Resources and Financial Aid: We are not affiliated with any of the organizations listed; we have heard great things about them through our clients

When the government isn’t paying what people are expecting to get and they cannot work because they are disabled and in the process of applying for disability benefits, what can be done?

As Federal Disability Lawyers, we do not have anything at our disposal for any clients, whether in a shutdown or not to help people who are, no doubt, in a bad situation.  People cannot work because of their disabilities and they do not have any money for anything because they cannot work.  This unfortunate situation plays out whether there is a government shutdown or not. 

We have compiled the following resources that MAY be able to help those in need while the government figures out its next steps.  We are NOT affiliated with any of these organizations, nor do we work with them, nor do we acknowledge that they will be able to help or guarantee anything regarding these potential places of assistance*.   

Food Assistance Options

• Detroit Emergency Food Network Offers hot meals and groceries to SNAP recipients affected by delays. There are 85+ distribution sites across Detroit, some open multiple days a week. Visit detroitmi.gov for the map and schedule.

• Michigan 211 Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to connect with food pantries, housing help, utility assistance, and more. They’ve seen a 200% surge in food-related requests, so they’re actively expanding support.

• Food Bank Council of Michigan Use their distribution map to find your nearest food bank. Many offer home delivery and diet-sensitive options, especially for seniors.

• Capuchin Soup Kitchen (Detroit) Increasing appointments and hours to meet demand. They serve thousands of families monthly and expect that number to rise.

• United Community Family Services (Troy) Experiencing a spike in food pantry registrations. They’re expanding capacity to meet the growing need.

• Feeding America & Hunger Free America National databases to locate food banks and community fridges near you:

  • Feeding America Locator

  • Hunger Free America

 Financial Relief and Support

• Starlight App (via CFCU) Helps locate nearby food pantries, check eligibility for benefits, and get directions—all from your phone. Also offers financial tools like:

  • $50 overdraft buffer

  • Early paycheck access

  • Flexible payment options for groceries Learn more at cfcu.org.

• CloseEnuff™ Checking (CFCU) Designed to help stretch your budget during uncertain times. Includes overdraft protection and early pay features.

• Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and support services for older adults.

Statewide Emergency Support

• Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) The state allocated $4.5 million to FBCM to support food distribution in all 83 counties, including delivery for those without transportation.

• Michigan 2-1-1 A free, confidential service connecting people to 27,000+ programs statewide.

  • Call 2-1-1 or 844-875-9211 (24/7, 180+ languages)

  • Text ZIP code to 898211

  • Search services Services include food, housing, utilities, transportation, and crisis support.

• MI Bridges For updates on SNAP status, applications, and eligibility.

Major Food Banks & Distribution Networks

These organizations are expanding operations and accepting walk-ins or drive-ups:

Organization	Region	Services	Contact
Gleaners Community Food Bank	SE Michigan	Drive-up food distributions, 35 lbs per household	gleaners.org
Forgotten Harvest	Metro Detroit	Fresh produce, protein boxes	1-888-544-8773
Fish & Loaves	Taylor	Saturday Fresh Market	734-442-0031
Capuchin Soup Kitchen	Detroit	Hot meals, groceries	capuchin.org
Greater Lansing Food Bank	Mid-Michigan	Pantry partners, delivery	glfoodbank.org

 LGBTQ+ Affirming Food Resources

• Ruth Ellis Center (Detroit) Hot meals and food backpacks for LGBTQ+ youth

• MiGen Monthly food boxes for LGBTQ+ seniors in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Macomb

• Ferndale Community Center Monthly pantry open to all

• Stand with Trans Nutrition support for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24 in Detroit

Additional Financial Relief

• Double Up Food Bucks Matches SNAP purchases of fruits/vegetables up to $20/day. Call 866-586-2796 (M–F, 9–5)

• Emergency State Funding Michigan Senate passed a $71M bill to support food banks, surplus produce systems, and emergency assistance.

***This is a list of local resources for food and financial assistance, our office does not work with and is not affliated with any of these resources. We cannot help you with contacting these services nor can we help you acquire these services. Please do NOT call our office if you are not able to get help or through to these resources.  We are NOT affiliated with any of them and are only offering this list as potential resources for assistance.  Our office has not attempted to contact any of these locations and do not know if the numbers or links are up to date.***