Finances

Supplement an income shortfall with community resources.

Although cash assistance is what many of us need — just for a tide-me-over event — it is very difficult to come by.

Here are some alternatives that can help supplement an unforgiving budget including clothing, food, and household goods, financial aid, financial education, foreclosure prevention, and information on taxes.

  • Friends in Deed, a social ministry focusing on emergency financial assistance, car repair and clothing and household items in Washtenaw County. 734.484.4357

    The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop, a gently-used clothing store that also offers emergency aid for individuals in the Ann Arbor School District who are connected with local social services agencies. 734.662.6771

    Manchester Community Resource Center, MI Works, food pantry, and temporary financial assistance for those in the Manchester area. 734.428.7722

    Faith in Action, faith-based assistance and resource center for those in the Chelsea/Dexter area. 734.475.3305

    FCC Diaper Bank, distributes free diapers, pull-ups, adult disposable briefs, and other baby necessities, 734.475.1844 (First Congregational Church UCC, Chelsea, MI)

    House by the Side of the Road, free clothing and small household items for children and families, 734.769.4085

    Salvation Army of Washtenaw County, food pantry, soup kitchen, clothing, a family shelter, transitional housing and counseling for veterans, emergency and disaster relief, utility assistance, and eviction prevention. 734.668.5353 Ann Arbor; 734.482.4700 Ypsilanti

    SOS Community Services, food, utility assistance, bus tokens, and other resources for folks living paycheck-to-paycheck to overcome financial emergencies without becoming homeless, 734.485.8730; Food pantry 734.484.9945

    Community Action Network, partners with children, youth, and families from under-resourced Washtenaw County neighborhoods (includes meals for children and youth during After School Programs & Educational Summer Camps, as well as weekly food distributions & on-site emergency food pantries), 734.994.2985

    Peace Neighborhood Center offers case management family services and resources (emotional, financial, food) as well as services to help youth succeed, 734.662.3564

  • Whitmore Lake Area Human Services, emergency financial assistance for individuals residing in Whitmore Lake School District. 734.449.0110

    Aid in Milan, food pantry, home-delivered meals, and utility assistance for folks in the Milan school district, 734.439.8420

    Peace Neighborhood Center, individual advocacy and assistance for children and families. 734.662.3564

    Wayne Metropolitan Community Action AgencyAction Agency, emergency assistance for the persistent in out-Wayne-County — multiple services and locations 313.843.2550, ext. 228, outreach and emergency services at the main service office in Wyandotte.

  • Financial coaching, shame-free one-on-one financial counseling from experienced financial experts by appointment at The Women’s Center, 734.734.6779.

    Financial Empowerment Center, one-on-one financial counseling help with money management, budgeting, debt reduction, and affordable banking services.

    Michigan State University Extension, information on home ownership, money management, and more

    Find a financial therapist, locate a therapist who can help you navigate the relationship between emotions and money

    Greenpath Debt Solutions, Ann Arbor location, debt counseling and other services, including online presentations to help with financial planning, 1.800.550.1961

    Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (S.A.F.E.) for women survivors of domestic violence, 1.800.757.4919

  • Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Project, for further information, call Legal Services of South Central Michigan: 734.665.6181

    Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention, Washtenaw County Treasurer’s Department. 734.222.6600

    Foreclosure Prevention Information, plus home ownership education, Michigan State University Extension. 734.222.9595

    Oakland County Community and Housing Mortgage Relief. 248.807.5287

  • United Way of Washtenaw County, free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for Washtenaw County residents with qualifying incomes (see site for details), Call 2-1-1- to set up your appointment or 1.800.552.1183

    Low-income Taxpayer Clinic, University of Michigan Law School, free help with tax problems, 734.936.3535

    IRS Free File – information from the US Internal Revenue Service on filing taxes for free, online.