Detroit Financial Help: Top Resources 2025
Going through financial troubles can impact your life in many ways. Aside from the things you wish you could afford, you may be unable to get things you need to afford, i.e., food or medical aid. When this happens, there is no shame in seeking financial aid from outside sources.
In 2023, Detroit had a poverty rate of 33.8%, which was twice as high as Michigan’s 13.4% average. [1] There is help available for citizens of Detroit. These resources help provide the means to afford food, medical attention, and utility bills, and more.
Detroit Food Banks and Food Shelves
Detroit has multiple private and government-run organizations that help with food and basic necessities. These food banks and grocery providers have specific hours during which you can gather necessary supplies.
The four main food shelves in Detroit are as follows:
1. Child and Adult Care Food Program General Service Department (CACFP)
The CACFP program is designed to provide for both seniors and children under 19offers. This specific program offer meals throughout the week at alternative venues and times. According to the City of Detroit website, there are five main places where they serve food from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on most weekdays.
These places and days served include the following:
| Venue | Address | Days Served |
| Adams Butzel Center | 10500 Lyndon St, Detroit, MI 48238 | Monday through Friday |
| Farwell Recreation Center | 2711 Outer Dr E, Detroit, MI 48234 | Wednesday and Friday |
| Kemeny Recreation Center | 2260 S Fort St, Detroit, MI 48217 | Monday through Friday |
| Racquet Up | 6530 Outer Dr W, Detroit, MI 48235 | Monday through Thursday |
| Patton Recreation Center | 2301 Woodmere St, Detroit, MI 48209 | Monday through Friday (Off on Wednesdays) |
Remember that these places do not offer pick-up options. These only allow you to eat the meal at recreation sites.
2. Meals for Seniors
Meals for Seniors is run by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) for financially struggling seniors 60 and up. They distribute meals on Wednesdays, as they offer seniors to take away frozen food. There are no cooked meals served at these locations.
The distribution sites and time on Wednesdays include the following:
| Venue | Address | Timing (Wednesdays Only) |
| Adams Butzel Center | 10500 Lyndon St, Detroit, MI 48238 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm |
| Buzel Family Center | 7737 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214 | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center | 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm |
| Patton Recreation Center | 2301 Woodmere St, Detroit, MI 48209 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm |
They serve on a “first-come, first-served” basis, and there is no reservation for regular goers. If you are looking for cooked meals, then Farewell Recreation Center on 2711 serves hot meals during weekdays in exchange for a small donation.
3. Gleaners Groceries
Gleaners Groceries is a grocery provider that distributes once a week. Also known as Gleaners Food Bank, they serve packages that include basics like vegetables, milk, flour, rice, corn flakes, butter, etc.
Here are the timings and place for distribution:
Address: The Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd, Detroit, MI 48235
Phone: (313) 578-7500
4. Pantry Net
PantryNet is a partner of Gleaners, and they also serve groceries and cooked meals. They have mobile units, which can come anywhere to deliver groceries or hot meals. They have various locations all across Detroit, while only specific locations serve as soup kitchens (where hot meals are served).
Some of the leading locations include the following:
Basilica of St. Anne de Detroit
Address: 1000 St. Anne St., Detroit, MI 48216
Phone: 313-496-1701
Days & Hours: SAT: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Believers Community Outreach Center @ Word Believers CC
Address: 156 University Drive, Pontiac, MI 48342
Phone: 248-705-1658
Days & Hours: Tue: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Wed: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Detroit Medical And Emergency Aid Resources
Detroit has various financial aid programs for those needing assistance with medical bills. These apply to those needing emergency treatments, as well as those who require regular treatment, medication, etc.
The leading providers of medical financial aid in Detroit include the following:
1. Detroit Medical Center (DMC) - Financial Assistance Program
Detroit Medical Center (DMC) has three main locations throughout the city. All of which are required by the DMC to provide uncompensated care for patients who qualify as financially or medically indigent. This applies to urgent or emergency care throughout the DMC locations.
The eligible personnel include the following:
- Financially Indigent: Those who have income 200% or more below the Federal Poverty Level.
- Medically Indigent: Those who are uninsured get 40% – 80% discounts as long as the injury is non-catastrophic.
- Medically Indigent for Catastrophic Injury: If someone is 500% or more below the Federal Poverty Guideline, then they are entitled to 40% – 80% or more discounts.
You can call 888-730-3989 to find out more information regarding your eligibility.
2. Henry Ford Health - Financial Assistance
Henry Ford Health Care System has various clinics and medical centers throughout Detroit. At these medical centers, financial aid is provided to those who qualify for the Patient Financial Assistance Program.
This aid applies to permanent residents of the United States only, and those with an income of 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. You can call 313-916-4510 and find out more about your eligibility.
3. Corktown Health (Only for HIV-Positive Personnel)
Corktown Health is a medical clinic that provides financial assistance to eligible personnel. In this case, it’s positive personnel who are having a difficult time finding help. Other criteria include income of 250% below the Federal Poverty Level.
Aside from medical assistance, they also provide access to their food banks. You can call 313-832-3300 and inquire about your eligibility.
Is There Any Utility-Related Help Available in Detroit?
Detroit has multiple resources that help with utility bills. These financial aid programs are meant to help with electricity and water bills. Each program has specific guidelines for eligibility, but you can call them to ask about your status.
That being said, the following are the leading financial aid programs for utility bills in Detroit:
| Agency Name | Phone Number |
| Michigan Community Action (MCA) | 517-321-7500 |
| Salvation Army | 616-929-1645 |
| St. Vincent de Paul | 313-393-2930 |
| Superior Watershed | 906-273-2742 |
| THAW | 800-866-8429 |
| True North | 231-355-5880 |
| United Way SEM | 844-211-4994 |
| United Way of South-Central Michigan | 517-741-0202 |
Your eligibility may depend on due bills, current income, and status below the Federal Poverty line. Calling or visiting their website can help determine your eligibility.
Are You Losing Your House or Assets?
If you are on the verge of foreclosure and fear losing your house, then there is help available. You can also seek help from your lender or loan servicer directly. Other than that, the Federal Housing Administration also provides financial assistance for FHA-insured homeowners.
Here are the numbers you can call for assistance:
Call the National Servicing Center: 877-622-8525
Call the FHA Outreach Center: 800-225-5342
If you need any further assistance to prevent foreclosure, then a consultation with a foreclosure attorney at Frego & Associates can also help you.
Is a Detroit Bankruptcy The Answer For You?
Bankruptcy may be the answer, especially if you are in significant debt. As a salaried person, business owner, etc., you can file for various types of bankruptcies to prevent foreclosure, keep your personal property, and repay debt.
If such is the case, then the following bankruptcies may solve the problem for you:
- Chapter 7: By filing for personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7, you can get rid of debts by liquidating your existing assets. This allows you to keep personal property, halt any debt collections, and give you a fresh start.
- Chapter 11: This is ideal for businesses with $1 million or more in debt that require a reorganization. This allows businesses to remain operational while repaying creditors under a court-approved plan.
- Chapter 13: This bankruptcy Chapter can be helpful for salaried personnel who wish to repay debts monthly via a court-approved program. Chapter 13 bankruptcy also allows the filer to keep personal property, like in Chapter 7.
Seek Help From A Professional Today
If you are facing significant financial troubles, Frego & Associates can help you. Call the bankruptcy attorneys at Frego Law today to explore the financial help options you may have.
FAQs
Your eligibility for Detroit’s financial assistance program depends on a few things, such as your residency. Other than that, key factors like income level, homeownership status, as well as age or disability, are also considered.
Detroit’s Financial Empowerment Centers offer free services, and they are available in person or by phone. You can call at 313-322-6222, or visit the one closest to you by finding the nearest location.
You will have to prepare ID, proof of income, bills, and any other relevant documents before applying. If you have any key bills or documents like insurance papers, medical bills, or repair quotes, then those can help too.
Yes, you can apply for multiple programs for financial assistance. This applies to home repair loans, food or utility aid, as well as medical emergency grants.
Various hospitals and organizations, like Henry Ford Health, offer patient assistance programs. These programs aim to cover immediate and future medical care. Other than that, the DMC (Detroit Medical Center) also offers medical aid to in-need patients.
Source:
[1] Barker, E., Hu, L., Alaswad, H., Fleming, O., City of Detroit Economics team, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, & Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics team. (2023). Detroit Economic Indicators Report. In Economic Indicators Report Detroit • Michigan Q2 2023. https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2024-04/Q2%202023%20Economic%20Indicators%20Report.pdf
