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 need a safe place to sleep tonight, I'm really glad you picked this up. You are not alone, and there are people in Michigan whose whole job is helping you find a bed.
Here is the easy first step in Michigan: in Detroit, call CAM at 313.305.0311. Everywhere else, dial 211. We'll walk through the rest together, one page at a time.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
In most of Michigan, you don't find a bed by walking from door to door. Each area has a front door, sometimes called Coordinated Entry, that screens you and points you to open beds and programs.
Michigan 211 can tell you the front door for your county. If 211 doesn't connect from your phone, call 844.875.9211.
Sources: https://mi211.org/ and https://mi211.org/get-help
What if I'm in Detroit?
In Detroit, the front door is CAM, the Coordinated Assessment Model. CAM says the process begins by calling 313.305.0311.
Live CAM staff are there Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.
CAM says some shelters are not taking overnight walk ins because beds are limited, so call CAM first to hear what's open. If CAM is closed and you're sleeping outside or in a car, CAM says you can call 866.313.2520 or 313.305.0311 to reach a street outreach team, or go to the nearest police station to be connected to emergency shelter.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://camdetroit.org/get-help/
I want to be straight with you, because you deserve that. Shelter beds can fill up, and help depends on your situation and your area's rules. That's exactly why it helps to call early, answer the questions as best you can, and keep calling back.
Please don't give up on yourself. One phone call is a real step, and it counts.
From the Bunklow team
How to look for a bed tonight, step by step
- If you can, get to a safe, public place where you can use a phone.
- In Detroit, call CAM. Anywhere else, dial 211 and ask for your county's shelter line.
- Say your town or county, and that you need a place to sleep tonight.
- Answer the questions as best you can. It's okay to say you don't know.
- Write down who you talked to, what they said, and when to call back.
- If no bed is open tonight, ask what to do next and where it's safe to wait.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I need a safe place to sleep tonight. I'm in (town or county)."
"It's just me," or "I have (number) kids with me, ages (ages)."
"Is there a place for families, women, youth or veterans?"
"What should I bring, and how do I get there?"
Keep your numbers with you
Write 211, and CAM if you're in Detroit, on paper in case your phone dies. You've got this!
Can the state help me pay for a place to stay?
Michigan's State Emergency Relief program, run by MDHHS, helps people with emergencies that threaten health or safety. MDHHS says it can help with rent, back rent, a security deposit and moving costs when you need to relocate.
It's for a sudden emergency, not an ongoing problem. You can apply on MI Bridges or at your MDHHS county office.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/emergency-relief
Papers that can help when you ask for help, if you have them
What if I have kids with me?
Tell the person on the phone right away that you have children, and how old they are. Many areas have family shelter or motel help set aside for families.
Ask your kids' school for its homeless liaison, who can help them keep going to school and with rides and supplies.
What if I'm not safe at home?
If someone is hurting you or scaring you, there are shelters just for people leaving abuse, and they keep their addresses private. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233 any time, day or night.
Guide 8 lists Michigan programs.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.thehotline.org/
What if I'm a veteran?
Call the VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838, any time, day or night. Tell them you're a veteran and need a place to stay.
Guide 9 has more.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://department.va.gov/homeless/
What if I'm young?
If you're under 25, there are youth shelters and drop in centers that are made for you. In Detroit and Grand Rapids, Covenant House Michigan is one place to start.
You can also call 1-800-RUNAWAY. Guide 10 has more.
What if it's very cold tonight?
Michigan winters can be dangerous. If you're outside and it's freezing, call 211 and ask about warming centers.
If someone is confused, very sleepy, or can't feel their hands or feet, call 911. Keep dry, cover your head, hands and feet, and get inside as soon as you can.
Stay together if you can
If you're with a partner or a friend, ask if there's a place where you can stay together. Not every shelter can, but some can.
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need ID to get into a shelter?
Not always. Call ahead and ask. Bring any ID you have.
Can I bring my pet?
Some places can take pets, many can't. Ask when you call.
What if I have a job?
You can still get shelter help. Tell them your work hours so they can plan with you.
What if all the beds are full?
Ask what to do next, where it's safe to wait, and when to call back. Keep calling.
Can I stay more than one night?
It depends on the place. Ask about longer stay programs.
One step at a time
Each time you call, write down the date, who you talked to and what they said. It really helps. You're doing great!
Here is help that works across Michigan, then local shelters and front doors 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.
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers Private, no cost calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838. Live chat is linked from https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
National Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find local programs and shelter.
How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
National Runaway Safeline (1.800.RUNAWAY)
What it offers Quick, confidential and no cost support 24/7 for young people and families. Its Home No cost program helps young people ages 12 to 21 get home.
How to reach Call 1.800.RUNAWAY. More ways to reach out at https://www.1800runaway.org/
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Michigan
Here are some places to start.
Michigan 211
What it offers No cost help finding local services of all kinds, including food, housing, bills and family crisis support. Any time.
How to reach Dial 211 or call 844.875.9211. Text and chat are available. Search at https://mi211.org/
Source https://mi211.org/ and https://mi211.org/get-help
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS county offices and customer service
What it offers The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) runs Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief, Medicaid and child care help through an office in every county. You can apply online at MI Bridges or at any county office.
How to reach Call MDHHS at 844.464.3447, or use the county directory to find your office.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Wayne County (Detroit)
Here are some places to start.
Coordinated Assessment Model (CAM), Detroit
What it offers The front door to shelter and housing help in Detroit. Because space is limited, some shelters are not taking overnight walk ins, so call CAM first.
How to reach Call 313.305.0311, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, if you are sleeping outside or in a car, call 866.313.2520 to reach a street outreach team, or go to the nearest police station to be connected to emergency shelter.
Source https://camdetroit.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
What it offers Shelter and housing for men, women and families. People who stay overnight get meals, a chance to shower and new clothing items.
How to reach Emergency shelter line: 866.313.2520. Main: 313.993.4700. 150 Stimson St., Detroit, MI 48201.
Source https://drmm.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Pope Francis Center Day Center (Detroit)
What it offers A day center serving meals, showers and laundry, with no cost clinics on site.
How to reach 438 Saint Antoine St., Detroit, MI 48226. Service hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 11 am. Call 313.964.2823.
Source https://popefranciscenter.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Oakland County (Pontiac and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Oakland Connects Helpline (Oakland County)
What it offers Talk with a public health nurse or community health worker about health, housing, shelter, food or transportation. This is the county's line for shelter and housing help.
How to reach Call 800.848.5533, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. Email OCHelpline@oaklandcountymi.gov
Source https://www.oaklandcountymi.gov/community/oakland-connects/oakland-connects-helpline and https://www.oaklandcountymi.gov/community/neighborhood-housing-development/help-with-housing/emergency-housing-support
Last checked October 22, 2026
HOPE Shelters (Pontiac)
What it offers Adult shelter with dinner, breakfast and a bag lunch, a bed with bedding, showers, hygiene kits, clean socks and underwear, and a cold weather clothes closet.
How to reach Call 248.499.7345. 249 Baldwin Ave., Pontiac, MI 48342.
Source https://www.hopeshelters.org/if-you-need-help.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Macomb County (Clinton Township and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Macomb County Coordinated Entry
What it offers The first step to housing help for people experiencing homelessness in Macomb County. Access points are listed online.
How to reach Call 586.469.5656 or email housing@macombgov.org. See access points at https://www.macombcoc.org/general-9
Source https://www.macombcoc.org/general-9
Last checked October 22, 2026
MCREST (Macomb County)
What it offers Shelter, case management, job and housing help for men, women and children experiencing homelessness.
How to reach Call 586.415.5101 or email shelter@mcrest.org. 215 S. Main St., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043.
Source https://www.mcrest.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Kent County (Grand Rapids)
Here are some places to start.
Mel Trotter Ministries (Grand Rapids)
What it offers Meals, safe shelter, medical services and housing support for people experiencing homelessness.
How to reach First time? Call 616.454.8249 and press 1. 225 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Source https://www.meltrotter.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Covenant House Michigan (Grand Rapids)
What it offers Shelter for young people ages 18 to 24 facing homelessness.
How to reach Call the shelter at 616.608.1380.
Source https://covenanthousemi.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your MDHHS county office)
Here are some places to start.
MDHHS Bay County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Bay County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 1399 W. Center Rd., Essexville. Call 989.895.2100. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Berrien County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Berrien County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 401 Eighth St., Benton Harbor. Call 269.934.2000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Calhoun County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Calhoun County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 190 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek. Call 269.966.1284. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Chippewa County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Chippewa County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 463 East 3 Mile Rd., Sault Ste. Marie. Call 906.635.4100. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Genesee County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Genesee County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 125 E. Union St., 7th Floor, Flint. Call 810.760.2202. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Grand Traverse County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Grand Traverse County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 701 S. Elmwood, Ste. 19, Traverse City. Call 231.941.3900. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Ingham County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Ingham County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing. Call 844.464.3447. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Jackson County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Jackson County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 301 E. Louis Glick Hwy., Jackson. Call 517.780.7400. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Kalamazoo County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Kalamazoo County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 427 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo. Call 269.337.4900. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Livingston County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Livingston County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 2300 E. Grand River, Ste. 1, Howell. Call 517.548.0200. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Marquette County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Marquette County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 234 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette. Call 906.228.9691. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Monroe County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Monroe County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 903 S. Telegraph, Ste. A, Monroe. Call 734.243.7200. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Muskegon County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Muskegon County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 2700 Baker St., Muskegon Heights. Call 231.733.3700. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Ottawa County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Ottawa County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 12185 James St., Ste. 200, Holland. Call 616.394.7200. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Saginaw County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Saginaw County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 411 E. Genesee, Saginaw. Call 989.758.1100. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS St. Clair County office
What it offers The state benefits office for St. Clair County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 1430 Military St., Suite 4, Port Huron. Call 810.966.2000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
MDHHS Washtenaw County office
What it offers The state benefits office for Washtenaw County. Ask here about Food Assistance (SNAP), cash help, State Emergency Relief for rent, deposits or a shutoff, and Medicaid.
How to reach 22 Center St., Ypsilanti. Call 734.481.2000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://mdhhs.michigan.gov/CompositeDirPub/CountyCompositeDirectory.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
What to bring if you can
My plan for tonight
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Tonight I will sleep at
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
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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