Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Welcome to the first edition of my monthly resource newsletter! During these cold winter months and tough times, it’s important to be aware of the resources that could help those in need. Below you will find a compilation of resources that range from informational to essential to our health and well-being.

Even if you are not in need of all of the contacts contained in this email, you may know someone who does. Please share this list with your neighbors, friends, family and professional networks.

My office is constantly looking for new opportunities for assistance. If you work with a group that could help us out, reach out to my office and send us the relevant information so we can share it. If you need assistance and don’t know where to begin, you can always reach out to my office. Send us an email to MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov, or call us at (517) 373-0857.

Stay safe and healthy,

State Representative Mary Cavanagh

House District 10

Rep. Cavanagh’s Office Resources

  • I have over 300 hats, gloves and masks that I am eager to pass out. If you know anyone in need or a nonprofit that could benefit from this donation, please reach out to my office.
  • Booklets: My office has TONS of booklets covering a vast amount of information and resources. Please find a list of all of the booklets that are available below:
    • Veterans – Benefits and Services
    • A Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords
    • Services for Seniors
    • Crime Victims – Rights Act & Constitutional Amendment
    • How State & Local Government Operate Getting to Know Michigan (Coloring book)
    • Child Safety (Coloring & Activity Book)
    • MI Recycles! (Coloring & Activity Book)
    • A Student’s Guide to the Legislative Process in MI
    • Ask Yourself – A Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention & Resource Guide
    • Portraits of MI – History & Facts on Michigan
    • 2021 – 2022 Michigan Citizen’s Guide to State Government 101st Legislature
  • Redistricting Commission: The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission finalized the congressional, state House and state Senate lines on Dec. 30. There are several ongoing lawsuits regarding the fairness of the lines, and we won’t know for a while what the outcome of those will be. For now, the Legislature is operating under the assumption that these are the final lines, and you should too! You can view your new district boundaries for the 2022 election here.

Warming Centers

  • Detroit Center
  • The city of Detroit also offers respite locations. Recreation centers and Detroit Public Library branches are open during business hours to provide residents relief from extreme weather.
  • Wayne County Centers

Free Tax Help – Tax Season!

Rental Assistance, Homeowner Help, & Property Tax Relief

  • Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) is for homeowners with financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It can help pay delinquent mortgage/escrow, condo/homeowners’ fees, property taxes, utilities and internet: (844) 756-4423 or Michigan.gov/MIHAF.
  • The MI Homestead Property Tax Credit can assist in paying property taxes on your primary residence, whether you rent or own it. Check eligibility and find the filing form on the state website.
  • The city of Detroit Eviction Assistance and Prevention program includes lawyers to be present at your court dates, financial assistance for back paid rent and utility costs, direct payments for landlords whose tenants are behind on rent, and a rapid jobs program for people facing eviction.
  • There are also resources from the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency:
  • Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck: (866) 313-2520
  • Other Wayne County neighborhoods: (734) 284-6999 or waynemetro.org/cera7

Utility and Water Assistance

  • The Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) is a two-year program that provides funding to eligible, low-income homeowners to assist with water bills, water conservation and self-sufficiency initiatives. Apply today here.
  • The state of Michigan offers several programs for low-income residents who need assistance paying for energy and weatherization efforts. Visit here for information on the Home Heating Credit, state emergency relief and the Weatherization Assistance program.

Mental Health Resources

  • The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network has a 24/7 helpline at (800) 241-4949.
  • They also offer a wide range of services, including substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery, guidance for parents with struggling kids, and grief support. All of this is available to any Wayne County resident.

Food and Clothing 

  • Eagles Helping Hands is a food rescue in Redford that distributes healthy foods to people that need it. There is no proof of income or residence required. Because their supplies are donated, it’s easiest to monitor when there is a distribution occurring on their Facebook page.
  • Forgotten Harvest offers food assistance across SE Michigan and posts distribution times and locations on their website each week. Find a distribution near you here.
  • Redford Interfaith Relief offers food assistance and a closet/clothing program that requires a scheduled drive-up appointment. To learn more and make an appointment, visit here.
  • Jackets for Jobs is a nonprofit with two locations in Detroit that provides professional attire and job training for those seeking employment! Learn more here.

COVID-19 Vaccines, Boosters and Tests

  • COVID-19 Vaccines: To find a vaccine site near you, visit www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine or schedule with your local pharmacy.
  • Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests: The Biden Administration recently announced that all households can receive four free, at-home rapid COVID tests in the mail. Apply with your residential address, there is a limit to four per address. To receive your free COVID tests, simply fill out the order form with the United States Postal Service at https://www.covidtests.gov/.
  • Wayne County Health Department will be offering COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and testing at the Redford Community Center (12121 Hemingway) through March 31.
    • Testing will be done CURBSIDE ONLY. People that would like to be tested will pull up in their car by the middle entrance and wait for staff to come out.
    • Vaccines will be held inside the center in the Art room. Enter through the northeast doors and follow the signage.
    • Hours:
      • Mondays: 1:30-5:30 p.m.
      • Tuesdays: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
      • Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
      • Thursdays:  12-7 p.m.
      • Fridays: 1:30-6:30 p.m.

Employment Opportunities

That wraps up our first resource newsletter! As always, if you need assistance with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-0857 or MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov. Stay safe!