Friends In Deed has been a trusted community resource in Washtenaw County for over 40 years, helping people in need and building community to end poverty. We walk alongside our neighbors through times of financial hardship and on their journey toward long-term stability.

Our work is carried out through two core programs:

Essential Services Program – Strength. Support. Stability.
The Essential Services Program provides immediate assistance to households facing financial hardship. We help families stay housed, maintain access to work and school, and live with dignity through:

Housing Stabilization – Preventing eviction and utility shutoffs, supporting transitions to stable housing.

Transportation Assistance – Covering car repairs, insurance, and registration, or connecting families with donated vehicles.

Utilities Relief – Ensuring households keep heat, water, and electricity when other aid falls short.

Senior Services – Supporting older adults with housing, utilities, and furniture assistance to promote independence.

Furniture Assistance – Delivering gently-used or new beds, cribs, kitchen tables, and other essentials at no cost.

Circles Program – Pathways to Economic Mobility
Circles Washtenaw helps families build pathways out of poverty through long-term support and community connections. Participants, called Leaders, commit to an 24-month journey supported by volunteer Allies who provide encouragement and connections. Together, they set goals, overcome barriers, and achieve stability. Circles includes:

Economic Empowerment – Leaders pursue better jobs, education, and financial stability.

Community Connections – Allies and participants break down barriers of race, class, and income.

Children’s Program – Circles kids gain leadership, resilience, and compassion while their parents work toward goals.

At Friends In Deed, we believe everyone deserves strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

Friends In Deed MI

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