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, many people in our community are experiencing literal homelessness, residing on the street, in a shelter, a place not meant for habitation, or in transitional housing. The Neighborhood and Housing Development Division works closely with community partners to help those on the brink of or actively experiencing homelessness.

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.

Shelter Oakland

Shelter Oakland makes it easy to access shelter services in Oakland County by allowing you to view real time availability and location of shelters and apply for a shelter space. If shelters are full, you will be notified by shelter management once a space becomes available. Go to shelteroakland.com to learn more and to apply for a shelter space. 

Oakland Connects

Oakland Connects is a free program that helps guide residents through services in the county. Our team of certified Community Health Workers are committed to connecting you to programs that support your health in all ways! Oakland Connects is available to anyone who lives or works in Oakland County. Call 1-800-848-5533 or email OCHelpline@OakGov.com

Wellness Wednesdays and Friendship Fridays

Come for a hot meal and connect with health and housing resources. Showers and laundry facilities are also available on a limited basis.

Wellness Wednesdays at Baldwin Center
Every Wednesday from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Baldwin Center
212 Baldwin Ave, Pontiac

Friendship Fridays at Royal Oak First United Methodist Church
2nd and 4th Friday each month from 10 am - 12 noon
320 W. 7th St, Royal Oak

Sen. Rosemary Bayer secured a grant for the Blueprint to End Homelessness in 2019. The plan is dedicated to eradicating homelessness in Oakland County through prevention, housing with wraparound services, reforming the system of care, and engaging the community.

The original task force included Oakland County Neighborhood and Housing Development and Community Corrections, Alliance for Housing, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, HOPE, Community Housing Network, Lighthouse, Haven, Samaritas, Street Democracy, City of Ferndale, Centro Multicultural de la Familia, and many others. As the lead non-profit agency dedicated to ending homelessness and coordinating housing and funding to support Oakland County citizens experiencing homelessness, Alliance for Housing is the local Continuum of Care (CoC).