Last checked: Oct 28, 2026. Official sources are listed at the bottom of this page. Things change, so check the official page before you go.
Start with Michigan 211. It is free, and it knows which pantries, warming centers and bill programs are open near you today.
Fastest way to get help
- Call 2-1-1 or use the text and chat options at mi211.org. Michigan 211 connects you to food, utility and shelter help in your community.
- Warming centers open and close with the weather, so we do not list fixed hours. Call 2-1-1 for the warming centers open near you tonight.
- State help with bills (food, cash, State Emergency Relief): apply online at MI Bridges.
Food banks and pantry finders by county
- Kalamazoo, Calhoun, St. Joseph and Branch counties: South Michigan Food Bank serves Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee and St. Joseph counties. Use its Find Food map for pantries, mobile markets and meal sites with days and times.
- Kalamazoo County: Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, 901 Portage St., Kalamazoo. Need Food Line: (269) 343-3663.
- Berrien, Cass, Van Buren and Allegan counties: Feeding America West Michigan serves 40 counties in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Use its Find Food page to see pantries and mobile pantries near you.
Heating and utility bill help (all counties)
- Winter shutoff protection: Michigan's Winter Protection Plan runs November 1 to March 31. Seniors 65 and older, and low-income customers (at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, or receiving SER, food assistance or Medicaid), can be protected from shutoff. Call your utility to enroll.
- State Emergency Relief (SER): from MDHHS. Helps with energy bills and some energy-related home repairs. You generally need income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and a past-due or shutoff notice, or a need for deliverable fuel such as propane. Apply on MI Bridges.
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): payment and arrearage help through local agencies. Call 2-1-1 to be connected to a MEAP provider.
- Home Heating Credit: a Michigan Treasury credit for income-qualified renters and owners. The 2026 deadline was September 30, 2026, and late claims are denied. Applications reopen during the 2027 income tax filing season.
- Utility bill credits: Consumers Energy, Indiana Michigan Power, SEMCo Gas and Michigan Gas Utilities offer income-based credits. Call your utility.
- Veterans: the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund has emergency grants that can cover energy bills. Contact your county committee.
Common questions
How do I find a food pantry near me in Southwest Michigan?
Call 2-1-1, or use the South Michigan Food Bank Find Food map (Kalamazoo, Calhoun, St. Joseph, Branch) or the Feeding America West Michigan Find Food page (Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Allegan).
Where is a warming center open tonight?
Warming centers open based on the weather. Call 2-1-1 or use mi211.org to find one open near you.
Can my heat be shut off in winter in Michigan?
Michigan's Winter Protection Plan runs November 1 to March 31. Seniors 65 and older and eligible low-income customers can avoid shutoff by enrolling with their utility, usually with a monthly payment plan.
How do I apply for State Emergency Relief?
Apply online at MI Bridges (newmibridges.michigan.gov). Call 2-1-1 if you need help applying.
Sources
- Michigan 211
- South Michigan Food Bank: Find Food
- South Michigan Food Bank: counties served
- Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes
- Feeding America West Michigan: Find Food
- Feeding America West Michigan: FAQ
- Michigan Public Service Commission: help for utility customers
- Michigan law: winter protection, MCL 460.9r
- MI Bridges