01/23/2026
Sheri here. Long Post, but trying to answer some of the questions folks have asked since I'm having a hard time getting back to everyone's calls, texts, messages etc.
Yes, it is true. Washtenaw County has NO emergency shelter. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (AKA: SAWC, AKA Delonis ) was not built to be an emergency shelter. They try to fill in the gap by creating a "warming center" in the coldest months. Adults can "claim as space" after dinner and get a mat to sleep on the cafeteria floor. They have to leave first thing in the AM so rge cafeteria can be used for a cafeteria and unless they have a storage contract can't leave their stuff there.
Pets and emotional support animals are not able to be there (Michigan has different laws for service animals and emotional support animals ) and couples are not able to stay together. It is great that Delonis does this as it is well beyond the scope of what it was built for. It is a great flex and theit willingness to do it saves lives -and also it is not viable option for some folks (PTSD, CPTSD, and other both physical and mental health issues make floor sleeping in a crowded space unworkable for some)
SAWC has some partnerships with local churches in Ypsi for approx 25 folks to stay (again mats on the floor in a congregate setting ) to help ease some of the crowding. They also partner with the faith community to host some men in a rotating shelter that is a higher barrier (for example can not be in this program if you are active with substance use ).
Like SAWC's other warming center programs you have to leave during the day.
There are folks who - in spite of staff'a best intentions - are given temporary "outs" who can not access the program for a number of days or are permanently trespassed. Although folks can appeal those decisions the commiteee that hears those appeals only meets once a week and they can not access the shelter before the appeal is heard. Again, they are doing what they can given that *they are not an emergency shelter"
Alpha House has a similar program for families that I know less about but understand works essentially the same way. (Editing to add note from Annie Somerville "Families should contact Alpha House directly during nights/weekends for shelter space that meets their needs: (734) 822-0220")
Washtenaw County through the board of commissioners has provided some hotel rooms. These hotel stays started last night (Thur) and I understand will go through Sunday. This is literally going to save lives, But it will remain cold after that. And there are some folks who will not be able to access that program (it will fill up fast, some folks will run into obstacles like no phone to learn they have a space until it is too late to claim it. ) Those who are at the hotel are also removed from food and other resources so this is a gap.
This is where mutual aid comes in. This is where YOU come in. There is always a need (and folks have been filling this need --thank you!! ) for contributing to extend hotel stays, provide hotel funds for those with obstacles to accessing the county hotels. There is a need to provide funds for food and / or bus tokens for those in hotels. There is a need to provide transportation to folks in the hotels. And for folks who are for whatever reason not in a hotel (or for when it warms up a little but is still bitter and dangerously cold ) there is a need for zero degree (and below) sleeping bags and funds for propane and heaters. There is also a need for warm weather tools and gear such as hand warmers, warm gloves, boots etc.
I'll add links in the comments for ways ya'll can contribute
