Residents seeking relief from the dangerous cold have a number of options from homeless shelters to Detroit recreation centers or any Detroit Public Library branch during their regular operating hours.
With temperatures expected to fall into the single digits and wind chills forecast to drop into negative ranges, the City of Detroit is informing residents that an overnight stand-by shelter and daytime respite locations are open to provide relief from the cold.
In partnership with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, the city will provide an overnight shelter option available throughout the period of extreme cold.
Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo declared a cold weather health emergency earlier this week.
The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is activating an overnight stand-by shelter location at 13130 Woodward Avenue to help those in need an escape from the cold.
Chiara Clayton, the communications director for the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, said the organization is doing everything it can in partnership with the city to keep vulnerable residents warm. She says the shelters see an influx of people when it’s really cold.
“We partnered with the city under regular situations but when it’s really cold the city activates a Code Blue, meaning anyone experiencing homelessness doesn’t have to get referred to sleep here. People who need services can just come in,” Clayton said.
Clayton says the rescue mission has added 100 beds at the stand-by shelter at Woodward.
“It was supposed to end Tuesday but city extended it through next Tuesday, the 27th,” Clayton said.
The city also is offering rides to people who need to stay at shelters.
“We have people who need to just come in for a night because they don’t want to be outside anymore,” Clayton said. “Some people for whatever reason don’t want to be in a shelter situation, but the danger of the cold — you can’t be outside right now. Even if it’s just to come in to warm up. The city has been a huge partner after the young mother in her car lost her children, they took extra precautions with that 24/7 helpline.”
Last year, Detroit leaders and residents wept after a young mother, Tateona Williams, found two of her children dead in her vehicle. An autopsy revealed the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning, but initial reports said the two children, nine and two, froze to death.
“The woman had nowhere to go — the standard number people call used to close at 6pm.”
Former Mayor Mike Duggan ordered the hotline remain online 24/7 in the days after the tragedy.
The police department has been a partner to the rescue mission as well, Clayton says. People in need are encouraged to go into a police station and they can drive you to a warming center or stand-by shelter.
Access to Overnight Stand-by Shelter residents can access the temporary overnight stand-by shelter site anytime by walking in, no referral needed, or by calling the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520 operated 24/7.
Alternatively, if you find yourself sleeping outside and need help, go to a police precinct any day after 6 p.m. or on the weekends and be connected with an outreach team for help with overnight services.
Residents also have the option of going to an in-person CAM site located at Cass Community Social Services at 12025 Woodrow Wilson on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; or NOAH at Central 23 E. Adams on the second floor, Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for an in-person assessment and intake procedure. More information about access to shelter can also be found at https://camdetroit.org/.
Currently, the City of Detroit has more than 1,700 emergency shelter and drop-in center beds through it operates with its local partners.
If you are having a housing crisis or need emergency shelter, please call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520. This line is available during business hours Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
If you or someone you know is sleeping outside, Street Outreach services are available from 6 p.m. – 8 a.m. on the weekdays and 24/7 on the weekends and on all major holidays, by calling the same number.
Detroit recreation centers open across Detroit:
AB Ford Community Center, 100 Lenox St. M-F, 9am-7pm. Saturdays 10am-6pm
Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive, M-F, 11am-7pm. Closed Saturday
Crowell Recreation Center, 11630 Lahser Road, M-F, 1-9pm. Closed Saturday.
Heilmann Recreation Center, 1906 Crusade St. M-F, 8am-9pm.
Adams Butzel Complex 10500 Lyndon St. M-F, 8am – 9pm, Saturdays 10am- 6pm
Butzel Family Center 7737 Kercheval Ave. M-F, 11am-7pm., closed Saturdays
Clemente Recreation Center 2631 Bagley St. M-F, 1-9pm, closed Saturdays
Coleman A. Young Recreration Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Drive M-F, 8am – 9pm, Saturdays 9am – 5pm.
Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road. M-F, 8am-9pm. Saturdays, 10am-6pm.
Access to Shelter Outside Normal Business Hours (After 6 p.m. on weekdays or 24/7 on weekends): If you are sleeping outside or in your car and need shelter right away, there are 2 options that can help you find a safe place to stay for the night.
Call 866-313-2520 to be connected with a Street Outreach team. Go to the nearest police station.
