Help with Basic Needs
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes due to the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play and age that shape the conditions of daily life. Unmet basic needs such as food, housing amenities (laundry, heat), healthcare, employment and transportation can have a negative impact on our community members.
It can be difficult to focus on recovery, establish positive wellness behaviors to prevent chronic disease, or build your personal resilience if you are worried about meeting your basic needs. Free, local help is available to help. Read on to determine which resource is right for you.
Through a combination of phone calls, office and home visits, a team member will help you navigate the often-complex system to help you get the resources needed. Their one-on-one support is confidential.
Serves 31 counties in Michigan: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford.
In partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way, Michigan 2-1-1 connects you to the things you need. By dialing 2-1-1, you can get help with accessing services that can help. It only takes one call. You can also text your zip code to 898211 to be connected.
Serves all counties in Michigan.
Northwest Michigan Community Access Agency (NMCAA)
NMCAA can assist with meals, housing assistance and home repair, free preschool, money management workshops, behavioral health support, and even free laundry services. Learn more here.
Serves the following ten counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon and Wexford.
Which Resource is Best for You and Your Family?
- I need support with housing and preschool: Community Connections or NMCAA
- I would like some extra help navigating resources: Community Connections
- I need a phone number for a community agency: Michigan 2-1-1
- I need to find a food pantry near me: Michigan 2-1-1
- I have barriers or bad experiences navigating my resource needs: Community Connections
- I have complex or multiple needs that may span multiple agencies or organizations: Community Connections
- I have a (non-medical) urgent need: Michigan 2-1-1
Housing Resources
Community Connections can assist you in navigating various housing resources. You may also reach out directly to community agencies focused on housing: