Housing and financial assistance for women combines federal programs (HUD, TANF, SNAP, LIHEAP) with state and local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), with VAWA giving survivors of domestic violence priority and emergency transfer rights. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing run through HUD's Continuum of Care and Coordinated Entry. Mothers with custodial children typically qualify for TANF cash assistance and family-priority housing. Community action agencies and 211 lines coordinate utility help, emergency funds, and rent assistance. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 referral lines, and community action agencies.
Michigan family courts (a division of circuit court) handle custody and related matters in each of its 83 counties, with Friend of the Court offices providing investigation, mediation, and enforcement support. The Office of Child Support runs statewide enforcement. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights are the largest metros. Michigan Legal Help and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence support women.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority provides rental assistance, utility help, emergency funds, and housing stability for women in Lansing. Call (855) 646-7432 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm — confirm by phone before driving in. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.
(855) 646-7432 · 735 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Based in Detroit, Detroit Housing Commission supports Michigan women navigating rental assistance, utility help, emergency funds, and housing stability. Call (313) 877-8000 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Service hours run Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; ask about after-hours options if needed. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.
(313) 877-8000 · 1301 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Salvation Army Michigan — Emergency Aid is a Michigan housing and financial resource helping mothers with rental assistance, utility help, emergency funds, and housing stability. Contact (800) 725-2769 to ask about appointments, documents to bring, and waitlist status. Service hours run Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; ask about after-hours options if needed. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.
(800) 725-2769 · Multiple locations statewide · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website
Habitat for Humanity — Detroit is the go-to housing and financial resource in the Detroit area for rental assistance, utility help, emergency funds, and housing stability. Contact (313) 521-6691 to ask about appointments, documents to bring, and waitlist status. Available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.
(313) 521-6691 · 12600 E McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Community Action Agencies — Michigan works with women across Michigan on rental assistance, utility help, emergency funds, and housing stability. Phone (517) 321-7500 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.
(517) 321-7500 · Statewide network · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
United Way for Southeastern Michigan — Financial Stability is a Michigan housing and financial resource helping mothers with rental assistance, utility help, emergency funds, and housing stability. Dial 211 from anywhere in Michigan for a free routing to local services. Hours are 24/7 via 211, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.
211 · Detroit, MI · 24/7 via 211 · Visit Website
Federal housing assistance hub. Section 8, public housing, homeless services, and HUD office locator for every state for low-income women and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for low-income women and families who need vetted, plain-language information on rental assistance, emergency shelter referrals, utility help, and housing search support. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federal homeless assistance programs and Continuum of Care contacts in every community for low-income women and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for low-income women and families who need vetted, plain-language information on rental assistance, emergency shelter referrals, utility help, and housing search support. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — help with heating, cooling, and weatherization in every state for low-income women and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for low-income women and families who need vetted, plain-language information on rental assistance, emergency shelter referrals, utility help, and housing search support. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Emergency shelter, rent assistance, food, utilities, and transitional housing in nearly every US community for low-income women and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for low-income women and families who need vetted, plain-language information on rental assistance, emergency shelter referrals, utility help, and housing search support. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Emergency assistance, housing, food, and family support — local agency in nearly every diocese nationwide. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for low-income women and families who need vetted, plain-language information on rental assistance, emergency shelter referrals, utility help, and housing search support. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Local United Ways provide housing assistance, food, financial coaching and 211 referrals for low-income women and families. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for low-income women and families who need vetted, plain-language information on rental assistance, emergency shelter referrals, utility help, and housing search support. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Affordable homeownership opportunities for working families in every state. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for low-income women and families who need vetted, plain-language information on rental assistance, emergency shelter referrals, utility help, and housing search support. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
National network helping homeless families achieve sustainable independence through community-based programs. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for low-income women and families who need vetted, plain-language information on rental assistance, emergency shelter referrals, utility help, and housing search support. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website