Michigan families can get food, cash, internet during coronavirus crisis

Schools have closed and Michiganders are staying indoors during the COVID-19 crisis. Business are shut and some are out of work, which means that some families will not have enough food or resources for the coming weeks.

There are about 750,000 children in Michigan who receive free and reduced lunch at school, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. To ensure children are still getting nutritious meals, school districts throughout the state are setting up food distribution sites. Private businesses and neighbors are chipping in with food, internet service and cash, too.

The latest: Michigan coronavirus locations, updated COVID-19 newsHere’s a map of where Michigan kids can get meals during school closure

Here is a list of statewide resources to help you and your loved ones— or places you can consider helping — during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ll update this list regularly. If you know of any resources that should be included, please email Monica Williams at mwilliams@bridgemi.com.

HOUSING & MORTGAGE RELIEF

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has temporarily suspended evictions in Michigan.

Freddie Mac -- Offering mortgage relief options for those who are unable to make their mortgage payments due to a decline in income, including forbearance for up to 12 months, waiving penalties and fees, halting foreclosure sales/evictions of borrowers in Freddie Mac-owned homes until May 17, and more. myhome.freddiemac.com/own/getting-help-disaster.html

Fannie Mae - Homeowners who are adversely impacted by this national emergency may request mortgage assistance by contacting their mortgage servicer. Foreclosure sales and evictions of borrowers are suspended for 60 days. Homeowners impacted by this national emergency are eligible for a forbearance plan to reduce or suspend their mortgage payments for up to 12 months. https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/media/corporate-news/2020/covid-homeowner-assistance-options-7000.html

The Homeless Shelters Directory is a directory of shelters and other homeless services for people with urgent housing needs. You can find support close to you.

MENTAL HEALTH

Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 — This 24/7/365 service from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides crisis counseling for people going through both natural and human-caused disasters. It’s free, multi-lingual and confidential. You can also text TalkWithUs to 66746.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to
The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2941_4868—,00.html

Other statewide resources

2-1-1 — Call 2-1-1 from any phone to be connected to a list of statewide resources for everything from food and diapers to rental assistance and bus fare. You can also search their online database.

Alzheimer's Association of Michigan has free online support groups to offer caregivers and those living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia with social interaction, educational information and support. Dial-in support groups are 10 to 11 a.m. April 15 and 6 to 7 p.m. April 22. The dial-in number is 312-757-3121 and the access code is 294-847-693.

American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood donations. Find out where to give here

Bridge article: How to give blood in Michigan during the coronavirus crisis

AT&T will offer free internet access to new customers for two months and low-income households can continue to subscribe for $10/month. All public WiFi hotspots are open to anyone. AT&T will not terminate service of any customer due to an inability to pay and all late payment fees will be waived. Click here to learn more.

Essential workers ( police officers, firefighters, health care workers, postal workers, sanitization workers, etc.,) in need of child care can get assistance finding help .

Comcast and Charter Communications will offer free internet access to low-income families. Internet and cable will not be suspended. Click here for guidelines.

Feeding America has a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries. They help food banks across the country support the most vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic. You can donate here or find your local food bank here.

Food assistance Temporary food assistance (Bridge card) for eligible low-income families and individuals is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Use MI Bridges to apply for assistance, check your eligibility status and manage your account online.

Food Pantries runs an online directory of local pantries, soup kitchens, food shelves, food banks and other food help and you can search by state for nearby aid.

Free food. Residents 60 and older are eligible for home-delivery or pick-up meals during the outbreak. Fill out the form here. Seniors can also request a daily wellness-check phone calls.

Meals on Wheels: Delivers nutritious meals to vulnerable seniors. You can contact your local provider or donate to the national group here.

Need Help Paying Bills has a list of emergency as well as long-term financial assistance programs. Based on various conditions, households can receive rental assistance, food, free medical care, daycare vouchers, medical care and energy bill assistance among other resources.

More than a dozen informal, grassroots networks are operating statewide. Sometimes known as mutual aid groups, they work alongside government agencies and charities and can assist with grocery deliveries, financial assistance, child care and more. Check out the map (right) from Michigan Radio to find a local group to join.

Michigan Small Business During COVID-19 offers guidance for small-business owners

Michigan Treasury Collections Service Center Assistance may be available for those who have been laid off due to COVID-19 regarding past due state taxes or other state debts call 517-636-5265 or visit www.michigan.gov/taxes

The State Unemployment Office will extend benefits to workers who are sick, quarantined or taking care of family members who are ill. First responders in the public health community who became ill or quarantined due to exposure are also eligible. Self-employed workers and independent contractors who don’t have access to unemployment insurance will now have access to benefits. Click here to fill out the application online or call 1-866-500-0017.

Bridge article: How to apply for unemployment benefits in Michigan amid coronavirus crisis

USBG National Charity Foundation is offering grant assistance to bartenders and their families. Click here to fill out the application.

Upper Peninsula

Community Action Alger-Marquette can assist residents with housing or food support. Call 906-228-6522 during normal business hours to make an appointment.

SEMCO said it is suspending customer disconnections and waiving late fees for anyone unable to pay their monthly natural gas bill. If you are concerned about your gas service or struggling to pay your bill, call SEMCO at 1-800-624-2019.

UPPCO is suspending shutoffs for non-payment through April 5 for income-eligible customers. In addition, customers that are enrolled in UPPCO’s Senior Winter Protection program have had their end dates extended automatically through May 3.. Customers who are significantly impacted by COVID-19 – those with a sudden loss of income or medical condition – as well as vulnerable senior citizens, can call 906-449-2013 or dial “2-1-1” from anywhere in the Upper Peninsula to determine eligibility for payment assistance programs.

Western UP Food Systems Council has compiled a list of area food pantries and assistance in Houghton County & beyond.

Bay Mills Indian Community

Bay Mills Food Pantry is available to assist Bay Mills tribal members in need of food assistance, and is not income-based. Bay Mills Commodities is in charge of the pantry, currently located at the Waishkey Center. Bay Mills tribal members in need of access to the food pantry can call Schwiderson or her staffer John Napoletano at 906-248-2527 or 906-248-2528 to make an appointment.

Gwinn

Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter, 815 South State Highway M553, has a pet food pantry to help dog and cat owners who are having difficulty feeding their pets. Proof of eligibility is not required. Email info@upaws.org or call 475-6661 for more information.

Hancock

Hancock Public Schools will be providing free breakfast/lunch starting Wednesday, March 18. Parents and guardians are welcome to pick up food for all children 18 and younger. Meals must be pre-ordered by completing the Google sign-up form , or by calling the respective high school, middle school or elementary offices.

The Salvation Army of Hancock food pantry, 408 Ravine St., is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lake Linden

Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools will be participating in the federal program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to our students (age 18 and under) who are in need during the school closure, through Apr. 5. The meals are free to all students. Meals are for the week and must be pre-ordered. You may do so by completing a Google form or emailing drheault@lakelinden.k12.mi.us. You may also reach the LLHS Food Service Department by calling 906-296-6211 (choose option #4 from the menu and then #5 for Food Service). Please leave a voicemail. Only those who have signed up by the deadlines will be guaranteed meals.

A food drive in Roscommon. (Bridge photo by Kelly House)

Northern Michigan

Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency has compiled this list of resources for residents of Northeast Michigan.

Traverse Bay area School District will distribute food at the following locations:

Benzie Central Schools, March 20, 23 and 26 from 11 to 11:30 a.m., 9222 Homestead Rd.

Kingsley Area Schools, breakfast and lunch pickup:

Hannah St. Mary’s, 2912 M-113, 4:30 to 6 p.m.Kingsley Methodist Church, 113 Blair St.,10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Home delivery is available. Call your school directly.

Traverse City Area Public Schools, breakfast and lunch pickup:

Blair Elementary School, 1625 Sawyer Rd., 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.Traverse Heights Elementary School, 933 Rose St., 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.East Middle School, 1776 Three Mile Rd., 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.Long Lake Elementary School, 7600 N. Long Lake Rd. 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Mid-Michigan

CAHP has compiled this list of COVID-19 resources for mid-Michigan residents.

Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP) will suspend late fees and eviction notices in mid- Michigan for the next three weeks. Call 517-332-4663 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

CATA is offering free transit during this time but asks that it only be used for essential travel. IMPORTANT: To protect the health and safety of our drivers, please board and exit from the rear door of the bus. For additional information, please call CATA's emergency line at 517-999-2549.

Summit Pointe Housing Assessment Resource Agency (H.A.R.A.) assists those in Calhoun County in a current eviction status or those who are currently homeless who are trying to find other housing opportunities. Call 269-966-1538 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Big Rapids

Here's a list of resources sent by readers in the Big Rapids/Mecosta County community

Fenton

The Warda Foundation is launching a lunch supply food drive with donations being collected at The Barn, 715 Torrey Rd. Items collected can include, bread, cereal, butter, dried fruit, peanut butter and more. Click here to donate.

Flint

Catholic Charities meal programs will be offered at three distribution sites.

North End Soup Kitchen, 735 E. Stewart Ave.Center for Hope Soup Kitchen, 812 Root St.South Flint Soup Kitchen, Lincoln Park United Methodist Church, 3410 Fenton Rd.

The City of Flint compiled this list of community services, including information on free meal distribution, small business help and child care.

Food Not Bombs Flint is distributing free sack lunches to members of the public at Asbury Church,1653 Davison Rd., from noon to 4 p.m. or until the food runs out. Food distribution is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant Public Schools will offer meals on weekdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Mount Pleasant High School 1155 S. Elizabeth St. Children 18 and younger are free. Adult meals are $2.

Southeast Michigan

Bridge reader Julie Kennedy-Carpenter has an abundance of resources (housing, medical, food, caregiver, educational, and much more) on her Julie's List for residents in six counties.

Gleaners Community Food Bank has increased food distribution sites for families and children in Metro Detroit. Here are a list and map (right) of food drives.

Michigan Muslim Community Council will provide grocery delivery service for senior citizens living in Metro Detroit. Call 734-325-4134 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to place an order. Volunteers can sign up here.

United Way of Southeastern Michigan has set up funds to help families with health care, financial resources and other services. The agency has recently expanded its volunteer portal so that volunteers can work immediately. To donate or volunteer, click here. The organization has also launched a COVID-19 community response fund to continue efforts to support families during the school closures.

Ann Arbor

"To go" meals will be available for pickup, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until April 2. Meals are for children 18 and younger and children with special needs 26 and under. If you have food allergy needs or cannot get to a pickup location, call 734-994-2265.

Food pickup locations are:

Arrowwood Hills Community Center, 2566 Arrowwood, April 2.Bryant Community Center, 3 W. Eden Ct., April 2.Green Baxter Court Community Center, 1737 Green Rd., April 2.Hikone Community Center, 2724 Hikone Dr., April 2.Pinelake Village Co-op, outside the clubhouse, 2680 Adrienne Dr., April 2.Lakestone Apartments, outside the clubhouse, 4275 Eyrie Dr., April 2.Scio Farms, outside the clubhouse, 6655 Jackson Rd., April 2Orchard Grove, outside the clubhouse, 2835 S. Wagner, April 2.Carpenter Elementary, outside the school, 4250 Central Blvd., April 2.Scarlett Middle School, 3300 Lorraine, April 2.Peace Neighborhood Center, Peace Maple Meadows Satellite, West Arbor Satellite, 1111 N. Maple Rd., April 2.

Ann Arbor Community Center: 625 N Main St., Pantry hours: By appointment. Perishable food is available on the first Wednesdays 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. (lining up begins at 9:30am).

Food Gatherers works with more than 150 partners through the Washtenaw County area. Click here to search for food pantries, distributions, and free meals available in your community.

Huron Valley Humane Society offers pet food assistance for residents living in Washtenaw County or Plymouth. Click here to apply for assistance.

Northside Community Center 809/815 Taylor St., 2 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m Thursday;: 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. second Saturday of the month; 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. fourth Saturday of the monthPalm Palace Free kids’ meals with no minimum purchase.

Belleville

Belleville First United Methodist Church, 417 Charles St., Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.Church of God Mountain Assembly, 494 W. Columbia, Food distribution held on Thursday night. Sign-in between 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. Food boxes are distributed after service, between 8:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.Nourishing Gardens, 24831 Sumpter Rd., 11 a.m.- 12: 30 p.m. Sundays

Birmingham

Birmingham Public Schools will offer breakfast and lunch pickup to students 18 and younger, Monday to Friday. Students do not need to be enrolled in Birmingham Public Schools.

Food pickup locations:

Groves High School, 20500 W. 13 Mile, Beverly Hills, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.Derby Middle School, 1300 Derby, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.Huntley Square Apartments, 31065 Huntley Square, Beverly Hills, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills Schools will have meals available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meals will be packaged in grab-and-go containers. Meals are for children up to 18 and any child with special needs up to 26 years old. Adult meals will be offered for $4. If you have food allergy needs, call 248-341-5672

Food pickup locations:

Main entrance of Bloomfield Hills High School - 4200 Andover Rd.Main entrance of East Hills Middle School 2800 Kensington Rd.

Dearborn Heights

Dearborn Public Schools will offer free pickup breakfast and lunch for students who attend Fordson, Dearborn and Edsel Ford high schools, McCollough/Unis, Salina Intermediate and Woodworth. 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Food pickup locations:

Help’s on the Way, 5358 South Beech Daly Rd., Pantry hours, 6 p.m. (until all clients are served. Documentation required: Must show government-issued photo identification. Passports with supporting documents may be accepted.Firstworks Freestore, Inside of First Assembly of God Dearborn Heights, 5650 S. Telegraph Rd. Hours: second and fourth Fridays of each month from 12 to 2 p.m.

Detroit

Outlier Media has developed a fast and easy way for metro Detroiters to voice their concerns about COVID-19. The quick survey will ask participants to identify their biggest needs and vexing questions. Text “corona” to 72224 to participate.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Water Restart Plan For Detroit residents who recently experienced a water shutoff or received a shutoff notice, call Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency to get your service restored: 313-386-9727.

Restoration is a $25 fee and then $25 per month during time of Coronavirus emergency. https://detroitmi.gov/departments/customer-care/water-and-sewerage-department/coronavirus-covid-19-water-restart-plan

Detroit Public Schools Community District will distribute “grab and go” breakfast and lunch meals at 17 school locations. Breakfast, Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; lunch from 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Click here for the list of schools.

Detroit National Action Network will start free grocery, medication delivery service through March 21. The service is available to senior citizens and homebound individuals. Grocery items must be paid for with a debit or credit card. 313-288-8433

Downtown Boxing Gym is offering meals, care packages, online tutoring and training. Text DBGFAMILY to 44321 to donate and volunteer.

Michigan Humane Society, 7887 Chrysler Drive, Detroit, is offering free pet food to qualifying pet owners in need. To apply, contact any of the Michigan Humane Society’s three Centers for Animal Care to apply for the program.

Mighty Wings, 20131 Greenfield Rd., is offering free pancake and bacon breakfasts from 8 to 11 a.m. daily for kids.

Nosh Pit Detroit will provide free vegan meals and grocery help to anyone who needs. Details here

Soup Kitchen, 22201 Fenkell, Detroit, 313-255-0312, Meals served 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Takeout only.

St. Christine Christian Services has a food pantry and soup kitchen that will open with limited services (carryout bags only). Food pantry, 22303 Fenkell, Detroit. 313-543-1527

TechTown is launching an emergency COVID-19 fund for Detroit small businesses. In partnership with the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), and Invest Detroit, grants up to $5,000 will be given to qualifying small businesses. Click here to apply.

United Community Housing Coalition is helping answer questions regarding a landlord-tenant or other eviction matter in Detroit. If you need assistance call (313) 355-3352 or email UCHC at eviction@uchcdetroit.org.

We the People, a community coalition group, will distribute water in the Detroit area. Click the map for water drop-off locations.

Flat Rock

Helping Hands Community Lutheran Church, 23984 Gibraltar Rd., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesday. Must be a resident of Flat Rock.

Garden City

Garden City public schools are offering free breakfast/lunch to all students 18 and younger, regardless of income Monday thru Friday. Pickup locations are Garden City High School and Farmington Elementary from 10 a.m. untill 1 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are given at the same time and students do not have to be present. No preorder is necessary.

Holly

Revive Sips & Sweets will provide free sack lunches to children 18 and younger. 1006 N Saginaw St.

New Haven

New Haven school bus drivers are delivering breakfast and lunch Monday, Wednesday and Friday through April 3. If your child rides a bus, your delivery window is 9 a.m. to 10:15. If your child is not on a bus route, pick up meal packets at New Haven Elementary between 9:05 and 10:15.

Novi

Novi Rotary Foundation Feed the Need program offers a free Grab & Go Lunch to ALL children in and around the City of Novi and special needs up to age 26. No registration required, just visit a satellite location. www.feedtheneednovi.org; 248-667-8007 text/call; Volunteers sign-up link: https://tinyurl.com/vr47v5l

Oak Park

Through April 3, Oak Park Public Schools will distribute two meals per day (breakfast and lunch) for any child under 18. Curbside locations will be at three schools open to all families between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. In addition, meal pickup will be available at six of our Detroit bus stop locations between 11 a.m. and noon. Click this link to download the flyer: OPS Feed Our Kids - COVID-19.pdf

Royal Oak

New Beginnings Animal Rescue, 2502 Rochester Rd., is offering free pet food to qualifying pet owners for up to three months. Hours of operation are noon to 2 p.m. every Sunday, except on holiday/holiday weekends. Click here to apply and for more information.

St. Clair Shores

Domino’s Pizza is offering a free one-topping large pizza for families that typically get free meals at school. 27883 Harper Ave.

Southfield

Southfield Public Schools will deliver two meals per day for seven days to children living in the district. Click here for delivery schedule.