Unemployment, even temporary, is probably one of the most difficult experiences to endure. Losing your job is traumatic, especially if it affects your entire family’s income. Knowing where to turn and taking control of your situation can reduce the impact on you and your family.

This section offers suggestions to surviving unemployment. In addition to helpful advice, it lists specialized phone numbers and resources.

Remember, if you are a union employee, additional resources are probably available to you. Contact your representative or union office.

Who to call

If it’s a life-threatening emergency, always call 9-1-1.

United Way 2-1-1 is a free, easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with resources that improve their lives. The 2-1-1 call specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 a days a week, and are ready to provide information about a wide range of community services – including health care, job training, child care, mortgage foreclosure assistance and more.

Ask a 2-1-1 call specialist about resources for:

• Rent/Utility Assistance
• Food
• Legal Assistance
• Shelter
• Support Groups, and more

United Way 2-1-1 is available 24/7. Call now.

Users outside of the southeastern Michigan area can visit 211.org to find out if 2-1-1 is available in your area or call United Way for Southeastern Michigan 2-1-1 by dialing 800-552-1183.

Find 24-hour crisis intervention counseling, suicide intervention and access to mental health emergency services for individuals and families in Michigan.

Wayne County
Neighborhood Service Organization
www.nso-mi.org
(313) 224-7000; (800) 241-4949

Oakland County
Common Ground Sanctuary
www.commongroundhelps.org
(248) 456-2600; (800) 231-1127

Macomb County
Macomb County Crisis Center
(586) 307-9100

National
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433

1-800-273-TALK
1-800-273-8255

TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

Other Places to Find Help

Unemployment Compensation
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth -- Unemployment Insurance Agency
/www.michigan.gov/uia
MARVIN: (866) 638-3993; New Claims: (866) 500-0017

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth
www.michiganworks.org
(800) 285-9675

Short Term Training at Michigan Community Colleges
Courses and programs at Michigan's community colleges are designed to give you the skills you need for a new career. Find training in your community

• What are the high demand occupations in my area?
• Michigan Career & Technical Institute
• Careers Portal Training Resources
• No Worker Left Behind-Training for a New Job
• Financial Aid/Scholarships

Greenpath Debt Solutions
www.greenpath.com
(800) 550-1961

• MyMoney.gov
• Unemployment Insurance Benefits
• Assistance Programs
• Facing Foreclosure?
• Avoiding Financial Scams
• Consumer Finance Publications
• Consumer Mortgage Protection Act FAQs
• Lower Insurance Rates
• Licensed Debt Management Companies 
• Rideshare Office Map and Contacts

Michigan Department of Human Services
www.michigan.gov/dhs
(517) 373-2035

Wayne County (Except Detroit)
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
www.waynemetro.org
(734) 246-2280

Oakland County
Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency
www.olhsa.org
(800) 482-9250

Additional programs may be available in your area. Call 2-1-1 for information on availability and eligibility requirements.

Michigan Department of Human Services
www.michigan.gov/dhs
(517) 373-2035

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW)
www.thawfund.org
(800) 866-8429

Additional programs may be available in your area. Call 2-1-1 for information on availability and eligibility requirements

Please call 2-1-1 for information on availability and eligibility requirements of programs in your area.

(800) A-SHELTER (800-274-3583)

Please call 2-1-1 for information on availability and eligibility requirements of programs in your area.

Please call 2-1-1 for information on availability and eligibility requirements of programs in your area..

Wayne County
Family Service
fsiwc.addanetwork.com
(313) 579-5989

Oakland County
Oakland Family Services
www.ofs-family.org
(248) 858-7766

Macomb County
Macomb Family Services
www.mfsonline.org
(586) 226-3440

Alcohol & Drug Helpline
Phone: (800) 562-1240

Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: (800) 562-6025

Please call 2-1-1 for information on availability and eligibility requirements of programs in your area..

Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
www.michigan.gov/dmva
(517) 373-3130

Veteran's Employment Services
www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-1679_1818---,00.html

Wayne County
Child Care Coordinating Council of Detroit/Wayne County
www.detroitwaynecounty4c.org
(313) 259-4411

Oakland County
Child Care Council Oakland County
www.oaklandchildcare.org/
(248) 333-9545

Macomb County
Michigan State University Extension
www.macombcountymi.gov/
msuextension/4C_index.htm
(586) 469-5180

Statewide Search for Child Day Care Centers and Homes
www.dleg.state.mi.us/brs_afc/ct_map.asp?
page_name=/brs_cdc/rs_lfl.asp