Housing Help

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. If you're behind on rent, worried about an eviction, or looking at a shutoff notice, take a breath. I'm really glad you picked this up. There is help in Michigan, and the sooner you reach out, the more choices you usually have.

Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and ask about rent and utility help near you. Then ask MDHHS about State Emergency Relief through MI Bridges. We'll walk through the rest together.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each program decides who it can serve. We can't promise money or a spot in any program.
• Never ignore court papers. Going to your hearing protects your choices.

What is State Emergency Relief?

State Emergency Relief (SER) is a Michigan program run by MDHHS. It helps people with emergencies that threaten health or safety.

MDHHS says SER can help with:

• Rent and back rent, to keep you housed
• A security deposit and moving costs, when you need to relocate
• Heat and utility shutoffs
• Home repairs that are needed for health or safety
• Burial costs

MDHHS says SER is for a sudden emergency, not an ongoing problem. Apply on MI Bridges, or at your MDHHS county office. To reach MDHHS by phone, call 844.464.3447.

Sources: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/emergency-relief and https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx

How does eviction work in Michigan?

In Michigan, a landlord has to go through the court to evict you. If you get court papers, read them and write down your hearing date.

Going to your hearing matters. It may be your chance to tell your side, ask for time, or work out a plan.

Michigan Legal Help has plain language guides and forms about leases, eviction, security deposits and subsidized housing. It also has a Guide to Legal Help that can point you to a lawyer. Guide 13 has more.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://michiganlegalhelp.org/

BUNKLY TIP

Never skip your court date

Even if you can't pay, go to your hearing. Bring every paper you have. You've got this!

How much can a landlord ask for a security deposit?

Questions about what a landlord can charge? Check the official page below.

Ask for a written receipt, and take photos of the home when you move in and when you move out.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-602

What about longer term help with rent?

The Housing Choice Voucher program, which used to be called Section 8, helps very low income families, older adults and people with disabilities pay rent in the private market. In Michigan, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is the largest statewide public housing agency, with a Housing Agent for each county.

Waiting lists can be long, so it helps to apply early.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/rental/housing-choice-voucher

Can someone help me make a plan?

Yes. HUD approved housing counselors can help you with a budget, renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and finding a place.

Call 800.569.4287 to find one near you.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling

What if I'm being treated unfairly?

Think you were turned away or treated differently because of your race, religion, disability, sex or because you have children? You can report housing discrimination to HUD or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

Guide 13 has more.

Questions people ask a lot

BUNKLY TIP

You're not behind on being brave

Asking for help with rent is hard. You're doing it anyway, and that matters.

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

BUNKLY TIP

Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency denies you, the letter should tell you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. Read it right away, and call legal aid if you need help.
• Dial 211 any time to look for other options near you.

BUNKLY TIP

You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Michigan, then local housing help in the biggest counties, then an MDHHS office list for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Michigan

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Wayne County (Detroit)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Oakland County (Pontiac and nearby)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Macomb County (Clinton Township and nearby)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kent County (Grand Rapids)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your MDHHS county office)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My housing plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

My call log

Write down every call. It helps you keep track, follow up and remember what people told you.

Key numbers to keep

BUNKLY TIP

You're doing the right thing

Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 22, 2026