Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Lansing Michigan

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness in Lansing, Michigan, using a hotel voucher can be a viable short-term option for safe shelter. This article explains how hotel voucher programs work in the Lansing area, which local groups offer them, what to expect, and some important tips for maximizing your chances of getting help.

What is a Hotel Voucher Program?

A hotel voucher program involves a nonprofit organization, religious organization, or local government agency managing and paying for a temporary stay in a motel or hotel for someone who lacks a safe place to live. These programs serve as emergency or support assistance when traditional shelters are full or when it is unsafe for a person to remain in a communal setting.

How to find Hotel Vouchers for the Homeless in Lansing, Michigan

1. Call 2-1-1 First

Call 211 from any Michigan phone to reach the United Way Helpline.

Tell them you are homeless and need an emergency hotel or motel voucher in Lansing.

They will connect you with local shelters, outreach teams, and voucher programs available immediately.

2. Contact Local Shelters

Visit or call nearby homeless shelters, such as:

City Rescue Mission of Lansing – (517) 485-0145

Advent House Ministries – (517) 485-4722

If the shelter is full, ask for a referral or a denial letter; many voucher programs require proof of no available space.

3. Contact The Homeless Angels

They operate a well-known hotel housing program that provides short-term lodging funded by community donations. Contact them directly for availability.

4. Apply for emergency housing assistance from MDHHS or CACS

If you receive state benefits or assistance, your MDHHS caseworker can help you apply for temporary hotel vouchers or emergency housing funds.

5. Check with churches and faith-based organizations

Some churches in Lansing offer limited emergency funds for hotel stays, especially during the winter. Examples include:

• South Lansing Church – (517) 322-2000
• Trinity Church – (517) 272-3827
• Catholic Caritas of St. Vincent – ​​(517) 323-4734

Non-profits and Church Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in Lansing Michigan

1. The Homeless Angels

Los Ángeles Sin Hogar is a Christian outreach ministry founded in Lansing in 2013. They provide assistance to people experiencing homelessness (including meals, hygiene items, and blankets) and operate a community-funded housing program for individuals and families with nowhere else to go. Their housing program not only provides a bed but also connects residents with support and advocacy services.

Address: 3216 W Main St., Lansing, MI 48917

Phone: (517) 487-9119

Program/Housing Admissions Line: 844-464-6635 (Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00; please leave a voicemail outside of these hours)

Note: Because space is limited and the program is community-funded, availability can change rapidly. It is recommended to call ahead.

2. Advent House Ministries

Advent House Ministries offers a variety of services to individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness in the Lansing area. These include day shelter, meals, and housing and homelessness assistance through the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) system. While they do not specifically advertise a hotel voucher program, they serve as a crucial referral and intake point for emergency housing resources.

Address: 743 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing, MI 48915

Phone: (517) 485-4722

Fax: (517) 485-2837

HARA Line (Housing Assessment Referral): (517) 897-2454 — for housing intake and referral in Ingham County.

3. Volunteers of America Michigan (Lansing Area Branch)

Volunteers of America Michigan (VOA) is a large nonprofit organization that provides housing, shelter, and support services to veterans, families, and the homeless. While their website focuses on general housing and shelter, they are a key partner in the region for emergency shelter and referral services.

Address (Lansing Location): 430 N. Larch St., Lansing, MI 48912

Phone: (517) 484-4414

Website: voami.org

4. Loaves & Fishes Ministries

A Christian nonprofit organization in Lansing that provides short-term emergency shelter and transitional housing for adults and children. They are known for their inclusive and non-judgmental environment.

Address: 831 N Sycamore St., Lansing, MI 48906

Phone: (517) 482-2099
Email: director@loavesandfisheslansing.org

Note: They offer emergency shelter and transitional housing; while not a hotel voucher program, they provide information on lodging and referral services.

5. City Rescue Mission of Lansing

A long-standing Christian ministry (founded in 1911) that provides food, shelter, and hope to the homeless in Lansing.

Address: 2216 S Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48910
Phone: (517) 485-0145

Note: They operate shelters for men, women, and children and are listed on local emergency services, including options when conventional shelters are full.

Limitations and Challenges

Cost: Hotel stays are expensive compared to beds in traditional shelters. One article noted that “we are paying for someone to stay in a hotel for 10 months when we could have used that money to help them get housing.”

Temporary Nature: These are emergency measures, not long-term housing solutions. Without a clear transition, people may frequently move in and out of the shelter.

Documentation and Requirements: Some clients have difficulty meeting the requirements (identification, HMIS records, letters of denial from previous shelters), which delays access.

Resource Limitations: Availability depends on funding, volunteers, and hotel partnerships; when funds run out or the voucher limit is reached, options disappear.

Not a Permanent Solution: While helpful, hotel vouchers alone do not address underlying issues such as the shortage of affordable housing, trauma, substance abuse, and mental health.

Final Thoughts

Hotel voucher programs in Lansing provide vital emergency assistance to homeless individuals and families. Organizations like The Homeless Angels demonstrate how community-funded efforts can meet needs when shelters are full. However, these programs also highlight systemic challenges: cost, limited duration, and the need for supported transitions to permanent housing.