each other. You're part of that strength.