Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in Michigan

Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by Rachel

Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Michigan

Last updated: September 2025

This hub is built for speed and action. Every paragraph includes quick, descriptive links you can tap right away. Keep this page open while you call, apply, and follow up.

If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

Apply for emergency help now: Use MI Bridges (MDHHS) to file a State Emergency Relief (SER) request for moving costs, utilities, or essential repairs, and upload proofs from your phone. You can also learn about income rules and caps on SER services directly from MDHHS SER Overview and see relocation amounts at SER Relocation. (michigan.gov)
Stop a shutoff the same day: Call your utility (DTE 1-800-477-4747; Consumers 1-800-477-5050) and request a medical hold using the MPSC Medical Certification Form. Read DTE’s 21‑day medical protection and where to send the form at DTE Medical Emergency, then enroll in a shutoff protection plan. (dteenergy.com)
Get beds/furniture via referral: Ask any caseworker to refer you to the Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit for beds, dressers, tables, and more; see prices and referral partners at Need Furniture? (FBMD) and verify delivery/package costs. For kids’ beds statewide, apply with a Michigan chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) and check other MI chapters like SHP Cedar Springs. (furniture-bank.org)

Quick Help Box – Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

Michigan 2‑1‑1: Dial 2‑1‑1 or 1-844-875-9211 for local furniture vouchers, diaper banks, water/energy aid; browse help at Michigan 2‑1‑1 and search online services. For language access (180+ languages), ask a specialist or use relay at Michigan 2‑1‑1 FAQs. (mi211.org)
Water bill help (WRAP): Call Wayne Metro at 1-313-386-9727 for GLWA/WRAP enrollment in Wayne/Monroe; see providers by county at GLWA WRAP and Oakland/Washtenaw via United Way SEM WRAP. (glwater.org)
THAW—energy assistance: Call 1-800-866-8429 to check MEAP funds and SER support through THAW and apply for SER at MI Bridges. (thawfund.org)
Utilities—medical shutoff protection: Use MPSC Medical Form then call DTE 1-800-477-4747 or Consumers 1-800-477-5050 (TTY 7‑1‑1) to place a hold; read details at DTE Help Center and Consumers Energy Contact. (michigan.gov)
WIC for babies/diapers referrals: Call 1-800-942-1636 to reach Michigan WIC and ask about breast pumps, infant foods, and local baby closets; also find diaper banks at National Diaper Bank Network. (michigan.gov)

Who Can Actually Give You Furniture for Free or Low‑Cost Right Now

Single moms usually combine two tracks: a fast charity referral for free/low-cost items, and a backup plan through state emergency help. Start with a referral while you submit SER, because waitlists move quickly.

Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit (FBMD): Get beds, dressers, sofas, dining sets via an agency referral listed on FBMD partners and pricing; packages are subsidized and often range $125-$ 200 plus delivery. This program serves Wayne/Oakland/Macomb; call to confirm current booking at FBMD main site. According to FBMD’s client page (updated 2025), packages and eligibility require proof like SNAP/Medicaid or crisis letters. (furniture-bank.org)
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP)—kids’ twin beds, free: Apply online at your closest Michigan chapter (e.g., Western Wayne County SHP or Cedar Springs SHP). SHP delivers/assembles beds with mattress and bedding for children 3–17 when stock allows; expect a waitlist in bigger counties. Browse other MI chapters at SHP Chapters. (shpbeds.org)
St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) and Salvation Army—store vouchers: Many SVdP parish conferences offer furniture/clothing vouchers redeemable at local thrift stores; find metro Detroit info via SVdP Detroit or a nearby council like SVdP Lansing District. Salvation Army caseworkers sometimes issue thrift vouchers; start with Salvation Army Metro Detroit Bed & Bread (contacts) or your county corps location.
Goodwill vouchers (Northern MI): If you live in the 19‑county northern region, agencies can issue Goodwill store vouchers for clothing and housewares—ask a caseworker listed at Goodwill Northern Michigan – Good Partner Vouchers. You can also donate or shop at regional Goodwill locations to stretch a tight budget. (goodwillnmi.org)
Free stores and community closets (West MI): In Kent County, shop at no cost by appointment at In The Image Free Store for clothing, housewares, and hygiene items; review new‑client intake and times online. Check service updates or donate items at In The Image Donation Center. (intheimage.org)
Refugee/immigrant household set‑ups: If you are a newly arrived mom, resettlement agencies can furnish apartments. Ask your worker or contact Samaritas New Americans about Welcome Home furnishing teams, and check donation pick‑ups/lists at St. Vincent Catholic Charities Refugee Services. For Oakland/Washtenaw Jewish Family Services’ baskets, email via JFS supply drives. (samaritas.org)
Peer‑to‑peer “free stuff”: Search real‑time giveaways on Freecycle/Trash Nothing groups and set alerts with Freebie Alerts app on your phone; learn how to filter “Only free” on Facebook Marketplace. Use nearby “Free Finds” at Nextdoor Free Finds and check Buy Nothing Project group map. (about.nextdoor.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask any agency to email a referral to FBMD while you apply for SER at MI Bridges; then call Michigan 2‑1‑1 and request “furniture vouchers” and “household items,” plus nearby “free stores.” If you’re in a crisis with kids sleeping on the floor, also apply at your closest SHP chapter. (furniture-bank.org)

How to Use State Emergency Relief (SER) for Moving and Essential Home Needs

Michigan’s SER program helps with emergencies that threaten health and safety, including relocation costs and essential home repairs. Apply fast online.

Eligibility basics: SER looks at monthly income and countable assets; see income/asset tables and copays at MDHHS SER Eligibility. Non‑energy help (like relocation) has separate limits; energy help has its own income caps. Apply online via MI Bridges. (michigan.gov)
What SER can cover for housing: MDHHS can pay first month’s rent, rent arrears, and moving expenses during homelessness, eviction, unsafe/condemned housing, domestic violence, or reunification of children—see reasons and maximums ( $410-$ 1,040 by household size) at SER Relocation. SER also funds essential home repairs like furnaces or water heaters with lifetime caps detailed at SER Home Repairs. (michigan.gov)
Timeline to expect: MDHHS targets about 10 business days for SER decisions once proofs are in, according to Michigan Legal Help. Always upload documents quickly inside MI Bridges and check your letters. (mlh1.mplp.dev)
Plan for energy bills too (MEAP): In 2025 the Michigan Public Service Commission expanded the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and is phasing up the per‑meter funding cap; eligibility transitions to 60% of state median income Oct 1, 2025—read the MPSC update and timing at MPSC MEAP Funding Notice. Connect through THAW or call United Way SEM Utility Assistance. (michigan.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If SER denies you, appeal, and ask your worker to note any new proofs. Meanwhile, call Michigan 2‑1‑1 to locate local funds for “relocation” or “deposit” and ask your county’s Community Action Agency via Michigan Community Action Directory for any short‑term furniture/household help. (members.micommunityaction.org)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Michigan Today

Move fast and document every step.

Call your utility and request protections: For a medical emergency, submit the MPSC Medical Certification Form and call DTE at 1-800-477-4747 or Consumers at 1-800-477-5050 to place a 21‑day hold (extensions possible under rules in MI Admin Code R 460.130). See DTE’s directions and email address at DTE Medical Emergency. (michigan.gov)
Apply for SER/MEAP the same day: Submit a crisis SER on MI Bridges and then call THAW (1-800-866-8429) or United Way SEM Utility Assistance for MEAP/LSP enrollment. Utilities often require proof you applied for SER before setting plans. (thawfund.org)
Reduce your water bill or stop a water shutoff: If you’re in GLWA communities (most of SE Michigan), enroll in WRAP through Wayne Metro (1-313-386-9727) or United Way SEM WRAP for Oakland/Washtenaw. Detroit residents should ask for DWSD’s Lifeline Plan with past‑due forgiveness. (glwater.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Re‑fax or email the medical form and request the 3‑business‑day grace period allowed by rule; confirm receipt by phone. Then file SER again with all past‑due notices and call Michigan 2‑1‑1 to locate township or church funds that can cover a copay or last‑mile balance. (regulations.justia.com)

Local, Charity, Church, and Support‑Group Options

Southeast MI (Wayne/Oakland/Macomb): For vouchers and emergency basics, call Lighthouse MI main at 1-248-920-6000, and request energy/water help or furniture referrals; check WRAP enrollment via GLWA WRAP and county homeless intake via Oakland County Homeless Services. For parish‑based vouchers, contact SVdP Detroit by zip code.
West MI (Kent/Ottawa/Muskegon): Shop free at In The Image Free Store, ask about Pop‑Up Shops, and call Love INC of Muskegon at 1-231-773-3448 for furniture/household pantries. For water/energy, apply SER at MI Bridges and call Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050.
Mid‑Michigan (Lansing area): Ask St. Vincent Catholic Charities about furniture availability for refugee or crisis families; get energy aid via THAW and county Community Action listed in the Michigan Community Action Directory. Use National Diaper Bank Directory to find local diaper partners.
Southwest MI (Kalamazoo/Battle Creek): Search WRAP (for GLWA areas) at GLWA Assistance and call your local Community Action via the Michigan Community Action Directory. Browse “Free” on Nextdoor Free Finds and set alerts with Freebie Alerts.
Northern Lower Peninsula: Request Goodwill store vouchers through partner agencies listed at Goodwill NMI – Vouchers and use Freecycle hubs like Trash Nothing (Grand Traverse). Apply SER at MI Bridges.
Upper Peninsula: Check thrift locations via SVdP U.P. Thrift Stores and ask a parish conference about vouchers. For WRAP (for GLWA‑served towns) or local water aid, confirm at GLWA WRAP and call your Community Action via Michigan Community Action Directory.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask any agency to do a “warm handoff” to another partner and to mark your case “urgent—child sleeps on floor.” Keep applying to multiple sources (FBMD, SHP, SVdP) and save all denial letters for appeals on MI Bridges.

Birmingham Water Bill Help (Oakland County)

If you live in Birmingham, you likely qualify for GLWA’s WRAP administered in Oakland County by United Way SEM.

Enroll in WRAP: Apply through United Way SEM WRAP or call 1-844-211-4994. Confirm that Birmingham is listed among eligible Oakland County communities on Berkley’s WRAP page. Keep your latest bill and 30 days of income. (uwsem.smapply.org)
City contacts: Billing issues or leaks? Call Birmingham Water Service at 1-248-530-1830 and ask about leak adjustments or payment plans. WRAP’s eligibility and benefits are summarized at GLWA WRAP. (mapquest.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Michigan 2‑1‑1 and ask for Oakland County “water hardship” funds (a short‑term program listed by the county at Water Affordability—Oakland County). (oakgov.com)

Documents You’ll Usually Need

Bring or upload clear, color photos when possible.

Identity and residency: State ID or license; lease with your name; current utility bill; use MI Bridges upload to send images. Check WRAP document lists at GLWA WRAP. (glwater.org)
Income proof: Last 30 days’ paystubs, benefits statements (FIP, SNAP, SSI/SSDI), child support printouts; review SER tables at SER Eligibility. Energy providers often require proof you applied for SER or MEAP; see THAW—SER steps. (michigan.gov)
Medical shutoff hold: Completed MPSC Medical Certification Form signed by a clinician; DTE’s submission email and portal are listed at DTE Medical Emergency. (michigan.gov)

Reality Check: Delays, Denials, and Shortages

Furniture waitlists: FBMD and SHP fill up quickly. Confirm package or delivery fees at FBMD “Need Furniture?” and ask if your referrer can cover them. If a child needs a bed now, apply to your closest SHP chapter. (furniture-bank.org)
SER timing: Non‑crisis SER files usually take about 10 business days once proofs are complete (legal aid guidance), and missing documents restart the clock—see Michigan Legal Help. Upload quickly in MI Bridges. (mlh1.mplp.dev)
Energy funds: MEAP funds can run dry late in the program year (ends Sept 30), then refresh in October; read current MPSC funding actions at MPSC MEAP Notice. Apply early. (michigan.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping MI Bridges: Many charities need your SER status first. Apply at MI Bridges and read the SER Overview. (michigan.gov)
No medical form for shutoff: Calling alone won’t place a medical hold. Download the MPSC Medical Form and follow DTE Medical submission steps. (michigan.gov)
Not asking for a referral: FBMD won’t schedule you without a partner agency referral. Use the partners on FBMD “Need Furniture?” or ask a caseworker at Lighthouse MI. (furniture-bank.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Task	Where to do it	Notes
Apply for emergency funds (SER)	MI Bridges	Upload proofs; watch for letters online. (michigan.gov)
Stop an energy shutoff	MPSC Medical Form + Call DTE/Consumers	21‑day holds; renew if needed; also file SER. (michigan.gov)
Water bill help (WRAP)	GLWA WRAP	Admin by Wayne Metro/UWSEM by county. (glwater.org)
Detroit water plan	DWSD Lifeline	Fixed affordable bill; past-due cleared. (detroitmi.gov)
Furniture for families	FBMD “Need Furniture?”	Referral needed; small client copay. (furniture-bank.org)
Kids’ beds	SHP MI chapters	Free twin beds with bedding. (shpbeds.org)
Diapers	NDBN directory	Find nearby diaper banks. (nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org)

Application Checklist (Print/Save This)

Photo ID: Driver’s license/State ID; if none, request help via Michigan 2‑1‑1 for ID clinics.
Proof of address: Lease, current utility bill, or mail with your name; upload via MI Bridges.
Household income (30 days): Paystubs/benefit letters; confirm tables at SER Eligibility.
Past‑due/shutoff notices: Gas/electric/water; for medical hold include the MPSC Form signed by a clinician.
Referral contact: A worker from Lighthouse MI or your DHHS office for FBMD referral.
For baby gear support: Your WIC ID or clinic contact at Michigan WIC.

Eligibility and Timelines—What Michigan Programs Cover

Program	Who qualifies (summary)	What you can get	Typical timeline
State Emergency Relief (SER)	Income/asset rules; emergency need	Relocation, energy, essential repairs	~10 business days for non‑crisis (faster if crisis) (michigan.gov)
MEAP (energy)	Low‑income; funds via statewide partners	Bill credits, arrears support, self‑sufficiency services	Seasonal; funding varies (year ends Sept 30) (michigan.gov)
WRAP (water)	GLWA service; ≤200% FPL; bill responsibility	Monthly credits, arrears aid, small plumbing repairs	Often 2–4 weeks after docs; varies by county (glwater.org)
DWSD Lifeline (Detroit)	Detroit DWSD customers; income tiers	Fixed affordable bill; erase past‑due	Intake via Wayne Metro; timing varies (detroitmi.gov)
FBMD	Referred clients with need/SNAP/Medicaid	Beds, dressers, tables; delivery	Appointments fill quickly; 1–3 weeks typical (furniture-bank.org)

Where to Find Low‑Cost or Free Household Items (By Category)

Baby gear: Contact Michigan WIC for breastfeeding supplies and referrals; check safe sleep gear via MDHHS Safe Sleep Resources by County. Always follow federal safety rules noted at MDHHS Safe Sleep News. (michigan.gov)
Kitchen/linens: Try In the Image Free Store (Kent Co.), ask SVdP Detroit for vouchers, and check Freecycle/Trash Nothing. For northern MI, request Goodwill NMI Vouchers. (intheimage.org)
Appliances: Many vouchers exclude major appliances. Ask Love INC Muskegon about their appliance ministry; price out gently‑used units at local Habitat ReStores. Pair with SER essential repair help at SER Home Repairs. (habitat.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use Nextdoor Free Finds and set a “max price $0” filter on Facebook Marketplace. Ask your caseworker to email multiple churches (SVdP, Salvation Army, Love INC) the same day for quicker voucher scheduling.

Resources by Region (Examples You Can Call Today)

Region	Who to call	What they offer
Detroit/Wayne	Wayne Metro—WRAP/Lifeline 1-313-386-9727; SVdP Detroit	Water bill help, referrals, vouchers
Oakland	Lighthouse MI 1-248-920-6000; UWSEM WRAP	Utility/water help, furniture referrals
Macomb	Macomb Community Action—WRAP 1-586-469-6464; Habitat ReStore Macomb	Water credits/repairs; low‑cost home goods
Kent	In The Image Free Store 1-616-456-6150; Habitat Kent ReStore	Free store; low‑cost furniture
Muskegon	Love INC Muskegon 1-231-773-3448; SHP Muskegon	Furniture/household, kids’ beds
Lansing area	St. Vincent Catholic Charities 1-517-323-4734; Consumers Energy	Household setups (when available), utility plans
Northern MI	Goodwill NMI Vouchers; Trash Nothing (Grand Traverse)	Emergency housewares vouchers; free listings
U.P.	SVdP U.P. Thrift	Vouchers for clothing/household (ask local conference)

Diverse Communities: Tailored Tips and Contacts

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Call Michigan 2‑1‑1 and ask for affirming agencies; many WRAP/MEAP providers train staff on non‑discrimination. For state benefits, apply at MI Bridges and list your chosen name in notes; ask for communications by text/email for safety. For household goods and beds, use FBMD referral list and SHP MI chapters if kids need beds. (furniture-bank.org)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Use the MPSC Medical Certification Form to get a 21‑day shutoff hold and re‑apply if needed; request TTY 7‑1‑1 access with Consumers Energy and DTE. For pack‑and‑plays and safe sleep training, rely on MDHHS Safe Sleep by County. (michigan.gov)
Veteran single mothers: Call Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) at 1-800-MICH‑VET (1-800-642-4838) and ask about the Veterans Trust Fund or county Soldiers & Sailors Relief for rent, utilities, or car repairs; MVAA coordinates with 2‑1‑1 after hours. Confirm new homeless‑prevention grants in 2025 at MVAA grants news. (michigan.gov)
Immigrant/refugee single moms: Ask your resettlement worker to furnish your unit through Samaritas New Americans or St. Vincent CC Refugee Services. For food/diapers, request a WIC appointment through Michigan WIC and a diaper bank via the National Diaper Bank directory. (samaritas.org)
Tribal‑specific resources: Ask your tribal social services for local furniture and baby items, then also apply at MI Bridges for SER and use GLWA WRAP or a tribal water program if applicable. For community‑based referrals, dial 2‑1‑1.
Rural single moms with limited access: Use phone‑friendly sites like MI Bridges to apply and upload proofs, search the Michigan Community Action Directory for county programs, and set alerts on the Freebie Alerts app to catch curb alerts without driving far. (members.micommunityaction.org)
Single fathers: The same programs apply. Apply via MI Bridges, request WRAP through GLWA, and use NDBN’s directory for diaper help if you have a baby at home. (glwater.org)
Language access & accessibility: Ask for large‑print letters or ADA accommodations in MI Bridges messages; use TTY 7‑1‑1 and note that Michigan 2‑1‑1 offers translation in 180+ languages. Keep documentation by texting or emailing photos to caseworkers when permitted. (mi211.org)

County‑Specific Variations to Know

Detroit (Wayne County): The DWSD Lifeline Plan offers a fixed monthly bill and clears past‑due balances for enrolled households; apply through Wayne Metro (1-313-386-9727). Use WRAP via GLWA if you live in a GLWA partner city. (detroitmi.gov)
Oakland County: WRAP delivery is coordinated by United Way SEM; communities like Birmingham, Royal Oak, and Novi are listed on municipal pages such as Berkley WRAP. Furniture referrals often run through Lighthouse MI. (berkleymi.gov)
Northern MI/UP: SVdP parish conferences and Goodwill NMI vouchers are more common than dedicated furniture banks; use Trash Nothing for local free listings. (goodwillnmi.org)

Tables You Can Screenshot

What Each Program Usually Covers

Program	Beds/Furniture	Kitchen/Housewares	Bills/Arrears	Moving/Deposits
FBMD	Yes (with referral; small copay)	Some housewares	No	No (furniture-bank.org)
SHP	Kids’ beds only	Bedding included	No	No (shpbeds.org)
SVdP/Salvation Army	Vouchers vary	Often yes	Sometimes	Sometimes
SER (MDHHS)	No direct furniture	N/A	Yes (energy)	Yes (relocation) (michigan.gov)
WRAP/DWSD Lifeline	No	Plumbing repairs (minor)	Yes (water)	No (glwater.org)

How Long It Can Take

Action	Fastest path	Typical wait
SER decision	Apply + upload proofs in MI Bridges	~10 business days (non‑crisis) (mlh1.mplp.dev)
WRAP enrollment	Submit full docs with bill and income	2–4 weeks
FBMD booking	Referral + pay copay if required	1–3 weeks (varies) (furniture-bank.org)
SHP kids’ beds	Online application	Several weeks; depends on builds

Documents—At a Glance

Proof	Used for	Where to find
Photo ID	All programs	Secretary of State; ask 2‑1‑1 for ID clinics
Income (30 days)	SER/WRAP	Employer portal, MiDAS, Social Security letter
Shutoff notice	SER/Utility plan	Utility online account; DTE Help Center
Medical form	21‑day hold	MPSC Medical Form (michigan.gov)

Michigan Water Help by Area (GLWA)

County	Apply with	Phone
Wayne/Monroe	Wayne Metro – WRAP	1-313-386-9727 (glwater.org)
Oakland	United Way SEM WRAP	1-844-211-4994
Macomb/Lapeer/St. Clair	Macomb Community Action WRAP	1-586-469-6464 (macombgov.org)
Washtenaw	United Way SEM WRAP	1-844-211-4994

Quick Online Free‑Stuff Sources

Platform	Tip
Facebook Marketplace Free filter	Set max price to $0 and sort by “Most recent.”
Nextdoor Free Finds	No account needed to browse; sign in to contact.
Trash Nothing / Freecycle	Join the closest town groups for alerts.

If Your Application Gets Denied

Read the notice: Find the denial reason inside MI Bridges Letters and check the copay section at SER Eligibility. If it’s a missing proof, upload it and message your worker.
Ask for a conference/appeal: Use the contact on your notice. For utilities, resubmit the MPSC Medical Form if the condition continues; call DTE (1-800-477-4747) or Consumers (1-800-477-5050). (dteenergy.com)
Plan B funding: Ask Michigan 2‑1‑1 for township funds and faith‑based vouchers. Have them email your denial to charities that require it.

FAQs (Michigan‑Specific)

Can SER pay for furniture after a fire or DV move?
Possibly for moving and deposits, not furniture itself. SER can fund first month’s rent, arrears, or moving costs under reasons listed at SER Relocation. Pair that with FBMD referral and SHP for actual items. (michigan.gov)
How do I get a free crib or pack‑and‑play?
Check your county’s safe sleep programs at MDHHS Safe Sleep by County and ask your Medicaid plan about covered pack‑and‑plays. WIC can refer families via Michigan WIC. (michigan.gov)
My power is about to be shut off—what’s the fastest protection?
Submit the MPSC Medical Form and call your utility the same day for a 21‑day hold; then apply for SER on MI Bridges. DTE details are at DTE Medical Emergency. (michigan.gov)
Is the water help different in Detroit?
Yes. Detroit uses the DWSD Lifeline Plan with a fixed affordable bill and debt forgiveness. Other GLWA cities use WRAP. (detroitmi.gov)
Do furniture banks charge fees?
FBMD furniture is donated but delivery/packaging is subsidized with small client fees; some agencies cover them—see FBMD Need Furniture?. For totally free options for kids, try SHP. (furniture-bank.org)
How long do SER decisions take?
About 10 business days for non‑crisis once proofs are complete—see Michigan Legal Help timelines. Upload docs quickly via MI Bridges. (mlh1.mplp.dev)
What if I don’t qualify for MEAP until October?
MEAP runs on a program year; funds can tighten late summer. Check current updates at MPSC MEAP notice and use SER + payment plans now. (michigan.gov)
Any diaper banks in my county?
Yes—search the NDBN directory for your county; examples include Nestlings (Holland) and The Diaper Alliance (Midland). Pair with Michigan WIC. (nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org)
Is Section 8 open for help with moving costs?
The voucher waitlist opens only at times; as of this writing, MSHDA’s H lists were closed—check status at MSHDA HCV Waiting List Info. SER can assist with relocation when eligible.
I need help in Spanish or with hearing—what do I do?
Use TTY 7‑1‑1 with Consumers Energy or DTE. For translators, dial Michigan 2‑1‑1, and set your MI Bridges language to Spanish or Arabic.

Troubleshooting Tips (When Stuff Falls Through)

No reply from caseworker: Message inside MI Bridges, call your local office’s general line, and ask Michigan 2‑1‑1 to warm‑transfer you to a Navigator partner.
SHP/FBMD waitlists: Re‑apply after any move or address change and ask your agency if they can cover the fee listed under FBMD Need Furniture?. Search Nextdoor Free Finds daily.
Shutoff still scheduled: Re‑send the MPSC Medical form, ask for the 3‑business‑day grace period, and escalate to a supervisor; also apply SER at MI Bridges.

Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

Esta sección fue traducida con herramientas de IA. Verifique detalles con las oficinas oficiales.

Ayuda de emergencia (SER): Solicite por MI Bridges. Vea reglas y límites en SER (MDHHS).
Evitar corte de luz/gas: Envíe el Formulario Médico de la MPSC y llame a DTE 1-800-477-4747 o Consumers 1-800-477-5050. Pida un plan de pago y solicite SER.
Agua (WRAP): Inscríbase por GLWA WRAP; en Detroit solicite DWSD Lifeline.
Muebles y camas: Pida referencia para Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit y solicite camas gratis para niños con Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Diaper banks y WIC: Busque pañales en NDBN y llame a WIC Michigan 1-800-942-1636.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is informational and not legal advice. Program rules, funding, and eligibility change often and may vary by county. Always confirm amounts, wait times, and availability directly with the agency—use MI Bridges for MDHHS programs, GLWA WRAP for water assistance, and your utility’s assistance pages for the latest medical hold and payment‑plan details. Funding is limited and not guaranteed.

What to Do Next

Save this page and start with the three actions at the top.
Keep proofs handy by snapping clear photos.
Call to confirm current availability before applying (funds shift month to month).

You’ve got the steps, the links, and the phone numbers—take one action now, then the next.

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