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Oakland County Resources for Those Experiencing Homelessness

(Oakland County, Dec. 17, 2022)

Oakland County, MI – Although Oakland County has a strong economy and many resources, there are still residents that are forced to choose between necessities like buying food, paying rent, or going to the doctor. At any given time, there may be approximately 1,200 persons experiencing literal homelessness, residing on the street, in a shelter, a place not meant for habitation, or in transitional housing. The Oakland County Neighborhood and Housing Development Division works closely with community partners to help those on the brink of or actively experiencing homelessness.

Homeless Services

Some traditional “helpful” actions may disqualify individuals from receiving assistance from established programs; therefore, connecting the person to local organizations instead of giving them money directly (i.e., paying for hotel nights, creating GoFundMe accounts, etc.) is the best way to help. Remember to be cautious about sharing anyone’s personal stories and details on social media accounts. Volunteering and/or donating to a local agency that works with unhoused persons is always helpful.

Emergency Services Grant (ESG) funded emergency shelters in Oakland County served more than 1,000 homeless adults and children last year. Support is given to area homeless shelter providers for operations, maintenance, and essential services. You can support persons experiencing homelessness through trusted community partners.

For additional support, call 2-1-1 and Oakland County Health Division’s Nurse On Call.

Oakland County Neighborhood & Housing Development

Oakland County Neighborhood & Housing Development division offers services to help prevent residents from becoming homeless.

Housing Counselors

Oakland County’s HUD certified housing counselors offer free housing information, education, and can provide referrals to various agencies for short-term help to prevent homelessness. Please call (248) 858-5402 to speak with a housing counselor.

Oakland County’s certified counselors can help with:

  • Preventing Mortgage or Property Tax Foreclosure
  • Reverse Mortgages for those Aged 62 or Older
  • Home Buying Process
  • Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
  • Credit and Budget Issues
  • Home Repairs, Subsidized Housing and Rental Assistance for Low to Moderate Income Households
  • Housing Discrimination
  • Preventing Homelessness

Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention

If you are facing eviction or foreclosure, legal assistance is available to residents of Oakland County. If living in the following communities, contact the corresponding legal aid provider:

Oakland Mediation Center

Phone: 248-338-4280 • ext. 227
Email: legalservices@mediation-omc.org
Website: mediation-omc.org

Communities Served: Addison Twp., Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Clawson, Davisburg, Lake Orion, Leonard, Oakland Twp., Oxford, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Union Lake, Waterford

Lakeshore Legal Aid

Phone: 888-783-8190
Email: oaklandhousing@lakeshorelegalaid.org
Website: lakeshorelegalaid.org

Communities Served: Clarkston, Franklin, Groveland, Huntington Woods, Holly, Independence, Keego Harbor, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac, Royal Oak Twp, Springfield, Southfield

Legal Aid Defender

Phone: 248-907-1427
Email: housing@ladadetroit.org
Website: ladadetroit.org

Communities Served: Berkley, Commerce, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Highland, Madison Heights, Milford, New Hudson, Novi, Royal Oak, South Lyon, Walled Lake, White Lake, Wixom

For more information, go to the Oakland County Neighborhood & Housing Development Division website at www.oakgov.com/nhd or by contacting a housing counselor at 248-858-5402.