Michigan has over 9,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. The state’s housing crisis spans dramatically different landscapes — from Detroit’s urban core, one of the most affordable large cities in the country yet with significant structural poverty and homelessness, to the tourist-heavy resort communities of Northern Michigan where seasonal housing instability is acute, to the rural Upper Peninsula where services are extremely limited.
Emergency hotel and motel voucher programs exist across Michigan, administered locally through a mix of county social services, Community Action Agencies, and nonprofits. This guide from House for Homeless covers how to find emergency hotel assistance anywhere in Michigan tonight. For programs in other states, see our hotel vouchers for homeless national guide.
Need a hotel voucher in Michigan tonight? Call 211 immediately — Michigan 211 is available 24 hours across all 83 counties. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in Michigan
Michigan does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded and administered locally through:
- County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offices — Michigan’s county-level social services system
- Community Action Agencies — Michigan has a strong CAA network serving all 83 counties
- Continuums of Care — Michigan has multiple CoC regions covering the Lower and Upper Peninsula
- Nonprofits and faith-based organizations
Michigan’s county DHHS offices are often the first government point of contact for emergency housing assistance. Call 211 first to be directed to the right local program.
Michigan State Programs Supporting Hotel Assistance
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
MDHHS administers emergency assistance programs through county DHHS offices statewide. The State Emergency Relief (SER) program provides emergency funds for housing, utilities, and other urgent needs — including emergency hotel placements in some circumstances.
MDHHS statewide: 1-855-275-6424 Website: michigan.gov/mdhhs
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
MSHDA administers federal ESG funds and state housing programs supporting homelessness prevention and emergency housing statewide.
MSHDA contact: 517-373-8370 Website: michigan.gov/mshda
Michigan’s SER Program
The State Emergency Relief program, administered through county DHHS offices, can provide emergency hotel assistance in acute crisis situations. To access SER:
- Call your county DHHS office or call 211
- Ask specifically about emergency housing assistance under State Emergency Relief
- Explain that you are homeless or facing imminent homelessness
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Michigan by Region
Detroit and Southeast Michigan (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw counties)
Detroit has the largest homeless population in Michigan and the most robust emergency housing infrastructure.
Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) / Detroit CoC Statewide advocacy and CoC coordination hub for Michigan’s homelessness response.
- Phone: 517-372-6006
- Website: mihomeless.org
Detroit CoC / Southwest Solutions Lead agency coordinating homeless services in Detroit and Wayne County.
- Phone: 313-843-7313
- Website: swsol.org
Covenant House Michigan (youth ages 18–24) Emergency housing and services for young people in Detroit.
- Phone: 313-463-2000
- Address: 2959 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208
- Website: covenanthousemichigan.org
Salvation Army of Metro Detroit Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers across metro Detroit.
- Detroit Citadel: 313-965-7760 | 3737 Humboldt St, Detroit, MI 48208
- Warren: 586-754-5020
- Pontiac: 248-334-0891
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Comprehensive homeless services for men, women, and families in Detroit.
- Men’s shelter: 313-993-4700 | 3535 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
- Women and children: 313-579-7767
- Website: drmm.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan Emergency assistance including housing help for anyone in need.
- Phone: 313-963-9568
- Website: ccsem.org
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency Emergency housing funds including hotel placements for Wayne County residents.
- Phone: 313-388-9799
- Website: waynemetro.org
Wayne County DHHS County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 313-224-5900
Grand Rapids and West Michigan (Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry counties)
Grand Rapids Area CoC / Ionia County CoC Coordinates homeless services across West Michigan.
- Phone: Call 211 for West Michigan CoC resources
Degage Ministries Day center and housing services for people experiencing homelessness in Grand Rapids.
- Phone: 616-454-3860
- Address: 144 S Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Website: degageministries.org
Mel Trotter Ministries Comprehensive homeless services including emergency shelter and housing assistance.
- Phone: 616-454-8249
- Address: 225 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Website: meltrotter.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Salvation Army of Grand Rapids Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 616-459-3433
- Address: 1215 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Catholic Charities West Michigan Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 616-456-1443
- Website: ccwestmi.org
Kent County DHHS County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 616-248-0000
Lansing and Mid-Michigan (Ingham, Clinton, Eaton counties)
Tri-County Office on Aging CoC / Ingham County CoC Coordinates homeless services in the Lansing area.
Volunteers of America Michigan (Lansing) Emergency housing and support services.
- Phone: 517-394-5454
- Website: voami.org
Christ Community Church Emergency Assistance (Lansing area) Faith-based emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 517-321-7830
Salvation Army of Lansing Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 517-272-0770
- Address: 525 N Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Ingham County DHHS County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 517-887-9400
See our city guide: Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Lansing
Flint and Mid-Michigan (Genesee, Saginaw, Bay counties)
Genesee County CoC / Flint Homeless Programs Coordinates homeless services in Flint and Genesee County.
Shelter of Flint Comprehensive homeless services including emergency shelter and housing assistance.
- Phone: 810-232-8871
- Address: 1326 N Chevrolet Ave, Flint, MI 48504
- Website: shelterofflint.org
Salvation Army of Flint Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 810-234-6821
- Address: 829 N Chevrolet Ave, Flint, MI 48504
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 810-232-9950
Genesee County DHHS County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 810-257-3600
Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan
Kalamazoo CoC / Housing Resources Inc. Lead CoC for the Kalamazoo area.
- Phone: 269-385-1070
- Website: housingresourcesinc.org
Kalamazoo Gospel Mission Emergency shelter and housing services in Kalamazoo.
- Phone: 269-345-2974
- Website: kgm.org
Salvation Army of Kalamazoo Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 269-345-1573
Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula
Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have significantly fewer formal emergency housing resources. Key contacts:
- Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (Traverse City area): 231-947-3780
- Eastern Upper Peninsula CoC / Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft CAA: 906-632-3363
- Western Upper Peninsula CoC / UPCAP Services: 906-786-4701
- Salvation Army Marquette: 906-228-3552
- Catholic Social Services of the Upper Peninsula: 906-227-9115
- 211 — always call first, even in the UP
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Michigan
| Priority Group | Michigan-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority statewide |
| Families with children | Top priority; county DHHS SER program can authorize placements |
| Domestic violence survivors | Michigan DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233; HAVEN (Oakland Co): 248-334-1274 |
| Veterans | Strong VA resources in Detroit, Battle Creek, Iron Mountain, Ann Arbor |
| Seniors (60+) | Priority in most county programs |
| Youth ages 18–24 | Covenant House Michigan in Detroit; city-specific youth programs |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter barriers |
| People with pets | Limited — call 211 specifically |
| Upper Peninsula residents | Very limited programs; UPCAP and local churches primary resources |
| Seasonal workers | Northern Michigan tourist areas sometimes have specific programs |
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Michigan — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — available 24 hours across all 83 Michigan counties. Give your city or county name.
Step 2: If you are in Detroit, call Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries at 313-993-4700 or the Salvation Army at 313-965-7760.
Step 3: If you are in Grand Rapids, call Mel Trotter Ministries at 616-454-8249.
Step 4: If you are in Lansing, call Volunteers of America Michigan at 517-394-5454.
Step 5: Contact your county DHHS office and ask about State Emergency Relief (SER) for emergency housing.
Step 6: Contact the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or your local Community Action Agency.
Step 7: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately.
What to Do During Your Michigan Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance immediately: Apply for Michigan SNAP (Food Assistance Program) at mibridges.michigan.gov or call 1-855-275-6424. With zero income you qualify for maximum benefits and expedited 7-day processing. See our guide on how to apply for SNAP when homeless.
Apply for Medicaid: Apply at mibridges.michigan.gov. Michigan Medicaid covers healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Enter coordinated entry: Call 211 or your local CoC to enter Michigan’s coordinated entry system — your pathway to rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and permanent housing. See our guide on types of housing assistance programs for all your options.
Apply for rapid rehousing: Call 211 and ask for rapid rehousing referrals. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing all have active rapid rehousing programs. See our emergency rental assistance guide for another immediate option.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local Michigan PHA. Detroit Housing Commission: 313-877-8000. Michigan PHAs have long waitlists — apply now and to multiple PHAs simultaneously. See our Section 8 guide for the full process and browse all housing voucher programs for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in Michigan?
Call 211 from anywhere in Michigan — available 24 hours across all 83 counties. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. In Detroit, call Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries at 313-993-4700. In Grand Rapids, call Mel Trotter Ministries at 616-454-8249. Your county DHHS office can also help through the State Emergency Relief program.
Does Michigan have a statewide hotel voucher program?
No. Michigan does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel assistance is funded and administered locally through county DHHS offices, Community Action Agencies, CoCs, and nonprofits. Resources are most available in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo — call 211 for what exists in your specific county.
What is Michigan’s State Emergency Relief (SER) program?
SER is Michigan’s emergency assistance program administered through county DHHS offices. It can provide emergency funds for housing, utilities, and other urgent needs — including hotel placements in acute crisis situations. Contact your county DHHS office or call 211 and ask specifically about SER emergency housing assistance.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in Michigan?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority across Michigan’s emergency housing programs. County DHHS offices can authorize emergency hotel placements through SER for families in crisis. Call 211 and specify that you have children. Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries and Mel Trotter Ministries both serve families.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Michigan?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. Michigan has VA resources in Detroit (John D. Dingell VA), Ann Arbor (VA Ann Arbor Healthcare), Battle Creek (Battle Creek VA), and Iron Mountain (Oscar G. Johnson VA) with dedicated homeless veteran programs including HUD-VASH and SSVF rapid rehousing.
What about hotel vouchers in the Upper Peninsula?
The Upper Peninsula has very limited formal hotel voucher programs. UPCAP Services (906-786-4701) serves the western UP and is the primary source of emergency housing assistance. The eastern UP is served by Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft CAA (906-632-3363). Local churches and Salvation Army locations in Marquette and other UP cities are also key resources. Call 211 even in the UP — operators know local resources.
Can I get a hotel voucher in Michigan without ID?
Many Michigan programs serve people without identification. Do not let lack of ID prevent you from calling 211. Free Michigan ID programs are available — MDHHS can sometimes facilitate emergency ID in crisis situations. Ask 211 for local ID assistance resources.
How long do hotel vouchers last in Michigan?
Most Michigan emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with possible extensions while longer-term housing is arranged. SER-funded placements may have specific duration limits set by county DHHS policy. Use your stay to connect with a case manager and apply for rapid rehousing immediately.