STATUS: Open

SERVICE AREA: City of Pontiac

CLIENTS SERVED: Pontiac residents and families experiencing financial hardship, unmet basic needs, housing instability, or other circumstances that may put them at risk of homelessness. They focus on programs to help families build resources to increase stability and/or move from poverty to self-sustainability. Individual programs may have additional eligibility requirements.

DESCRIPTION: CCRT provides direct assistance and referrals to Pontiac residents with unmet basic needs, with a primary focus on helping individuals and families remain safely housed and preventing homelessness. Collaborates with Lakeshore Legal Aid, Kirk in the Hills, Ladies of Charity, St. Vincent de Paul to respond to community needs.

SERVICES / PROGRAMS:

• Emergency Assistance: Helps eligible Pontiac residents address urgent needs that could lead to housing instability, including past-due utility and heating bills and eviction.
• Housing Assistance: Provides assistance with referrals intended to help residents remain housed and prevent homelessness.
• Food & Basic Needs: Provides or connects residents with food, clothing, personal-care items, and other essential resources.
• Getting Ahead: An eight-week, 16-session program designed to help people experiencing poverty identify barriers and develop a plan toward greater financial stability. Participants who complete the program receive a monetary gift and certificate.
• Money Matters: One-on-one financial coaching for CCRT clients and Getting Ahead graduates, including budgeting, credit, savings, income planning, and avoiding predatory lending. This program is for CCRT clients and Getting Ahead graduates only.
• Movers & Shakers Furniture: Delivers essential furniture (mattresses, couches, chairs, dining tables, dresser, etc) every Monday to ensure that families have a safe place to sleep and a comfortable home. Serves those are moving into their 1st home or who are rebuilding after a setback (fire, flooding, bed bug infestation, etc).
  • Donations: Seeks essential furniture or household goods with free pickups on Mondays. Donations are accepted from Pontiac, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Auburn Hills, Rochester, Waterford, Lake Orion, West Bloomfield and Clarkston. Also able to take donations from Estate cleanups.
• Referral Services: CCRT conducts intake and needs assessments and connects clients with appropriate community organizations and service providers.

HOW TO APPLY:
Complete online forms or call the main office at 248-499-9621, Monday–Friday, 10 am to 3 pm.

• Emergency Assistance: Complete the Emergency Help form or call.
• Getting Ahead: Register online at Getting Ahead or call for information about the next class.
• Money Matters: Call to schedule an appointment. More information can be found on the Get Involved page.
• All Other Programs & Assistance: Call the main office to discuss needs and available resources.