Get Help
No place to sleep tonight? Dial 2-1-1 for help.
We know how frightening it is when you and your children don’t have a safe place to stay. If you need shelter tonight, Family Promise of West Michigan is here to connect you with immediate help. You don’t need to know whether you qualify—call 2-1-1, and trained specialists will guide you.
Steps to Get Help:
1
Call 2-1-1 (or your local 211 number)
- 2-1-1 is available 24/7 and free.
- Trained specialists will assess your situation and connect you with emergency shelter or safe temporary housing.
2
Provide Basic Information
- Your family size, ages of children, and current location.
- Any urgent needs, such as medical concerns or accessibility requirements.
3
Follow the Guidance from 2-1-1
- They will give instructions on the nearest available shelter or temporary housing options.
- They may also connect you with additional support, like food, transportation, or childcare.
4
Arrive at the Shelter / Temporary Housing
- Bring any essentials if you can (medications, important documents, personal items).
- Staff will help you get settled and connect you with ongoing support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can call 2-1-1 for help?
Any family without a safe place to stay can call 2-1-1. You don’t need to know if you qualify—specialists will walk you through your options.
What should I bring if we come to shelter?
Bring any essentials you can, like medications, important documents, and personal items. If you don’t have these, don’t worry—our team will still make sure you and your children are safe and supported.
How quickly can my family get help?
2-1-1 specialists are available 24/7 and will connect you to the nearest available shelter or safe temporary housing.
Can my children stay with me in shelter?
Yes. Family Promise ensures parents and children stay together as a family unit, rather than being separated.
What if I have young children or a baby?
Family Promise provides early childhood support, including safe spaces, age-appropriate care, and resources to keep your little ones healthy and engaged while you stabilize your housing.
How Family Promise Helps Beyond Tonight
Emergency housing is just the first step. Family Promise walks with families beyond the crisis, offering four core programs that address homelessness at every stage:
Diversion
Diverting families from shelter to other temporary solutions.
Shelter
Providing safe, temporary housing for families experiencing homelessness.
Stabilization
Offering ongoing support so families can maintain long-term stability.
Housing
Connecting families with housing solutions.
Early Childhood Services
Young children experience homelessness differently from adults. Family Promise provides specialized support for kids, including:
- Educational Resources: Navigation support to preschool programs, tutoring, and enrichment activities.
- Social-Emotional Support: Family engagement activities and parenting coaching to help children process stress.
- Healthy Development: Support for physical, cognitive, and emotional growth, ensuring kids continue to thrive even in times of housing instability.
