Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI)
Program for current and former foster youth ages 14 to 23 that offers matched savings accounts, stipends for participating in events, life skills training, and youth leadership boards. Enrollment runs through a county MYOI coordinator.
Samaritas New Americans
One of Michigan's largest refugee resettlement agencies, with offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. Provides arrival resettlement, employment and education support, low-fee immigration legal help, case management, and refugee foster care.
Michigan Legal Help
Statewide self-help website with plain-language guides and court forms for people handling their own legal problems, including clearing criminal records, eviction, family law, and personal protection orders. Its Guide to Legal Help points you to a legal aid office or lawyer.
Michigan Vital Records Office
Issues certified copies of Michigan birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Order online or by phone through VitalChek, drop an application in the Lansing lobby drop box, or book an in-person appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Michigan State ID Card
A standard Michigan state ID costs $10 and must be issued in person at a Secretary of State office; some residents qualify for a no-fee card. Pre-apply online, then schedule an office visit, which averages about 20 minutes.
MI Bridges
Michigan's online portal for applying for food assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, cash assistance, child care, and emergency relief, and for reporting changes on an open case. A help desk supports the website; Medicaid questions go to the beneficiary help line.
Michigan 211
Free statewide information line that connects anyone in Michigan to local help with housing, food, utility bills, transportation, and clothing. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to be matched with programs near you.
Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (Foster Care Age 18-21)
Lets young adults who were in Michigan foster care stay in care voluntarily until 21, with continued foster care payments, a caseworker, health coverage, counseling, and independent living training. Contact your local MDHHS office and ask for the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Liaison.
National lines that work in Michigan
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.