As winter approaches, Detroit is expanding support for its homeless population, increasing emergency shelter beds to 1,700—about 250 more than last year—including Drop-In Center beds, warming centers, and "Code Blue" standby options for severe weather. The city’s 7-Point Plan, led by Mayor Mike Duggan and the Housing & Revitalization Department, aims to quickly connect people without shelter to services day or night, according to the City of Detroit.
Mayor Duggan emphasized, "Over the past several years and with the support of City Council, we have significantly increased our resources and outreach to assist those experiencing homelessness during the winter and have added even more resources this year." Shelters will work closely with non-profits to provide both immediate relief and pathways to longer-term housing solutions, as reported by the City of Detroit.
Detroit’s Housing Stability division helps families at risk of homelessness by providing case management, assistance with employment, vital documents, and move-in costs for households with minor children living without a lease. The City of Detroit’s plan aims to prevent these families from entering the emergency shelter system, supported by the Strategic System Improvement Plan for Detroit’s Homelessness Response System. Director Julie Schneider said, "Each winter, our priority is making sure every Detroiter has a safe, warm place to go—and this year, we are expanding our system in ways that not only respond to immediate crisis, but prevent families from ever entering homelessness in the first place." Residents needing shelter or housing help can call 866-313-2520, available 24 hours a day.
