Housing and Homelessness Programs

A Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) serves as a centralized point for those seeking housing assistance. The HARA conducts assessments to determine housing needs and connects clients with appropriate resources and services. By coordinating these efforts, the HARA aims to streamline access to housing solutions and support services, ensuring that those experiencing or at risk of homelessness receive timely and effective help.

Macomb Community Action (MCA) is designated as the HARA within the Macomb CoC. If you are experiencing a housing crisis, contact MCA at (586) 469-5656 or email Housing@macombgov.org.

Emergency shelters provide immediate, temporary housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These shelters offer a safe place to stay, along with basic necessities like food, clothing, and hygiene facilities. Macomb County's emergency shelters also provide access to support services such as case management, healthcare, and referrals to longer-term housing solutions. The primary goal of emergency shelters is to address the urgent needs of those without housing, offering stability and resources to help them transition to more permanent housing options.

Click here for Macomb's Shelter Information.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) combines affordable housing with tailored support services to help individuals and families with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or a history of long-term homelessness maintain stable housing. These services often include case management, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and life skills training. The goal of PSH is to provide a stable, long-term living environment that supports residents in achieving greater independence and improved quality of life, while reducing the need for emergency services and shelters.

Project-Based Voucher developments are housing projects where rental assistance vouchers are tied to specific units within a property. For Macomb County, that consists of 11 units within the Edison Crossing development in Mt. Clemens. These units are specifically for those who meet the chronic homeless definition. This means those folks who have experienced long-term or repeated episodes of homelessness as well as serving those with disabilities. 

Contact the HARA to see if you are eligible to be placed on the Edison Crossing Waitlist.

Homeless Prevention Services aim to keep individuals and families from becoming homeless through various supportive measures. These services typically include financial assistance for rent or utility arrears and connecting families with resources in the community. Available resources could be for employment, benefits, and food or household goods. The goal is to address the underlying issues that may lead to homelessness, ensuring housing stability and preventing the trauma and disruption associated with losing one's home.

​The Rapid Re- Housing (RRH) program helps individuals and families quickly exit homelessness and secure permanent housing. This program focuses on housing identification, rent and move-in assistance, and case management. RRH aims to minimize time spent in shelters or on the streets, providing temporary assistance to empower participants to sustain housing independently in the long term.

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program is designed to assist low-income veteran families in preventing homelessness or quickly exiting homelessness and achieving housing stability. Funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, SSVF provides a range of services, including temporary financial assistance, case management, and connections to VA and community-based resources. The program focuses on housing stability by offering support tailored to each family's needs, ensuring veterans and their families have the necessary resources to maintain long-term housing security.

The Housing Choice Voucher program is a federal program through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. Click here to learn more about the HCV Program.