Complete Services
Contact the Welcome Center for supportive assistance at (248)209-2600 or (248)209-2686 in Oakland County or (517)546-8500 for Livingston County support. You can also start filling out a short form online or email us. If you are looking for resources or assistance, 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 civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1)mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue,SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2)fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3)email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
Economic Security
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Helping individuals and families become economically independent through savings and education.
Financial Management Education
FREE and open to the public, Financial
Management Education provides a certification through a curriculum that
includes money management skills, developing a spending plan, borrowing basics,
consumer protection & rights, banking basics and services, debt reduction
and saving, insurance and long term planning and homeownership and
maintenance.
Financial Management Education Course Listings HERE
Foreclosure Prevention and Property Tax Delinquency
Foreclosure education and counseling, including information on alternatives to foreclosure. Please download and complete this packet, make copies of requested documents, then scan and email to housingcounseling@olhsa.org or fax to (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 account for people of low to moderate income (You must have earned income to enroll in this program). Visit http://www.michiganida.com for more information. You can download an application at http://michiganida.com/howtoapply.If you have additional questions you may contact the IDA program by email at IDA@olhsa.org or leave a message at 248-209-2668.
Michigan Benefits Access
Assistance in signing up for State benefits you may be eligible for, including SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, child care subsidies, SCHIP, and Medicaid.
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. For additional information, contact the Weatherization Assistance Program at 248.209.2760 or by email at weatherization@olhsa.org.
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.
Food for Seniors (CSFP) (aka Focus HOPE in Oakland County)
Monthly food program for seniors age 60 years or older in Livingston and Oakland County.
Livingston County please call Shared Harvest Pantry at 517-548-3710
Oakland County please call 248-209-2659
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.
Shared Harvest Pantry (Livingston County only)
OLHSA in partnership with Gleaners Community Food Bank provides food assistance to individuals, families and seniors. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) are distributed through the Shared Harvest Pantry. To set an appointment or check eligibility please call 517-548-3710. Clients may learn of other services that OLHSA and Gleaners provide 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)
Offered in Livingston and Oakland County. For Livingston County please contact the Shared Harvest Pantry at 517-548-3710.
In Oakland County please call 248-209-2659.
Housing
Financial Management Education
FREE and open to the public, Financial Management Education provides a certification through a curriculum that includes money management skills, developing a spending plan, borrowing basics, consumer protection & rights, banking basics and services, debt reduction and saving, insurance and long term planning and homeownership and maintenance. The certification fulfills the requirements for programs such as Individual Development Accounts (IDA), Key to Own (KTO, Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) and Habitat for Humanity.
Financial Management Education Course Listings HERE
Foreclosure Prevention and Property Tax Delinquency
Foreclosure education and counseling, including information on alternatives to foreclosure. Please download and complete this packet, make copies of requested documents, then scan and email to housingcounseling@olhsa.org or fax to (248) 247-3168.
For more information about the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development visit the website here.
Home Ownership Counseling and Assistance
Homebuyer’s Education classes provide information on budgeting, credit, mortgage approval and mortgage closing.
New Home Buyer Education Course Listings HERE
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.
Mobile Home Repairs (certain Oakland County cities 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.
Refrigerator Replacement Program
OLHSA partners with DTE Energy to replace old refrigerators for those who qualify. See application here.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program is part of the initiative by Veteran Affairs to end homelessness among Veterans. SSVF assists those who have served at least one day active duty in military services. This program is designed to assist those who are homeless with rapidly re-housing or transition into permanent housing and those Veterans who are at risk of losing their permanent place of residence. This program covers veterans residing in Livingston, Lapeer, Oakland, Genesee, Macomb, and Shiawassee counties. For more information please call 517.546.8500 or email veterans@olhsa.org.
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 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. For additional information, contact the Weatherization Assistance Program at 248.209.2760 or by email at weatherization@olhsa.org.
Emergency Housing
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.
COVID Emergency Rental Assistance
OLHSA is now offering Covid Emergency Rental Assistance
(CERA) in both Oakland and Livingston Counties.
The focus of the funding is to keep low-income tenants in
their rental units by assisting with rental arrearages, utility payments, case
management, an internet stipend and other services that tenants may be eligible
for to remain stably housed and avoid homelessness.
In an effort to simplify the application process, clients
can apply and upload their information at the following link:
ONLINE PORTAL NOW OPEN FOR CERA APPLICATIONS (https://ceraapp.michigan.gov/)
Health
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.
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. Click here for the older adults website.
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.
In-home Support for the Medically Fragile
Offers light housekeeping, laundry, personal care, errands, and meal preparation.
Medical Nutritional Therapy
Our registered dieticians provide nutritional counseling, assessments, information, vitamins, and supplements.
Testing and Counseling
Provides a “fast pass” to confidential testing at the health department. A free ride to the health department, private entry into the testing department, expedited testing, waived testing fee, education about HIV prevention and treatment and navigation into the HIV treatment and care system for those who are positive. Call for 248-209-2626 more information.
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
An educational course designed for adults called "Your Money & Your Life". Among the topics covered: Credit, Budgeting and Managing Debt, Avoiding Money Traps, Understanding Taxes,Taking Advantage of Public Benefits, and Using Financial Institutions.
Foreclosure Prevention and Property Tax Delinquency Education
Foreclosure education and counseling, including information on alternatives to foreclosure. Please download and complete this packet, make copies of requested documents, then scan and email to housingcounseling@olhsa.org or fax to (248) 247-3168.
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.
