If you are in Dearborn Heights, MI, and facing homelessness, there are several local programs and faith-based organizations that provide emergency shelter, rental assistance, food, clothing, and long-term housing support.
Emergency Shelter and Housing Support
For immediate housing crises, several organizations offer specialized shelter and transitional support:
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency
The Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro) offers a comprehensive support system for individuals and families experiencing homelessness—or who are at risk of becoming homeless—throughout Wayne County. Wayne Metro employs the “Housing First” model to prioritize rapid placement in stable housing:
- Emergency Shelter: Available for single adults and “accompanied” adults (couples) without minor children. A brief initial assessment with a shelter monitor is required for admission.
- Street Outreach: Wayne Metro teams actively engage with individuals living in places not intended for human habitation to coordinate services and provide immediate basic necessities.
- Rapid Rehousing: Assists homeless households in moving quickly into permanent housing by providing short-term financial assistance and case management.
- Homelessness Prevention: Offers support to those at imminent risk of losing their housing, including emergency assistance for rent and utility payments.
- Permanent Supportive Housing: A long-term solution combining affordable housing with voluntary support services, designed specifically for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness.
To access any services for people experiencing homelessness or emergency housing programs, please contact the Wayne Metro Connect Center or the dedicated housing intake line:
Wayne County Intake (outside Detroit): (734) 284-6999
Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park Intake: (866) 313-2520
General Connect Center: (313) 388-9799 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
Email Support: wmconnectcenter@waynemetro.org
Samaritas Family Center (Westland)
The Samaritas Family Center in Westland offers short-term emergency shelter and comprehensive support services for families experiencing homelessness, with the primary goal of keeping families together and intact during their transition to permanent housing. The center features 24 family rooms designed to accommodate diverse family structures:
Eligible Households: Two-parent households (with both parents present), single mothers or fathers with children, grandparents raising grandchildren, and pregnant women.
Length of Stay: Families may stay at the center for a period of up to 90 days.
Accommodations: Each family receives a private, lockable room. On-site Support and Services
Residents have access to a wide range of programs designed to meet their basic needs and foster self-sufficiency:
- Meals: Three balanced meals and snacks are provided daily.
- Medical Care: An on-site medical clinic is available to address immediate health needs.
- Essential Facilities: On-site laundry facilities and a lending library with computer and internet access.
- Childcare: Licensed childcare services designed specifically for preschool-aged children. Housing and Employment: Case management to assist in finding permanent housing, employment counseling, and job placement assistance.
- Financial and Educational Support: Assistance with financial planning and access to educational resources and GED preparation.
Contact the Housing Assistance and Resource Agency (HARA) at (734) 284-6999.
The Salvation Army – Dearborn Heights Citadel
The Salvation Army — Dearborn Heights Citadel focuses primarily on homelessness prevention through financial assistance and food support, rather than operating an overnight shelter on its premises. Its services are designed to help residents of Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Livonia, and Redford remain in their homes during financial crises.
All financial aid is provided by appointment only and requires verification of income and household members.
- Rental Assistance: Programs are available to assist households at risk of eviction.
- Utility Assistance: Help with gas, electricity, and water bills to prevent service disconnection.
- “Choice” Food Pantry: A pantry where individuals can select their own groceries (“client choice”). Available Tuesdays and Fridays, by appointment only.
- Pathway of Hope: A long-term case management initiative for families with children, designed to help break the cycle of poverty through housing stability and employment assistance.
- Veterans’ Resources: Specialized resource guides and support for former members of the armed forces.
Address: 26700 W Warren St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.
Contact the case management team at (313) 563-4457.
Journey to Housing — St. Vincent de Paul
The Journey to Housing (JTH) program—a “Special Work” of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Detroit—is a long-term transitional program designed to help homeless families in western Wayne County (including Dearborn Heights) move into permanent housing and achieve self-sufficiency. Unlike emergency shelters, Journey to Housing follows a “Housing First” model to provide families with a stable home while they work on their future:
- Housing Support: Covers move-in costs (security deposits), monthly rent subsidies, furniture, and household items.
- Mandatory Mentorship: Families participate in a 12-to-18-month process of weekly individual counseling and financial guidance.
- Skill Development: Assistance with budgeting, household management, and parenting skills.
- Empowerment Model: The program utilizes a three-pillar approach involving prayer, financial literacy, and professional counseling.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Journey to Housing program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Housing Status: Must currently be homeless (living in a shelter, motel, vehicle, or temporarily with others). Family Structure: Must have at least one child under the age of 18 residing with the parent(s).
- Income: Must have a verifiable source of income (employment, SSI, SSD, or child support).
- Location: Must be willing to live and work in Western Wayne County, including Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, Westland, Canton, Plymouth, Northville, Livonia, Garden City, and Redford.
- Commitment: Must be willing to actively participate in the program’s mandatory social work and financial training sessions.
For general assistance and to find your local conference, call (313) 393-2930 or 1-877-ST-VINCE (1-877-788-4623) and press 1.
ChristNet Services (Taylor)
ChristNet Services, based in Taylor, MI, provides essential daytime assistance and seasonal overnight shelter to homeless individuals and families in the Downriver and western Wayne County areas.
Daytime Resource Center: The Daytime Program offers a safe, year-round environment where clients can access essential services and professional support.
Rotating Seasonal Overnight Shelter: This interfaith program provides temporary overnight lodging approximately from mid-October through mid-May.
Call (734) 442-7032 or (734) 287-8890 to check for bed availability. Individuals seeking overnight shelter typically gather at the main intake center (the Daytime Center) for a screening process and are subsequently transported to the host church via the ChristNet van.
Food and Basic Necessities
Help’s on the Way
Help’s on the Way is a non-profit food pantry and clothing bank located in Dearborn Heights that provides supplemental groceries and essential items to individuals and families in need throughout Wayne County. They do not offer overnight shelter, but they do provide essential supplies for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Help’s on the Way operates a “client-choice” food pantry, primarily on Thursday evenings.
Hours of Operation: Thursdays, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Arrival Requirement: Clients must be in line and signed in on the list by 7:30 p.m. The pantry may close earlier if it reaches its maximum capacity of 70 households served.
Exclusions: The pantry remains closed on holidays and on any fifth Thursday of the month.
Frequency: Generally, clients may receive food assistance once per month.
The organization maintains a clothing center that offers gently used items for people of all ages.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Required Documentation: You must present a government-issued photo ID.
- Interview Process: A brief interview is required for each request for assistance in order to assess current needs.
- Income Limits: Services are generally directed toward households with a maximum income of $13,000 for one adult, with an additional allowance of $4,500 for each additional household member.
Address: 5358 S Beech Daly St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125.
Phone: (313) 908-7104.
Email: renee.bell@helpsontheway.org.
Eternal Light Organization
The Eternal Light organization in Dearborn Heights functions primarily as a high-capacity food bank, rather than as an emergency overnight shelter. Its mission centers on providing basic necessities—particularly food and essential groceries—to thousands of families throughout the greater Detroit area.
Address: 5752 N Telegraph Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.
Phone: (313) 600-2118.
Website: eternallightusa.org.
Help’s on the Way (Grassroots Community Organization)
Help’s on the Way (HOTW) is a volunteer-run, grassroots community organization located in Dearborn Heights, dedicated to providing essential supplies to residents facing food insecurity or homelessness. While they do not offer overnight shelter, they serve as a primary local source for food, clothing, and essential seasonal items.
Food Pantry: Operates as a “client-choice” pantry, where individuals can select supplemental groceries.
Distribution Schedule: Typically takes place on Thursdays starting at 6:00 p.m. (you must be in line before 7:30 p.m.) [Previous Context].
Frequency: Assistance is generally available once per month per household.
Clothing Center: Provides gently used clothing for all ages. Please note that clothing distribution schedules may vary; it is recommended to check for current updates.
Seasonal Programs: They conduct specific community drives to address critical needs throughout the year:
Backpack Program: Distributed over 325 backpacks to students and families in August 2026.
Coat and Blanket Drive: Currently active (as of early 2026) to provide warmth during the winter months.
Holiday Support: Includes annual food collection drives, such as the Kroger food drive.
Address: 5358 S Beech Daly St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125.
Primary Phone: (313) 908-7104.
How to Apply for Assistance
Most programs require:
- Photo ID
- Proof of income (pay stubs, SSI/SSD letters)
- Lease agreement or eviction notice
- Documentation of amount owed
- Contact info for landlord (if rent assistance is needed)
Tips:
- Call early in the week—funds are limited.
- Be prepared with all documents.
- Ask about waitlists and next funding cycles.
Final Thoughts
Dearborn Heights residents facing homelessness can access a network of nonprofits, churches, and county programs. Immediate relief often comes from Help’s on the Way (food/clothing), while Wayne Metro and Journey to Housing provide structured housing support.
