Tools & Resources for Renters
If you rent in Region G and you need help, your first call should be 211 Northeast Michigan. That is the single most useful sentence on this page.
Housing Forward intentionally does not duplicate the work that 211 Northeast Michigan already does well. Their team maintains a comprehensive, up-to-date directory of rental assistance, utility help, eviction prevention services, emergency shelter, and tenant resources across all eight counties in our region. They are trained, local, and available around the clock.
This page exists to make sure renters in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties know how to find the help that already exists, and to surface a handful of state and regional programs worth knowing about directly.
Start Here: 211 Northeast Michigan
- 211 Northeast Michigan. A free 24/7 helpline serving all eight Region G counties. Trained specialists connect renters to rental assistance, emergency shelter, utility help, eviction prevention, and more. Dial 2-1-1 or call 888-636-4211. Online at 211nemichigan.org.
- 211 Rental and Mortgage Assistance page. Direct information on rental and mortgage assistance, including one-time help for past-due rent and step-by-step guidance for applying through MI Bridges.
State Rental Programs
(Supplemental To 211)
These programs are administered statewide and may be useful to
renters in Region G in addition to local support through 211.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). A federal program that helps very low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market. MSHDA is the largest Public Housing Authority in Michigan, assisting more than 29,000 families across all 83 counties. Wait lists may apply.
- MSHDA Rental Resources. A central hub for rental programs, including VASH for veterans, the 811 program for people with disabilities, and general rental assistance information.
- Michigan 2-1-1 (statewide). The statewide version of the 211 referral system, useful if you are searching for housing help outside of Region G.
Local Organizations Across
Region G
The following community action agencies and partners administer rental support and homeless services in specific counties. 211 can connect you to them, and you can also reach out directly.
- Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (MMCAA). Emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, homeless services, and rental assistance in Arenac, Bay, Clare, and Gladwin counties. Contact: (989) 386-3805.
- EightCAP, Inc. Housing and homeless assistance including emergency solutions grants, rapid rehousing, SSVF veterans services, and permanent supportive housing in Gratiot and Isabella counties. Contact: (616) 225-5965.
- Saginaw County Community Action Center (Saginaw CAC). CHDO rental housing, CDBG-funded affordable units, and community development services in Saginaw County. Contact: (989) 753-7741.
- Home to Stay administers rapid rehousing, homelessness services, shelter diversion, and rental assistance for Midland County. Contact (989) 496-9550.
- United Way of Saginaw County offers rent assistance, homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing across Saginaw County. Contact Project Home at (989) 758-4357.
Legal Support For Tenants
Knowing your rights is part of staying housed. These organizations provide free legal aid to qualifying renters in our region.
- Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM). Free legal aid for eviction prevention, tenant rights, fair housing, and housing discrimination cases in Saginaw, Bay, and Midland counties.
- Center for Civil Justice (CCJ). Legal services focused on tenant rights and housing and consumer law in Saginaw and Bay counties.
A Note On This Page
This section is intentionally short. We do not want to duplicate 211 Northeast Michigan’s comprehensive renter database. If you are looking for the full directory of rental assistance, food, utility help, or other supports, visit 211nemichigan.org or dial 2-1-1. You will reach a real person who can help.
If you are a landlord, property manager, or local leader looking for tools to support tenants and prevent evictions, the resources in our Elected and Appointed Officials and PDFs and Guidebooks sections may also be useful. The National League of Cities Landlord Engagement Toolkit and Local Eviction Prevention Policy Tool are practical starting points.
Start Here: 211 Northeast Michigan
211 Northeast Michigan
211 Rental & Mortgage
Assistance Page
Direct link to rental and mortgage assistance information, including one-time assistance for past-due rent and application guidance.
State Rental Programs
(Supplemental to 211)
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Michigan 2-1-1 (Statewide)
MSHDA Housing Education
Local Organizations (Region G)
Mid Michigan Community
Action Agency (MMCAA)
EightCAP, Inc.
Saginaw County Community Action Center
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan
NOTE: This section intentionally defers to 211 Northeast Michigan for comprehensive renter referrals. We do not want to duplicate 211’s existing database of local services. For a full directory of renter assistance, please visit 211nemichigan.org or dial 2-1-1.