Utilities
Department of Health and Human Services
First, complete an SER Application at MI Bridges
Address: 22 Center Street, Ypsilanti
Phone: (734) 481-2000
Website: Department of Health and Human Services
Hours: Monday -Friday 8:00am-5:00 pm ( walk-ins accepted during normal hours)
Eligibility determined by income. Not intended for repeated or long-term assistance.
Assistance with utilities, home repairs, relocation assistance, home ownership, and burial costs.
Utility requests are only accepted November – May.
Salvation Army-Ann Arbor
Address: 100 Arbana St - Ann Arbor
Phone : (734) 668-8353
Website: Salvation Army
Requires an approved SER
Helped offered with a denied SER available depending on if funds are available
Need proof of income, ID and shut off notice.
Friends In Deed
Address: 1196 Ecorse Rd - Ypsilanti
Phone : (734) 484-4357 Call between 9:30am-12pm Monday through Friday
Website: Friends In Deed
Washtenaw County Residents ONLY- No walk in's
Needs decision notice from SER, proof of income and shut off notice
Assistance depends on availability of funds-NO guarantee.
SOS Crisis Center (EMERGENCY HELP)
Address: 114 N. River St - Ypsilanti
Phone: (734) 485-8730
Website: SOS Crisis Center
Hours: Monday 9-1, Tue 1-6:30, Wed 9-1, Thu 9-4, Fri 9-4 beyond these hours call 211
Utility assistance for Section 8 or subsidized housing dwellers
Does not have income eligibility criteria
Offers eviction prevention services (including from utilities) and utility shutoff prevention
Documents showing utility shutoff or eviction are necessary for assistance
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance with home energy costs.
A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, may be automatically eligible.
Sign up here: LIHEAP
Or call 1-866-674-6327
For Preventing Shut-off LONG TERM
Phone: 1-800-545-8046
Will help reduce unpaid balances by providing a personal payment plan, agency referrals, and follow-up. To be eligible for enrollment you must have:
An unpaid balance greater than $300.00
No record of illegal usage
A household income at or below 200% of federal income eligibility guidelines
Shut-off prevention options:
- Must re- enroll every year
- Assistance with money-saving home weatherization may be available to those who qualify. Weatherization includes caulking, weather stripping, insulation, and programmable thermostats. For more information, call our Energy Efficiency Contact Center at (866) 796-0512.
The Heat and Warmth Fund
Provides energy assistance and other services to customers who are past due or disconnected. To learn more, call (800) 866-THAW (8429).
In the event of receiving a denial letter, you may be able to receive emergency assistance with utilities by contacting the agencies listed above by having this information ready:
a. Denial letter from DHS
b. Rent and/or Utility Bill
c. Proof of Income
d. Copy of Lease
Help on lowering your costs
Home Energy Consultation and free energy saving products, sign up here:
Website: DTE