GET HELP

Below are the worksheets and resources we use to help our clients get the services they need to get out of poverty and unstuck from the criminal justice system




Two Ways to Connect to Services

We know it is hard, especially when you're in it, to see the way out. That's why we've created two ways to help you get to where you're trying to go.


Action Plan - FS.pdf

Action Plan

This Action Plan is designed to walk you through the path out of homelessness. Think of it as a paper social worker. If you a little help figuring out what you need to do next or just like using paper, this option will be your best bet.


Detroit Metro or click the pic

Flint Genesee





Resource List

If you already know exactly what you need, then the Resource List below will work just fine. Just remember to keep a record of your calls and visits. Keep any documents too. Take pictures of them and your phone call log as backup proofs.






Stabilize Your Housing

find 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

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

find 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


legal information, know your rights


cash assistance for eviction diversion program


other cash assistance programs for rent or utilities

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


reduce or eliminate your property taxes

help with 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


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

find 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

get free cell phone service

find 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


job training


entrepreneurship classes and services

apply for unemployment

With the expanded eligibility due to the pandemic, we strongly encourage you to apply for benefits today.


applying



trouble getting benefits

enroll in 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


adult literacy, GED classes


get your college degree

Take the first step and talk to an admissions counselor about (re)enrollment.

Don't let past student loan debt or a long break hold you back for your dreams. There are more options than ever.


paying for college

start or grow your business

entrepreneurship classes and services

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


SSI/SSDI


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

to manage your 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


online classes and resources


Practice a Little Self-Care

sign up for 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

find 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

get 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

talk to someone about suicide

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

exercise your 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

exercise your mind more

Simple mental exercises have been proven to improve brain functioning, lower blood pressure, and help people lose weight.


mental exercises


Tackle Your Legal Issues

a rental housing, eviction issue

free lawyer, info


cash assistance for rent or utilities

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


reduce or eliminate your property taxes

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


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

a child support, family law issue

free lawyer, legal info

an child's education issue

free lawyer, legal info

an immigration issue

free lawyer, legal info

employment, property, wills, expungement, debt, civil issues

free lawyer, legal info

a disability law issue

resources

  • legal, mich — MPAS, 517-487-1755


Reconnect With Community

register to vote / update your registration

resources

reconnect with family and friends

resources

do something nice for someone else

Some simple ideas:

  • do errands for an elderly person

  • clean up a local park

  • walk the dog of a disabled neighbor

  • compliment a stranger who looks like they are having a bad day

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 you've harmed

Apologies are good for both parties, but it can be really hard to apologize because it requires humility, acceptance of blame, and a willingness to change. Learn how to make a good one.


resources

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