As Detroit faces a severe cold snap, city officials have extended the hours of standby shelters and respite locations, with Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo issuing a cold weather health emergency. Mayor Mary Sheffield said, "Our priority is keeping every Detroiter safe and warm. During these bitter cold conditions, the City of Detroit is making sure every resident has access to a safe and warm place," according to the City of Detroit.
Residents in need can contact the Housing HelpLine at 866-313-2520, visit any police precinct, or go directly to a standby shelter, with local partners like Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Pope Francis Center, and Neighborhood Service Organization providing support. While some shelters serve only single adults, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries accommodates both families and single adults, and anyone concerned for someone’s immediate safety is advised to call 911, as reported by the City of Detroit.
The City of Detroit has opened shelters, recreation centers, and public libraries, such as the Main Library, as warming locations during their regular hours. About 1,700 emergency shelter and drop-in beds are available through local partnerships. Residents can access hotlines for domestic violence or mental health emergencies, including Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline and the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24-hour helpline. The Detroit Housing Services office and Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine are assisting with housing emergencies. More information, including a map of respite locations and other emergency services, is available on the City of Detroit’s website.
