Started on Friday, December 20, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries opened an overnight respite location at 13130 Woodward Avenue. This shelter will provide refuge for residents from 6:00 p.m. Friday through 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 23. During the daytime, residents seeking warmth can turn to Detroit’s recreation centers and public library branches, which remain open during their regular hours as safe spaces from the cold. These locations will close for the holidays, but access remains available leading up to these closures.
Since early November, warming centers across the city have been operational, adding 100 emergency shelter beds to the city’s resources. These centers are more than temporary shelters. They provide meals, showers, sleeping arrangements, and housing assistance services for residents experiencing homelessness. The centers are operated by Cass Community Social Services and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, with one location serving families and women, and another designated for single males.
Currently, the city has over 1,200 beds across its shelter and warming center network. That capacity is set to increase to more than 1,400 by January 1, 2025. Accessing these resources requires coordination, which the city facilitates through the Coordinated Assessment Model (CAM). Individuals, families, and youth can call the Housing Services Helpline at 866-313-2520, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Veterans can also reach out during these hours for dedicated assistance.
For those who prefer in-person help, CAM access points are available at Cass Community Social Services on 11850 Woodrow Wilson Street, open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and NOAH at Central on 23 E. Adams, open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. These access points connect residents with shelter placements through assessments and intake services.
With the holiday season approaching, there will be changes to regular service hours. The Housing Resource Helpline and CAM access points will close on December 24 and 25 for Christmas, and December 31 and January 1 for New Year’s. However, during the weeks of December 23 and December 30, the helpline will operate on Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as well as Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Cass Community Services and the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center will also offer in-person services during these adjusted hours. Regular hours for all services will resume on Monday, January 6.
The city’s commitment goes beyond providing temporary shelter. The Detroit Housing Services office, through its Resource Helpline, has successfully placed over 3,284 residents in permanent housing and stabilized 764 households with temporary solutions. These efforts include assistance with securing affordable housing, financial aid for moving costs, and employment support to help residents maintain stability. For those facing housing emergencies, such as unsafe conditions or lack of heat, the helpline serves as a critical resource.
Recreation centers and public library branches are also serving as respite locations during regular hours. Centers like Adams Butzel Complex, Heilmann Recreation Center, and Kemeny Recreation Center provide accessible options for residents seeking warmth. Library branches, including the Main Library, are open during their posted hours and serve as additional safe spaces. Residents can find a full list of locations and operating hours online.
City of Detroit Recreation Centers
Adams Butzel Complex, 10500 Lyndon
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval Avenue
Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. –7 p.m., Closed Saturday
Clemente Recreation Center, 2631 Bagley
Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Saturday
Community Center at AB Ford, 100 Lenox
Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Crowell Recreation Center, 16630 Lahser
Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Saturday
Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive
Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Closed Saturday
Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Crusade
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.– 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon
Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Saturday
Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere
Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m
Detroit’s response to this year’s winter conditions is grounded in community care and preparation. By increasing capacity and coordinating resources, the city is addressing immediate needs while also working to reduce long-term vulnerabilities. This approach reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that no resident faces these life-threatening temperatures alone.
The message from city officials is clear: help is available, and no one should hesitate to seek it. The Housing Services Helpline and the network of warming centers, respite locations, and shelters are open to all residents who need them. Detroit has a history of resilience and collective care, and these services are a reflection of that spirit. As temperatures drop, Detroiters are reminded to spread the word and ensure that everyone knows where to turn for support. In a city like Detroit, where neighbors look out for one another, no one should have to endure the cold without a place to stay safe and warm.
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