Detroit expands shelter network as city braces for winter freeze
Detroit officials activate emergency cold weather resources and expand shelter network as temperatures plunge.
As winter tightens its grip on Detroit, city officials have launched a comprehensive plan to protect residents from dangerous cold temperatures. Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo has declared a cold weather health emergency, mobilizing a network of warming centers, overnight shelters, and support services across the city.
In an immediate response to freezing conditions, two recreation centers will provide 24-hour respite services from December 5 at 5 p.m. through December 6 at 5 p.m.: The Farwell Recreation Center on E. Outer Drive and Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center on Rosa Parks Boulevard.
Expanded shelter capacity & support services
Detroit’s cold weather response includes over 1,200 shelter and warming center beds, with plans to increase capacity to more than 1,400 beds by January 2025. Three primary warming centers opened in early November, adding 100 emergency shelter beds specifically for the winter months:
- Cass Community Social Services—serving families and women
- Two Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries locations—one serving families and women, another serving single males
These facilities provide essential services, including overnight shelter, meals, showers, and housing assistance support.
How to access emergency housing assistance
Residents seeking shelter or warming center placement can contact the City of Detroit’s Housing Services Helpline at 866-313-2520, operating Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Veterans have dedicated service hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
In-person assessments are available at two locations:
- Cass Community Social Services (11850 Woodrow Wilson Street)—Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- NOAH at Central (23 E. Adams, second floor)—Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Additional warming locations
The city has designated multiple recreation centers as daytime respite locations during regular business hours. Additionally, all Detroit Public Library branches serve as warming centers during their operating hours, with the Main Library offering extended hours, including Sunday service.
The Detroit Housing Services office reports significant progress in addressing housing insecurity, having placed 3,284 residents in permanent housing and provided temporary housing to 764 households. Their services include assistance with housing searches, moving costs, employment support, and addressing property condition issues such as heating problems.
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