05/23/2025
If you're a low-income resident in Michigan, there are several free or subsidized programs available to assist with transportation, housing, utilities, and more. Here's a comprehensive list of programs you can apply for:
---
🚗 Transportation Assistance
Michigan DHS Car Voucher Program: Eligible individuals may receive up to $10,000 in benefits to assist with vehicle-related expenses.
Charity Motors: Offers a 50% subsidy to low-income car buyers in Michigan.
Helping Hands for Freedom: Provides assistance for vehicle payments and other short-term needs.
---
🏠 Housing & Homeownership Programs
MI 10K Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program: Offers up to $10,000 in zero-interest loans for down payments, closing costs, and prepaids.
First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program: Provides first-generation homebuyers with up to $25,000 in deferred loans to cover upfront homebuying costs.
USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants: Offers loans up to $40,000 and grants up to $10,000 to very-low-income homeowners for home repairs and improvements.
Oakland County Home Improvement Program: Provides interest-free loans of up to $23,000 for necessary home repairs, including energy-saving upgrades.
---
💡 Utility & Energy Assistance
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Assists low-income households with heating and cooling costs.
Consumers Energy CARE Program: A 24-month affordable payment plan that helps manage energy bills, offering benefits like fixed monthly payments and assistance with past-due balances.
---
🍽️ Food & Basic Needs
Food Assistance Program (FAP): Provides eligible residents with a Michigan Bridge Card to purchase food.
Women, Infants & Children (WIC): Offers supplemental nutrition assistance to eligible pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
Focus: HOPE: Provides food assistance to low-income seniors and families in the Detroit area.
---
🧰 Additional Support Services
Michigan 2-1-1: A free service that connects residents with local resources, including housing, food, and utility assistance.
---
To apply for these programs or find more information, visit MI Bridges or call 2-1-1 to connect with local resources.