District 1 Update | Dec. 2025 - From State Rep. Tyrone Carter

Dear Neighbor,

As we close out the year, I want to extend my warmest wishes and deepest appreciation to our entire community. This holiday season, some of us are gathering with family, some are taking a moment to rest after a long year and others are persevering through difficult times. Regardless of what this season holds for you, please know that you are respected, supported and deeply appreciated.

This time of year always reminds me why public service matters. Every constituent, every family, every organization and every business strengthens my commitment to ensuring real and lasting pathways to opportunity, stability and success for all who call our district home. I am truly grateful for the trust you place in me, grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside the residents of District 1 and grateful for the collective effort it takes to move Detroit, Ecorse and River Rouge forward.

Wishing you rest, joy and all the promise and possibility that a new year brings.

In Service,

Tyrone Carter

District 1

Winter Weather Respite

Temperatures have dropped across Michigan and some of the coldest days are ahead of us. Please know that daytime respite centers are available. Detroit, Ecorse and River Rouge recreation centers and public library branches serve as respite sites during their regular operating hours. A listing of the locations can be found below.

City of Detroit: City of Detroit Activates Warming Centers, Respite Locations, and Stand-By Emergency Shelter in Response to Extreme Cold

River Rouge: Senior Activity Center, 303 W. Main St. (313) 842-3360 or City Hall/Police Dept., 10600 W. Jefferson Ave.

Ecorse: Ethel Stevenson Senior Center, 4072 W. Jefferson, Ecorse.

Warming & Cooling Centers – Wayne County, Michigan

Overnight Shelter

If you need emergency shelter, please call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520. This line is available during business hours Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.

Residents also have the option of going to an in-person Coordinated Assessment Model site located at Cass Community Social Services on 12025 Woodrow Wilson St., from Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; or NOAH at Central, 23 E. Adams on the second floor, Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for an in-person assessment and intake procedure. More information about access to shelter can also be found at camdetroit.org.

You may also visit the Wayne Metro River Rouge Shelter, 1230 Coolidge Hwy., River Rouge, MI 48218.

If you are sleeping outside or in your car and need shelter Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. or 24/7 on the weekends please call (866) 313-2520 to be connected with a Street Outreach team or go to the nearest police station.

Additional Resources:

If you are in danger because of domestic violence, please call Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 (866) 864-2338 for help.

If you are having a mental health emergency, call 9-8-8 or the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network’s 24-Hour Helpline at 1 (800)241-4949.

Food Assistance in District 1

Michigan’s Child and Adult Care Food Program provides a FREE nutritious dinner for children 18 and under, participating in varied after-school programs at recreation centers. Meals are offered at the following locations from 4:30-6:30 p.m.:

Adams Butzel Center, 10500 Lyndon — Monday through Friday
Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Dr. — Wednesday and Friday
Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort St. — Monday through Friday
Racquet Up, 6530 W. Outer Dr. — Monday through Thursday
Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere — Monday through Friday, except Wednesday

These are congregate meals and children are required to eat them at the recreation sites. There is no pick-up option for parents or children.

Gleaners Groceries

The Northwest Activities Center distributes groceries every other Monday from 2-4 p.m. at 18100 Meyers Road (313) 578-7500

Capuchin Soup Kitchen

Meldrum Community Center, 1264 Meldrum St. (313) 579-2100

Conner Community Center, 4390 Conner St. (313) 822-8606

Meals for Seniors are offered at the following locations:

Adams Butzel Recreation, 10500 Lyndon
Buzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval
Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere
Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center
RiverRouge City Hall 10625 W. Jefferson Ave.
Ecorse Senior Center 4072 W. Jefferson Ave.

Five Detroit Public Schools Health Hubs will be open over break at Central High School, Denby High School, East English Village Prep at Finney, Mumford High School and Western International High School. Health Hub Navigators will be available to help families access resources, basic needs and shelf-stable food. For more resources and information, click here.

Health Insurance for 2026 Available Through the Health Insurance Marketplace

Having health insurance is important, not just for when you are sick or hurt, but also to help you stay healthy and avoid big medical bills. All Michiganders should take the time to evaluate their health insurance options during the Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period, which runs through Jan. 15, 2026 on HealthCare.gov. This enrollment period is an important opportunity for Michiganders to obtain health insurance through HealthCare.gov for 2026. Free, local enrollment help is available at HealthCare.gov/LocalHelp.

Now is the time to sign up. If you sign up between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, your coverage will begin Feb. 1, 2026. If you miss the Jan. 15, 2026 deadline, you might not have another chance to sign up for health insurance until next year.

Michiganders can learn more by visiting Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance featuring an on-demand webinar, “10 Things You Need to Know About Health Insurance – Open Enrollment for 2026.” You can also call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services’ call center at (877) 999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Currently, subsidies that provide for lower premiums for ACA marketplace plans are set to expire on Jan. 1. My Democratic colleagues and I are doing all we can to ensure everyone has accessible and affordable care. I encourage you to use the resources above and if you need any assistance please contact my office at [email protected] or by calling (517) 373-0154.

Republicans cut $645 Million of promised state investments

Recently, House Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee voted to disapprove almost $645 million in previously authorized fiscal year 2025 work project funding for programs that directly affect people and communities across Michigan.

The committee voted mere minutes after members received a summary document of what departments and programs were seeing cuts. When asked by Democratic lawmakers if there would be a discussion regarding these cuts, the Republican Appropriations Chair replied that there would be no discussion.

In the end, Republicans on the committee voted to yank back already promised funding for programs that ensure new mothers and infants have proper care, senior housing and community infrastructure. They even voted to cut funds for wigs for children with cancer.

This move has created chaos as many members of our community are now left in limbo after this critical funding was revoked with little notice and zero public input. Clinics, nonprofits and families were promised this money and I’ve heard firsthand from community organizations that clawing it back is dangerous and harmful to the thousands of Michiganders who rely on these programs and projects.

This year, we all watched as House Republicans turned in what I believed to be an imperfect budget months late, and this is yet another example of what I believe to be their governing philosophy — hacking and slashing programs that put food on the table and keep communities thriving.

I believe this isn’t good governance. My Democratic colleagues and I were loud and clear that cutting almost $645 million of promised investments through an obscure appropriations process is not something we will quietly accept. I am working tirelessly to return these funds to our community and put money back in the hands of the people who need it most.

Preparing Your Family for Immigration Enforcement (ENGLISH) – here
Preparando Su Familia Para Encuentros Con Inmigracion (ESPAÑOL) – aquí
إعداد عائلتك لتطبيق قوانين الهجرة(ARABIC) – هنا
We Have Rights – for a list of helpful videos to help immigrants navigate encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Search – To help find an immigration lawyer
Preparing your Family for Immigration Enforcement
Guide for Police Encounters with a Foreign Driver’s License
What can noncitizens for to prepare for the new Administration
ACLU Know Your Rights resources
ACLU Know Your Rights: 100 Mile Border Zone
Student Rights to Education (via MIRC)
Arab American Civil Rights League 24/7 immigration hotline 1 (800) 243-0302, providing direct support and guidance for individuals in need

DPSCD Perfect Attendance Days

Detroit Public Schools has launched the second year of the “Perfect Attendance Pays” initiative as students return from Winter Break.

The District will provide high school students with the opportunity to earn a gift card valued at $100 every time they have perfect attendance during a 5-day cycle starting January 5-9, 2026.

The 5-day cycles will run through March 20, 2026, allowing qualifying students to earn up to $1,000 in gift cards. Click this link to find out more information and view the FAQs: DPSCD High School Students Can Earn Up to $1,000 for Perfect Attendance!

MiLEAP and MI Student Aid Virtual Financial Aid Webinars

Students and families interested in learning about financial aid basics are encouraged to register for a virtual presentation provided by the Student Aid and Access outreach team. You may also watch the webinar at a time that works best for you. The presentations are recorded so you can watch at any time.

Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics: