Complete Services
Last year, OLHSA helped over 23,000 people with food assistance.
That’s just one of the dozens of ways we can help individuals and families in Oakland and Livingston Counties. You can browse all our services, listed by category, below.
If you prefer, look for the kinds of help we offer in Oakland County or Livingston County
Browse this list to see the kind of help we offer. Then contact our Welcome Center to begin your path towards success. Call (248) 209-2600 for the Oakland County Central Office, (248) 542-5860 for the Oakland County South Office, or (517) 546-8500 for the Livingston County office, filling out a short form online or email us.
Regardless of what you need, please contact us!
Services are available based on funding and local availability. Please note not all services are available in both Oakland and Livingston Counties.
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Economic Security
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Helping individuals and families become economically independent through savings and education.
Free Tax Preparation
Free tax preparation for qualified Oakland and Livingston County residents.
Financial Management Education
A five-week course designed for adults called "Your Money & Your Life." Among the topics covered: Credit, Managing Debt, Avoiding Money Traps, Understanding Taxes, and Taking Advantage of Public Benefits, and Using Financial Institutions.
Foreclosure Counseling
Foreclosure education and counseling, including information on alternatives to foreclosure.
Mortgage Delinquency Assistance
(Please fill out all forms, make copies of requested documents, and submit your package)
> Introduction Letter > Hardship Letter > Privacy Policy
> Household Profile > Foreclosure Contract > Information Release
Please send completed forms to autumn@olhsa.org or fax (248)247-3168
Home Ownership Counseling and Assistance
Our Homebuyer's Education classes provide information on budgeting, credit, mortgage approval and mortgage closing. Also offered: one-on-one foreclosure and credit counseling services.
IDA (Individual Development Accounts)
Matched savings accounts for people of low to moderate income.
Michigan Benefits Access
Assistance in signing up for State benefits you may be eligible for, including SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, child care subsidies, SCHIP, Medicaid, and EITC.
Referral Programs
OLHSA assists residents in finding the available programs and services to meet their needs. If those needs cannot be met at OLHSA, residents are referred to other local agencies or organizations for help.
Social Security Payee Program (Oakland County only)
Fiduciary services are provided for Social Security Disability and Social Security Insurance recipients who are required to have a Payee and to insure that basic needs are maintained for housing, utility payments, food, clothing, and more. Clients must be referred by the Social Security Administration.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free energy conservation services for eligible low-income households help reduce energy usage and lower utility bills. Services may include appliance combustion testing, installing insulation/ventilation, and interior sealing of major cold-air infiltration, areas utilizing blower door technology. Applicants must meet federal income guidelines and complete application process.
Emergency Financial Programs
Emergency Rent or Mortgage Assistance
OLHSA can provide federal funds for a one-time shelter payment in Southeastern Oakland County.
OLHSA is able to provide financial assistance to low-income residents of Southeastern Oakland County to respond homeless prevention needs that cannot be covered by the State Emergency Relief Program of the Department of Human Services. Assistance may be provided for rent or move-in costs.
Emergency Utility Assistance Program
Assistance for residents with a utility shut-off or notice of pending utility shut-off.
Hunger
Food Pantries (Oakland County only)
A list of food pantries providing emergency food assistance across Oakland County.
Emergency Food Assistance
A federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost.
The Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP)
Various food staples are distributed to low-income households on a quarterly basis.
Food for Seniors (CSFP-SR) (aka Focus HOPE in Oakland County)
Monthly food program for homebound and other seniors aged 60 and over in Oakland and Livingston Counties.
Michigan Benefits Access
Assistance in signing up for State benefits you may be eligible for, including SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, child care subsidies, SCHIP, Medicaid, and EITC.
Mothers, Infants, Children (CSFP/MIC) (Livingston County only)
Commodity Supplemental Food Program is available to income eligible pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women up to 12 months after birth, and children up to 6 years of age who are not receiving the WIC program.
OLHSA South Food Pantry – Ferndale (Oakland County only)
The pantry provides food staples or food certificates to Oakland County residents. We use grants, a partnership with Gleaners Community Food Bank, and donations to keep the pantry stocked.
Shared Harvest Pantry (Livingston County only)
OLHSA, in partnership with Gleaners Community Food Bank provides food assistance and information about other services available through OLHSA and Gleaners, to Livingston County residents.
Summer Food Service Program (Summer Lunch) (Oakland County only)
OLHSA provides a nutritious breakfast and/or lunch to youth in churches, parks, schools and recreation centers in and around Pontiac.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
OLHSA distributes food staples quarterly to low-income people at over 60 accessible locations across Oakland County.
Housing
Chore Program
Home and yard work available to assist older adults who can no longer maintain their yards and homes. Services include lawn mowing every other week, snow removal over two inches, and minor home repairs. Must be 60 years or older and meet income requirements.
Energy Optimization Program
Provides energy efficient home improvements possibly including CFL light bulbs, Energy Star refrigerators, insulation, programmable thermostats, air sealing, high efficiency furnaces, and high efficiency water heaters.
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
One-on-one foreclosure and credit counseling services.
Home Construction and Renovation
Construction of new and renovated energy efficient (Five Star rated) and healthy homes (certified by the American Lung Association). Most homes available to households with incomes of $55,000 or less.
Home Ownership Counseling and Assistance
Homebuyer’s Education classes provide information on budgeting, credit, mortgage approval and mortgage closing.
Housing Rehab
Income qualified homeowners can receive assistance with major or emergency home repairs.
Livingston County Home Improvement Program (Livingston County only)
Provides funds for the rehabilitation of owner-occupied, single family residential homes to improve health and safety infractions.
Michigan Benefits Access
Assistance in signing up for State benefits you may be eligible for, including SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, childcare subsidies, SCHIP, Medicaid, and EITC.
Minor Home Repair Program
Program provides a minor home repair inspection to improve the condition of existing housing and make needed repairs to your home to maintain or increase its value and to decrease your utility bills.
Mobile Home Repairs (Oakland County only)
OLHSA and its partners may have funds available for repairs to mobile homes on a first-come basis for families who meet income eligibility requirements. Up to $5,000 may be spent per mobile home on many eligible repairs such as roof, furnace, or hot water replacement and handicap ramps allowing barrier free access into the home per American Disabilities Act.
Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC)
Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers provides low-income families in Oakland and Livingston Counties access to cutting-edge energy technology. Solar shingles, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal systems, hybrid electric hot water heaters and injection foam are examples of the technology being provided through this grant. These innovative improvements allow clients to enjoy lower utility bills and more comfortable homes. Eligible families have already been through the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides more traditional energy-efficiency improvements like insulation, furnace repair and caulking.
Venture, Inc. OLHSA’s Housing Subsidiary
Venture, Inc. provides quality, energy-efficient, affordable housing for low and moderate income people by facilitating home purchase, rehabilitation, construction, loans and other community improvement activities.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free energy conservation services for eligible low-income households help reduce energy usage and lower utility bills. Services include appliance combustion testing, installing insulation/ventilation, and interior sealing of major cold-air infiltration, areas utilizing blower door technology. Applicants must meet and complete application process.
Emergency Housing
Homeless Assistance Recovery Program (HARP)
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has a Homeless Assistance Recovery Program (HARP) component for eligible homeless persons/households currently engaged in a publicly supported homeless service program. OLHSA will determine your eligibility and if you qualify in accordance with the rules established by the HCV program, your name will be placed on a waitlist and you will be notified by an HCV housing agent when a HARP voucher becomes available.
Referral programs
OLHSA assists residents in finding the available programs and services to meet their needs. If those needs cannot be met at OLHSA, residents are referred to other local agencies or organizations for help.
Homeless Case Management Services
OLHSA can provide counseling to identify and resolve factors causing homelessness. Includes help to locate affordable housing, financial assistance to move in, interpersonal counseling, employment and public assistance resources.
Homeless Prevention
Provides eligible homeless or potentially homeless applicants with first month's rent or rental arrearage assistance.
Health
Chore Services
Various types of home and yard work available to assist older adults, 60 years or older, who can no longer maintain their yards and homes. Services include lawn mowing every other week, snow removal over two inches, and minor home repairs.
Home Injury Control
Older adults, ages 60 or older, who live in Oakland and Livingston County can receive safety devices for their home. Items may help assure the safety of older adults in the bathroom, at night, in emergencies, and during everyday routines. Program delivers and installs all types of devices that allow greater comfort or mobility to frail, older adults.
If you are a senior 60 years or older and are interested in the Chore or Home Injury Control program, click here for the application, Chore letter, Home Injury Control letter, Home Injury Control devices available, and consent form. Please fill out all forms to apply for these services.
Emergency Utility Assistance Program
Assistance for residents with a utility shut-off or notice of pending utility shut-off.
Maternal Child Health Advocate (Oakland County only)
Provides in-home comprehensive support, referrals and pregnancy and child development information to pregnant women and children ages zero to three. Childbirth education and support groups available.
Michigan Benefits Access
Assistance in signing up for State benefits you may be eligible for, including SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, child care subsidies, SCHIP, Medicaid, and EITC.
Michigan Enrolls
Offers outreach and client education services and Medicaid enrollment into managed health care plans.
Multi-purpose Senior Centers
Offers a comfortable gathering place where people can enjoy nutritional meals and meet with friends while playing a game, watching television, exercising, or attending senior outings. References on health information such as diabetes, cancer, heart care, high blood pressure, and prescriptions are available along with a telephone reassurance program.
Referral programs
OLHSA assists residents in finding the available programs and services to meet their needs. If those needs cannot be met at OLHSA, residents are referred to other local agencies or organizations for help.
Resource Advocacy
Provides assistance filling out Medicare and Medicaid applications. Offers information on OLHSA's comprehensive services and refers older adults to services in the community not provided through OLHSA.
HIV/AIDS Health
Advocacy
Helps clients access benefits and services. Life skills classes are offered.
Early Intervention Services
Connecting newly diagnosed individuals and those who have fallen out of care to primary care & support services.
Nutritional Support
Low-income clients receive monthly, or bi-monthly, vouchers to purchase food and personal care items.
Housing Assistance
Provides assistance with first month's rent & security deposit, rent, mortgage, and utility payments. Click here for TBRA Spring 2012 application.
In-home Support for the Medically Fragile
Offers light housekeeping, laundry, personal care, errands, and meal preparation.
Medical Case Management
Provided on-site through a partnership with Visiting Nurses Association of Southeastern Michigan.
Medical Nutritional Therapy
Our registered dieticians provide nutritional counseling, assessments, information, vitamins, and supplements.
Mental Health Services
Psychosocial Support Services
Support & counseling to help reduce isolation. Provided through a sub-contract with Common Ground.
Testing and Counseling
Provided on-site at OLHSA's Pontiac office through a partnership with AIDS Partnership Michigan.
Transportation
Helps clients access medical and support services throughout the community.
Education
Early Head Start (Oakland County only)
OLHSA Early Head Start enhances children’s growth and development, enhancing parent-child relation¬ships and strengthening families as their child’s first teacher.
Energy Education
Offered in small group settings to provide low-cost, no-cost, do-it-yourself energy saving information to help participants lower utility bills through energy saving behavior. Participants receive a variety of energy saving, easy to install products to begin their energy saving project.
Financial Management Education
A five-week course designed for adults called "Your Money & Your Life." Among the topics covered: Credit, Managing Debt, Avoiding Money Traps, Understanding Taxes, and Taking Advantage of Public Benefits, and Using Financial Institutions.
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
Foreclosure education and counseling, including information on alternatives to foreclosure.
Grandparents Acting as Parents (GAP) (Oakland County only)
For grandparents aged 55 and above who are raising grandchildren and are interested in seeking resources and a support group. The support group offers intergenerational activities with an emphasis on health and wellness.
Great Start Readiness Program/B.E.S.T. (Oakland County only)
School readiness program for 4 year olds. Children attend three-hour preschool sessions four days per week. OLHSA/B.E.S.T. program operates in Clawson, Ferndale, Holly and Lamphere School Districts.
Head Start (Oakland County only)
A comprehensive preschool experience designed to prepare three-to-five year old children, including children with disabilities, for social and educational success. Head Start focuses on the needs of the entire family, as they relate to the development of the child.
Head Start Connections Program (Oakland County only)
An innovative Head Start option that offers an opportunity for parents and their preschool aged child to maintain a relationship during incarceration or during separation. Provides supervised visits within the correctional facility between the child and incarcerated parent/recently released parent, home-visits with primary caregiver and child, enrollment in Head Start for child, and other family reintegration services. Families of children 3-5 with an incarcerated parent located in the Oakland County Sheriff's Office East Annex, who have at least 1 month left on to serve on their sentence. Program will also provide services for recently released parents and their preschool age children. Please call for additional eligibility requirements.
Home Ownership Counseling and Assistance
Our Homebuyer's Education classes provide information on budgeting, credit, mortgage approval and mortgage closing. We also offer one-on-one foreclosure and credit counseling services.
Referral programs
OLHSA assists residents in finding the available programs and services to meet their needs. If those needs cannot be met at OLHSA, residents are referred to other local agencies or organizations for help.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free energy conservation services for eligible low-income households help reduce energy usage and lower utility bills. Services include appliance combustion testing, installing insulation/ventilation, and interior sealing of major cold-air infiltration, areas utilizing blower door technology. Applicants must meet and complete application process.
