Housing Assistance Resources in Michigan
Last updated September 22, 2026
Michigan residents facing housing instability — whether that means struggling to pay rent, facing eviction, experiencing homelessness, or needing emergency shelter — have access to a range of federal and state-supported programs. The fastest way to find what's available in your county is to call or text 2-1-1, Michigan's free helpline that connects callers to local housing programs, emergency shelters, utility assistance, and more, 24 hours a day.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers several key assistance programs at the state level, including those that help low-income households with rent, energy costs, and other basic needs. Eligibility for most programs is based on household income, family size, and current housing situation, so it helps to gather recent pay stubs, a photo ID, and any eviction or utility shutoff notices before you apply.
If you are in immediate danger of losing your housing, don't wait — contact 2-1-1 or reach out to your local Community Action Agency, which can often connect you with emergency funds or rapid rehousing support. Veterans, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, and people experiencing chronic homelessness may also qualify for specialized programs described below.
Key programs in Michigan
2-1-1 Michigan
A free, confidential helpline that connects Michigan residents to local housing resources including emergency shelter, rental assistance programs, eviction prevention services, food banks, and utility help. Trained specialists can search availability by ZIP code.
How to access: Call or text 2-1-1 any time, day or night. You can also search online at michigan.211.org. Available in multiple languages.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — Housing and Homelessness Programs
MDHHS oversees state-level programs addressing homelessness, emergency shelter funding, and housing stability. Local MDHHS offices can connect residents to emergency assistance, State Emergency Relief (SER) for housing costs including rent and mortgage payments, and referrals to local shelter networks.
How to access: Apply online through the Michigan Bridges portal at michigan.gov/mdhhs, visit your local MDHHS office, or call 1-855-275-6424. State Emergency Relief applications are processed through local MDHHS offices.
HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) — Michigan Local Networks
HUD funds local Continuum of Care networks across Michigan to coordinate homeless services including emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing for individuals and families. Each Michigan region has its own CoC lead agency.
How to access: Call 2-1-1 to be connected to your regional CoC or find a local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) intake point. You can also search HUD's resource locator at hud.gov/findhelp.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Michigan
Federally funded program administered by MDHHS that helps low-income Michigan households pay heating and cooling bills, preventing utility shutoffs that can destabilize housing. Assistance amounts vary based on income, household size, and fuel costs.
How to access: Apply through the Michigan Bridges portal at michigan.gov/mdhhs, at your local MDHHS office, or through a local Community Action Agency. Call 2-1-1 for help locating the nearest application site and to learn about current enrollment periods.
VA Homeless Veterans Programs — Michigan
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs for Michigan veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including HUD-VASH (permanent housing vouchers paired with case management), the SSVF rapid rehousing and prevention program administered through local nonprofits, and drop-in services at VA medical centers.
How to access: Contact the nearest VA medical center in Michigan (located in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Iron Mountain, Saginaw, and other cities) or call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838), available 24/7.
Housing Assistance resources for Michigan
Greenpath Financial Wellness
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Greenpath, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Habitat For Humanity Of Oakland County, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Jefferson East, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Matrix Human Services
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Michigan State University Extension Service -Wayne Detroit
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Monroe County Opportunity Program
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Msue- Macomb County (Warren)
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Oakland County Housing Counseling
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Southwest Economic Solutions Dba Miwealth
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
211 Housing & Shelter
NationwideLocal shelter, rental, and housing assistance referrals. Dial 211.
National Low Income Housing Coalition
NationwideResources and local referrals for affordable housing and rental assistance.
Other resources in Michigan
- Food Assistance in Michigan
- Utility Assistance in Michigan
- Transportation Assistance in Michigan
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Michigan
- Mental Health Resources in Michigan
- Domestic Violence Resources in Michigan
- Disability Resources in Michigan
- Veteran Resources in Michigan
- Child & Family Assistance in Michigan
- Senior Resources in Michigan