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Assistance Programs in Macomb County, Michigan.
Macomb County's emergency assistance network is anchored by Macomb Community Action (MCA), the county's official community action agency, which operates two walk-in Community Action Centers in Warren and New Haven. There are also other agencies and programs that offer financial help (as listed below) and they offer support from utility and rent assistance to Meals on Wheels, free tax preparation, and weatherization.
Most emergency assistance programs require income documentation, a photo ID, proof of residency, and a copy of any overdue bill or shutoff notice — having these ready before you call will speed up the intake process considerably. For homelessness prevention and emergency shelter, MCREST (Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team) and the Salvation Army MATTS shelter in Warren are the county's two primary entry points. Residents in the northwestern part of the county — Washington Township, Armada, Romeo, Shelby Township north of 23 Mile — are also well-served by Samaritan House, a dedicated local pantry and assistance center serving that corridor since 1995. For housing-related legal help, Lakeshore Legal Aid offers free civil legal services at two Macomb County locations.
Start Here For Emergency Assistance ASAP
- Need help with rent, utilities, or weatherization? → Macomb Community Action (South/Warren): (586) 759-9150 | Macomb Community Action (North/New Haven): (586) 749-5146 | MCA main line: (586) 469-6999 We also have a list of other Macomb County rent assistance programs.
- Facing homelessness or need emergency shelter? → Macomb CoC Coordinated Entry: (586) 469-5656 | MCREST: (586) 415-5101 | Salvation Army MATTS (Warren): (586) 755-5191
- Need food assistance? → Gleaners Community Food Bank food locator: (866) 453-2637 | Samaritan House (NW Macomb pantry): (586) 336-9956. Or look here for additional free food pantries in Macomb County.
- Veteran needing financial help? → Macomb County Veterans Services: (586) 469-5315
- Need free legal help (eviction, housing, benefits)? → Lakeshore Legal Aid intake line: (888) 783-8190
- Mental health crisis? → MCCMH 24/7 Crisis Line: (586) 307-9100 | or dial 988
- Housing assistance for renters (Eastpointe/Macomb area)? → Community Housing Network: (586) 221-5900
- Facing a financial crisis due to a child's cancer diagnosis? → Angels of Hope (statewide, Macomb-based): (586) 226-3146
- If you're unsure where to start? → The United Way of SE Michigan has a free statewide helpline 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 or call 1-800-552-1183). Referrals are available around the clock and can match you with local programs by zip code. Site is at https://unitedwaysem.org/resources/contact-2-1-1/
Broad Emergency Assistance — Rent, Utilities, Food & Referrals
These organizations handle the widest range of crisis needs and are typically the best first call for households in financial trouble.
Macomb Community Action (MCA)
Established in 1964 under the federal Economic Opportunity Act and operating as a public nonprofit under the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, MCA is the county's primary community action agency. The agency's central office is in Clinton Township, and it operates two Community Action Centers — one in Warren serving southern and central Macomb County, and a limited-days North Center in New Haven serving the rural northern townships. Call the center closest to where you live for the quickest intake. Email: [email protected] or website is https://www.macombgov.org/departments/macomb-community-action.
- MCA's emergency programs include LIHEAP utility assistance for electric, gas, and deliverable heating fuels; rent and mortgage assistance to help prevent eviction or foreclosure; water bill assistance through the WRAP program for households in the Great Lakes Water Authority service area; and supplemental food program registration. The agency also runs a Weatherization Assistance Program that installs energy-efficiency improvements in qualifying homes at no cost — an important long-term benefit since reduced energy bills lower the chance of future shutoffs.
- Additional programs include free VITA tax preparation (available seasonally — call for appointment schedule), Meals on Wheels delivery for homebound residents 60 and older, medical transportation for income-eligible residents who have no other way to reach appointments, and the Handy Helpers home maintenance program for seniors. When you contact MCA, an intake worker will assess your situation and refer you to the appropriate program.
- MCA also serves as the county's Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) and lead agency for the Macomb County Continuum of Care (CoC). The Coordinated Entry System is the single front door for all homeless assistance in the county — anyone who is homeless, at imminent risk of homelessness, or living in a place not meant for habitation should call CES first. Solutions may include MCREST emergency shelter, rapid rehousing assistance, permanent supportive housing referrals, or other options within the CoC. Having your ID, Social Security number, and a description of your current living situation ready when you call will help the intake go more quickly.
- Hope Commodity Registration & Meals on Wheels is an option. MCA also delivers Meals on Wheels to homebound residents 60 and older who are physically or emotionally unable to leave their homes regularly or prepare full meals. Contact the main MCA office to inquire about eligibility and to begin the registration process for either program. A spouse of an eligible senior is also eligible for Meals on Wheels delivery
There are multiple site. They include South Action Center (Warren/Center Line/Eastpointe/Roseville): 11370 Hupp Ave, Warren, MI 48089 | 586-759-9150 as well as North Action Center (New Haven — northern townships): 30375 Clark St, New Haven, MI 48048 — open a limited number of days per week; call ahead. 586-749-5146. There is also MCA Administration / General Inquiries: 21885 Dunham Rd, Suite 10, Clinton Township, MI 48036. (586) 469-6999.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Archdiocese of Detroit
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has operated parish-based volunteer conferences throughout Macomb County for well over a century, making it one of the county's oldest emergency aid networks. Unlike most agencies, SVdP sends trained volunteers directly into the homes of those who call — pairs of Vincentian volunteers conduct a personal home visit to assess needs, provide referrals, pray with the family if welcome, and connect them to emergency financial help. This model allows SVdP to serve people who may have difficulty traveling and to build genuine relationships rather than just processing transactions.
- Assistance from local conferences may include help with rent, mortgage, utility bills, food, clothing, and other urgent household needs. Funds are limited and subject to availability; not every conference can help with every need. There are more than a dozen SVdP conference locations across Macomb County, including in Sterling Heights, Warren, Harrison Township, St. Clair Shores, Macomb Township, Mount Clemens, Roseville, and Utica, among others. When you call the main helpline and enter your zip code, you will be connected to the voice mail of the nearest local conference; a volunteer will return your call to schedule a visit. Helpline: (313) 393-2930 | Toll-free: (877) 788-4623. Site is https://svdpdetroit.org/.
Salvation Army - Macomb County
The Salvation Army operates multiple Macomb County corps locations — in Warren and Mount Clemens — each offering a range of social services to residents in crisis. Available help may include limited emergency assistance with rent or utility bills (subject to funding and once-per-year limits), food assistance, clothing, and referrals to additional community resources. The Mt. Clemens corps at 55 Church Street operates a Homeless Care Center that is open on a regular weekday schedule and allows individuals to come in, rest, speak with case workers, and get help connecting to longer-term resources; clothing is available on request and a limited number of people per session can access showers.
- MATTS is another service. It is a goal-based emergency shelter in Warren that accepts men, women, and children, with priority given to Macomb County ID holders. Average stays run approximately 90 days, and the facility is drug- and alcohol-free with nightly breathalyzer requirements. MATTS provides housing, meals, clothing, medical care referrals, and extensive case management designed to help residents develop a path to self-sufficiency. Residents meet regularly with case workers, and the facility also offers community services including AA meetings.
- Seasonal programs include the Angel Tree Christmas toy giveaway, free holiday meal events, and Easter basket distributions. The Salvation Army also administers certain MEAP energy assistance funding. Holiday and special program registration typically begins in fall — call ahead for current dates and registration requirements. The Warren corps also operates the MATTS shelter (see Emergency Shelter section below). See https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/mi/warren/mound-rd-corps/.
- Warren Corps (MATTS): 24140 Mound Rd, Warren, MI 48091 | (586) 754-7400
- Mount Clemens Corps: 55 Church St, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 | (586) 469-6712
Samaritan House Northwestern Macomb County
Serving northwestern Macomb County since 1995, Samaritan House is a community food pantry and assistance center located in Washington Township. The pantry distributes groceries to qualifying households several days per week — call for current schedule. Samaritan House also serves as a Focus: Hope commodity food distribution point for seniors 60 and older in the service area. Additional programs include emergency assistance that may help with heating expenses, light bills, rent, and medications (subject to funding and availability), along with a Back-to-School Backpack Program and a Christmas Tree holiday giving program for low-income families. Address 62324 Van Dyke Rd, Washington, MI 48094 | (586) 336-9956. Email: [email protected]. View https://www.samaritanhousemichigan.org/
- The service area is defined by township: Bruce Township, Ray Township, Washington Township, Armada Township, the Village of Armada, the Village of Romeo, Macomb Township, City of Utica, and portions of Shelby Township north of 23 Mile Road. Residents outside this area should contact MCA or another agency. Tax preparation assistance is also available during tax season for qualifying low-income Macomb County residents.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — Macomb County Offices
MDHHS administers the state of Michigan's primary safety net programs, including the State Emergency Relief (SER) program for households facing shutoff of heat, electricity, or water; the Bridge Card food assistance (SNAP) program; Medicaid; cash assistance; and childcare assistance. Households must typically demonstrate they have made required payments toward ongoing monthly obligations before SER assistance will be approved, and eligibility is income-based. Three district offices serve Macomb County.
- Clinton Township: 21885 Dunham Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48036 | (586) 469-7700
- Warren: 11370 Hupp Ave, Warren, MI 48089 | (586) 759-9150
- Mount Clemens: 196 N Rose St, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 | (586) 469-6964
Macomb County Veterans Services
Located in the VerKuilen Building on Dunham Road in Clinton Township, Macomb County Veterans Services provides benefits counseling and may offer limited temporary financial assistance to veterans, active-duty military members, and their families or surviving spouses. Help may include assistance with monthly rent, mortgage payments, or heating and utility bills to prevent shutoff or eviction. The office can also assist with Section 8 housing voucher applications, cash aid enrollment, and survivor benefits. VA-related burial assistance may be available as well. Veterans facing homelessness may also be eligible for federal SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) rapid rehousing funds coordinated through the county CoC. 21885 Dunham Rd, Suite 3, VerKuilen Building, Clinton Township, MI 48036. Call (586) 469-5315
Food Pantries & Food Assistance
Macomb County is served by multiple food distribution channels. Eligibility requirements and pantry schedules vary by location; calling ahead to confirm current hours is always recommended.
Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan
Gleaners is the region's primary wholesale food distribution organization, supplying groceries and goods to approximately 30 food pantries and partner agencies across Macomb County. Gleaners does not typically serve individuals directly — instead, call their food locator line to find the closest partner pantry, food distribution site, or mobile produce market near your zip code. The food bank has distributed food across southeastern Michigan since 1977 and is one of the larger food bank networks in the Midwest. Food locator line: (866) 453-2637. See https://www.gcfb.org/.
Housing Resources
MCREST (Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team)
MCREST has been Macomb County's leading emergency shelter provider for more than 35 years. Its permanent shelter facility at 215 South Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens serves women, mothers, and children experiencing homelessness, providing stays of up to 90 days with a focus on case management, life-skills coaching, employment assistance, and housing placement. MCREST also coordinates a network of participating congregations across the county for additional shelter capacity. Guests receive meals, showers, transportation help when available, and intensive support from dedicated case managers whose goal is not just a bed but a stable exit into permanent housing.
- Entry into MCREST's program begins through the Macomb County Coordinated Entry System at (586) 469-5656 — do not call MCREST directly as a first step; go through CES so you are properly assessed and matched. 215 S. Main St, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 | (586) 415-5101. See https://www.mcrest.org/.
Community Housing Network (CHN)
Community Housing Network is a nonprofit operating across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties with a focus on permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention, and rapid rehousing. In Macomb County, CHN is a key partner within the Continuum of Care and operates from its Eastpointe access point. Programs include rental assistance and housing placement for individuals and families, the PATH street outreach initiative for people experiencing on-the-street homelessness who also have serious mental illness, and affordable housing development.
- CHN also offers homeownership education classes and Individual Development Account (IDA) savings programs that provide matching funds toward a first home purchase for qualifying working families. Homebuyer education workshops result in an MSHDA Certificate of Completion, which is required for certain state down payment assistance programs. Macomb County access point: 15106 Erin Park Ave, Eastpointe, MI 48021 | (586) 221-5900. Addition contact, including the Main office is at 5505 Corporate Dr, Suite 300, Troy, MI 48098 | (248) 928-0111. View https://communityhousingnetwork.org/.
Turning Point Macomb Domestic Violence Survivors
Turning Point provides 24-hour crisis intervention and emergency shelter exclusively for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children, available at no cost to qualifying individuals. Emergency shelter is accessible only by calling the 24-hour crisis hotline first — the shelter location is confidential. Stays of up to 30 days are available for women and children. Case managers assist residents with safety planning, counseling, housing referrals, and connections to longer-term stability resources. Mailing: PO Box 1123, Mt. Clemens, MI 48046 | Office: (586) 463-4430 or 24-Hour Crisis Line: (586) 463-6990. View https://turningpointmacomb.org/.
Free Legal Assistance
Lakeshore Legal Aid
Lakeshore Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm that has provided free civil legal services to low-income and senior residents across southeastern Michigan for decades. The firm has two Macomb County offices — in Mount Clemens and Warren — and its CALL intake hotline handles new client applications on behalf of both locations. Services cover a wide range of civil legal matters including housing (evictions, foreclosures, housing discrimination), family law, domestic violence, elder abuse and exploitation, consumer debt, public benefits (Social Security, SSI, food stamps, Medicaid), income tax problems, wills and probate, driver's license restoration, and immigration matters. Seniors 60 and older are eligible regardless of income; others must meet income guidelines.
- New clients should apply by phone through the CALL hotline rather than walking in to a litigation office without an appointment. The hotline is staffed on a regular weekday schedule; call ahead to confirm current intake hours. New client intake (CALL hotline): (888) 783-8190. There is also the Mt. Clemens litigation office: (586) 469-5185 as well as the Warren litigation office: (586) 510-1814. View https://lakeshorelegalaid.org/.
Legal Aid and Defender Association (LAD)
LAD provides free civil legal services and may assist with housing and eviction matters, immigration, domestic violence issues, income and public benefits, consumer debt and predatory lending, foreclosures, child custody and divorce, employment matters, and criminal record expungement. Free income tax assistance and legal advice on personal identification needs may also be available. Eligibility is income-based. (877) 964-4700. View https://ladadetroit.org/.
Debt, Foreclosure & Credit Counseling
GreenPath Financial Wellness
GreenPath is a national nonprofit headquartered in Farmington Hills that provides free financial counseling by phone and online to Michigan residents and clients across all 50 states. GreenPath counselors are NFCC- and HUD-certified and can help with debt management and credit card interest reduction, mortgage foreclosure prevention, homebuyer counseling and MSHDA pre-purchase certification, reverse mortgage counseling, credit report review, student loan guidance, and budgeting.
- A debt management plan (which consolidates and reduces interest on credit card debt) is a core program and may involve a modest fee, but the initial counseling session is free. GreenPath does not provide loans. Sessions are confidential and available without an appointment — calling the number below connects you directly with a counselor. Phone (877) 337-3399 (national counseling line). Headquarters: 36500 Corporate Dr, Farmington Hills, MI 48331. The main site is at https://www.greenpath.com/.
Specialized Assistance — Specific Populations & Circumstances
Angels of Hope — A Family Cancer Foundation Families of Children with Cancer
Angels of Hope is a Macomb County-based nonprofit that provides emergency financial grants to Michigan families with children battling cancer. Grants are tailored to each family's specific situation and may cover a range of urgent needs arising from the illness, including help with rent or mortgage payments, transportation to treatment, hotel stays for out-of-area care, groceries, utility bills, auto or home repair, and fuel or bus pass assistance. The organization does not restrict help to any single category — the goal is to relieve whatever financial burden the cancer diagnosis is creating. Apply through the foundation's website or by calling; the grant process is private and respectful of families in a difficult time. 47496 Greenbriar Ln, Macomb, MI 48044 | (586) 226-3146. Email: [email protected]. The site is at https://www.angelsofhope.org/.
Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH)
MCCMH provides publicly funded mental health care, crisis intervention, and substance use disorder services to Macomb County residents. Services include counseling for adults and children, ongoing support for individuals with serious mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities, and 24/7 crisis response. Four offices are distributed across the county — in Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, and a children's services location on Dunham Road — making the agency accessible across most of the county. Anyone in a mental health crisis can call the 24/7 crisis line at any time; for general questions or to request services, call the customer service number during business hours. The CARE of Southeastern Michigan recovery center in Fraser provides peer coaching and addiction recovery support for residents working on substance use disorders. 24/7 Crisis Line: (586) 307-9100 | or dial 988. Customer service: (855) 996-2264. View https://mccmh.net/.
Community First Health Centers Free/Low-Cost Medical & Dental
Community First Health Centers operates a federally qualified health center with locations in Macomb County providing primary care, behavioral health, and dental services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Services are available to uninsured patients and those on Medicaid, making this a key access point for low-income adults and children who need medical or dental care but cannot afford private insurance costs. A mobile medical unit also provides outreach to underserved areas of the county. Call to inquire about current locations, accepted insurance, and appointment availability. New Haven area: 58144 Gratiot Ave, New Haven, MI 48048 | (586) 552-8333. Site https://communityfirsthc.org/.
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