Action Plan
SECRET's Out...
THese are the worksheets and resources we use to help our clients achieve their best lives.
HELP YOURSELF.
LITERALLY.
hehe.
***COVID-19 UPDATE***
HOW YOU CAN AVOID EVICTION
Because of the economic impact of the coronavirus, there is a special new program to help renters avoid eviction, including paying off back rent.
You don't have to wait until you're getting sued.
Get started now. Call the agency in your area.
detroit — UCHC, www.detroitevictionhelp.com, 866-313-2520, apply online
out-county wayne — Wayne Metro, 734-284-6999
oakland — Community House Network, 248-269-1335
macomb — Macomb Homeless Coalition, 586-213-5757
washtenaw — The Salvation Army, 734-961-1999
other — MI Eviction Diversion Agency List
STABILIZE YOUR HOUSING
Keep a record of your calls and visits. Keep any documents too. Take pictures of them and your phone call log as backup proofs.
I need...
emergency shelter
When you enter the shelter system, you'll get assessed by a HARA housing specialist. Depending on your house vulnerability score, you may be prioritized for a housing placement.
homeless shelter coordinators
detroit — CAM Detroit, 313-305-0311
out-county wayne — Wayne Metro, 313-388-9799
oakland — Community House Network, 248-269-1335
macomb — Macomb Homeless Coalition, 586-213-5757
mich — Michigan HARA List
to formalize an informal situation
If you are couch-surfing, consider making the arrangement formal. Be creative about what you can offer as payment, eg. housekeeping, yardwork, snow removal, handiwork, or running errands. This way you’re giving something valuable to the owner. We recommend putting the arrangement in writing.
get on a voucher waitlist
Vouchers pay a portion of your rent directly to any landlord that accepts them. Each agency runs its own voucher program. Call MSHDA, DHC, and any other agency located in a city you’d want to live in and ask to be put on their voucher waitlist.
public housing agencies
detroit — Detroit Housing Commission, 313-877-8807, apply online
mich — MSDHA, 313-456-3560
other local — List of public housing agencies in MI
1-on-1 help — List of rental counselling agencies in MI
an affordable rental
Some apartment building have income-based rent as well. You have to call each apartment building to see if they have any vacancies and apply through them.
low income housing
help with missed rent or utility bill
free lawyer, info
detroit — UCHC, 313-963-3310; Michigan Legal Services, 313-964-4130; Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
oakland, macomb — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
washtenaw — LSSCM, 734-665-6181
legal information, know your rights
mich — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
info — MSU Law's practical guide, our favorite resource
info — Michigan Legal Help
law — Landlord & Tenant Relationships Act, Court Rules (4.201-.202), and Benchbook
law, covid — Summary of Coronavirus-related CARES Act protections
cash assistance for eviction diversion program
detroit — Southwest Solutions, 313-963-6601
wayne — Wayne Metro, 734-284-6999
oakland — Community House Network, 248-269-1335
macomb — Macomb Homeless Coalition, 586-213-5757
mich — Michigan HARA List
other cash assistance programs for rent or utilities
mich — MDHHS "State Emergency Relief", 855-275-6424, online, in-person, paper, get help applying
mich — United Way, 211, call the location first because sometimes the information listed is dated
mich, utility — THAW, 800-866-8429
se mich, water — Wayne Metro, 313-388-9799
help with property tax foreclosure
This is a very complicated area of law with many overlapping relief programs. We highly recommend you talk to a lawyer to understand all your options as soon as possible.
free lawyer, legal info
detroit — UCHC, 313-963-3310; Michigan Legal Services, 313-964-4130; Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
mich — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
info — Michigan Legal Help
reduce or eliminate your property taxes
money, mich — Step Forward, 866-946-7432, application
reduce, detroit — City of Detroit, homeowner property tax assistance (application), senior property tax deferred payment, senior solid waste fee discount, and disabled veterans exemption
reduce, wayne — Wayne County Treasurer programs
reduce, mich — Appeal a tax assessment (detroit), Apply for a principal residence exemption (PRE)
reduce, mich — Contact your local and county governments to see what programs they have
help mortgage foreclosure
This is a very complicated area of law with many overlapping programs. We therefore highly recommend you talk to a lawyer to understand all your options as soon as possible.
free lawyer, legal info
detroit — UCHC, 313-963-3310; Michigan Legal Services, 313-964-4130; Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
mich — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
info — Michigan Legal Help
info, covid — CFPB's Summary of Coronavirus-related CARES Act options
counselor, oakland — Oakland County Treasurer's Office, 248-858-0627
counselor, mich — Michigan list of HUD's housing counseling agencies
cash assistance to stay in your home
money, mich — Step Forward, 866-946-7432, application
reduce, mich — Contact your local and county governments to see what programs they have
help becoming a homeowner
MSHDA has a lot of programming to help you become a homeowner, from credit repair to home loans and down payment assistance. Click here to learn more.
GET YOUR MONEY RIGHT
Keep a record of your calls and visits. Keep any documents too. Take pictures of them and your phone call log as backup proofs.
I need...
free or low-cost food
Using food stamps, pantries, and soup kitchens will allow you to use your limited dollars on all the other things you need. This is an easy way to save some money for things like unwaivable court or driver's license fees.
free and low-cost food options
food stamps — MDHHS "Food Assistance Program", 855-275-6424, online, in-person, paper, get help applying
pantry, se mich — Gleaners, 866-453-2637, mobile truck calendar
pantry, se mich — Forgotten Harvest, 248-967-1500
usa — Pantrynet.org, call the location first because sometimes the information listed is dated
free cell phone service
Lifeline (Obamaphone), 888-641-8722, list of providers
a (better) job
If you're already working, you may want to ask your boss for more hours or opportunities within the company.
job placement
detroit — Detroit at Work, 313-962-9675, enroll here
mich — Michigan Works, 800-285-9675
mich, disabled — Michigan Rehabilitation, 800-605-6722
mich, returning citizens — MI Talent
usa — Careeronestop.org, 877-872-5627
job training
job skills — GCFGlobal, topics list, offers free certificates
detroit — Detroit at Work, 313-962-9675
mich — Michigan Works, 800-285-9675
usa — Apprenticeship.gov
entrepreneurship classes and services
detroit — ProsperUS, 313-297-0083
detroit — BUILD Institute, 313-265-3590
detroit — FoodLab Detroit, 313-799-3468
detroit — TechTown Detroit, 313-879-5250
adult literacy, GED classes
You have to go or check in once a week, every week for at least 12 weeks before you will start to receive enhanced services. Set a reminder on your phone to make sure you check in every week.
skills
in-person — Reading Works Detroit, click for a list local organizations
online — Crowded Learning, online academic, work, & life skills curriculum
online — GCFGlobal, topics list, offers free certificates
adult literacy, GED classes
detroit — DPSCD, 313-579-7109 east, 313-852-1089 west
mich — Michigan Adult Ed, 517-335-5858
my college degree
Don't let past student loan debt or a long break hold you back for your dreams. Take the first step and talk to an admissions counselor about (re)enrollment. There are more options than ever.
paying for college
detroit — Detroitpromise.com, 313-596-0373
michigan — MI Student Aid, 888-447-2687, programs available
usa — Federal Student Aid, 800-433-3243, program available
scholarships — Careeronestop.org, 877-872-5627
entrepreneurship classes and development services
entrepreneurship classes and services
detroit — ProsperUS, 313-297-0083
detroit — BUILD Institute, 313-265-3590
detroit — FoodLab Detroit, 313-799-3468
detroit — TechTown Detroit, 313-879-5250
to apply for disability benefits
Michigan's State Disability Assistance ("SDA") program and US Social Security Administration's Supplemental Security Insurance ("SSI") and Social Security Disability Insurance ("SSDI") programs provide income for people with disabilities who are unable to work. If you have a disability and are unable to work, you should apply to both agencies as soon as possible because it takes some time for decisions to be made.
MDHHS's SDA program
info — Michigan Legal Help
apply — MDHHS "SDA", 855-275-6424, online, in-person, paper, get help applying
SSI/SSDI
info, ssi — Michigan Legal Help
info, ssdi — Michigan Legal Help
apply — SSA, 800-772-1213, 800-325-0778 TTY, online, in-person, toolkit to help you apply
to apply for $1000's in tax credits
There are many tax credit programs—like the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (up to $6,821), the federal Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits (up to $2,000 and $2,100 respectively), and the Michigan Home Heating Credit—that would potentially add money into your pocket. But you have to file your tax returns to get them.
filing resources
detroit — Accounting Aid Society, 313-556-1920
online — Free File - turbotax, although there are many free IRS-approved providers out there, we recommend this one because it will file your federal, state, and city taxes.
to manage my money better
Financial literacy is one of the best ways to make sure you keep the money you are working hard for.
in-person classes
detroit-wayne — Wayne Metro, 313-322-6222
online classes and resources
classes, tools — Smartaboutmoney.org, courses, tools
tools — Consumerfinance.gov, well-being test, tools
Practice self-care
Keep a record of your calls and visits. Keep any documents too. Take pictures of them and your phone call log as backup proofs.
I need...
health insurance
The Affordable Care Act ("ACA") allowed Michigan expanded Medicaid to more poor people and offers middle-income citizens a subsidy so that they can buy private health insurance.
health insurance options
free — MDHHS "Medicaid", 855-275-6424, online, in-person, paper, get help applying
subsized — HealthCare.gov, 800-318-2596
a free or very low-cost doctor
Even if you don't have health insurance, the Affordable Care Act ("ACA") created community health centers that offer medical services on a sliding scale based on income. Lack of money won't be a barrier to you maintaining your health.
community health centers
detroit — Popoff Family Health, 313-824-1000
detroit — CHASS, 313-849-3920
detroit — DCHC, 313-822-0900
detroit — HUDA Clinic, 313-865-8446
mental health or substance abuse help
There are numerous resources for people who need help addressing their mental health, substance abuse issues, and managing your emotions.
resources
detroit + wayne — DWMHA, 800-241-4949
oakland — Oakland Co CMH, 248–464-6363
macomb — Macomb Co CMH, 586-307-9100
mich — MSDHA Map of CMHs
usa — SAMHSA.gov, 800-662-4357
suicide prevention services
If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. This resources is confidential and available 24/7.
national suicide prevention hotline
hotline — 800-273-8255, available 24/7
chat — Chat, available 24/7
mich — MSDHA Map of CMHs
usa — SAMHSA.gov, 800-662-4357
to exercise my body more
Just 15 minutes a day of brisk walking can add 3 years to your life, reduce your risk of death by 14%, and improve mental health.
physical exercises
walk — a daily 15-minutes brisk walk, we love this one so much, we do it ourselves
easy — Choosemyplate.gov, click for a list of options
yoga — Yoga for Beginners
yoga —30 Day Yoga Journey
to exercise my mind more
Simple mental exercises have been proven to improve brain functioning, lower blood pressure, and help people lose weight.
mental exercises
mindfulness — Greater Good in Action, videos
mindfulness — Tryhealthyminds.org, smartphone app
gratitude — Mindful.org, guide to practicing
declutter — Decluttering Tips, video
TACKLE YOUR LEGAL ISSUES
Keep a record of your calls and visits. Keep any documents too. Take pictures of them and your phone call log as backup proofs.
I HAVE...
a rental housing, eviction issue
free lawyer, info
detroit — UCHC, 313-963-3310; Michigan Legal Services, 313-964-4130; Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
mich — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
info — MSU Law's practical guide, our favorite resource
info — Michigan Legal Help
law — Landlord & Tenant Relationships Act, Court Rules (4.201-.202), and Benchbook
law, covid — Summary of Coronavirus-related CARES Act protections
cash assistance for rent or utilities
detroit — Southwest Solutions, 313-963-6601
detroit + wayne — Wayne Metro, 313-388-9799
mich — MDHHS "State Emergency Relief", 855-275-6424, online, in-person, paper, get help applying
mich — Michigan HARA List, ask for "Eviction Diversion Program"
mich — 2-1-1, call the location first because sometimes the information listed is dated
mich, utilities — THAW, 800-866-8429
a property tax issue
This is a very complicated area of law with many overlapping relief programs. We highly recommend you talk to a lawyer to understand all your options as soon as possible.
free lawyer, legal info
detroit — UCHC, 313-963-3310; Michigan Legal Services, 313-964-4130; Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
mich — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
info — Michigan Legal Help
reduce or eliminate your property taxes
money, mich — Step Forward, 866-946-7432, application
reduce, mich — City of Detroit, homeowner property tax assistance program (application), senior property tax deferred payment program, senior solid waste fee discount, and disabled veterans exemption
reduce, wayne — Wayne County Treasurer payment plan programs
reduce, mich — Contact your local and county governments to see what programs they have
reduce, mich — Appeal a tax assessment (detroit), Apply for a principal residence exemption (PRE)
a mortgage issue
This is a very complicated area of law with many overlapping programs. We therefore highly recommend you talk to a lawyer to understand all your options as soon as possible.
free lawyer, legal info
detroit — UCHC, 313-963-3310; Michigan Legal Services, 313-964-4130; Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
mich — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
info — Michigan Legal Help
info, covid — CFPB's Summary of Coronavirus-related CARES Act options
counselor, oakland — Oakland County Treasurer's Office, 248-858-0627
counselor, mich — Michigan list of HUD's housing counseling agencies
cash assistance to stay in your home
money, mich — Step Forward, 866-946-7432, application
reduce, mich — Contact your local and county governments to see what programs they have
an income tax issue
income tax resources
detroit — Accounting Aid Society, filing: 313-556-1920, disputes: 313-566-1920x1219
mich — MSU Law Clinic, 517-336-8088
a child support, family law issue
free lawyer, legal info
legal, mich — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online
legal, wayne — Third Circuit Court FOC's clinic calendar
info — Michigan Legal Help
an child's education issue
free lawyer, legal info
mich — Student Advocacy Center, 734-482-0489
legal, mich — MPAS, 517-487-1755
info — Michigan Legal Help
an immigration issue
free lawyer, legal info
legal, services — International Institute, 313-871-8600
legal — MIRC, 734-239-6863
mich — MIRC’s Reference Guide
info — Michigan Legal Help
employment, property, wills, expungement, debt, civil issues
free lawyer, legal info
legal — Lakeshore Legal Aid, 888-783-8190 or apply online, statewide
bankruptcy, east — Access to Bankruptcy, US Bankruptcy Court, MI, Eastern District
bankruptcy, west — Lawestmi.org, US Bankruptcy Court, MI, Western District
info — Michigan Legal Help
a disability law issue
resources
legal, mich — MPAS, 517-487-1755
REENGAGE WITH COMMUNITY
Keep a record of your calls and visits. Keep any documents too. Take pictures of them and your phone call log as backup proofs.
I CAN...
register to vote / update my registration
resources
registration — Secretary of State, online, in-person, by mail
know your rights — Michiganvoting.org
do something nice for someone else
Some ideas: do errands for an elderly person; cleaning up a local park; walk the dog of a disabled neighbor; compliments a stranger who looks like they are having a bad day; etc…
connect others to these resources
Chances are you know you people who could benefit from the resources in this Action Plan. Email or text them about this Action Plan, which is available at streetdemocracy.org/actionplan.
make amends to someone I've harmed
get involved in a group volunteer activity
Group volunteer activity is a great way to give back because you are improving your local community while you are developing new relationships with other civically-minded people. Given this current health crisis, please be mindful of your health and whether you are able to safety participate in this activity.
resources
usa — Volunteermatch.org, search here for local opportunities