The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) offers a wide variety of resources and human services supports, including food assistance, housing, legal services, translation, tax assistance, social security assistance, immigration and citizenship support, and more.
Affirmations is an LGBTQ+ community center that provides a welcoming space for people to learn, grow, socialize, and access support services. Affirmations offers a wide range of health services, support groups, community events, and education learning labs.
The Alliance in Reconstructive Surgery (AiRS) offers grants of up to $2,500 to help pay for breast reconstructive surgery for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or a breast cancer genetic mutation and has undergone a mastectomy.
Interested individuals must live in the United States, have been diagnosed with breast cancer or a breast cancer genetic mutation, and have an income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applications must be submitted within 1-3 months of scheduled surgery. AiRS does not fund surgeries that have already occurred.
Project 21 is a pediatric hospice program that provides end-of-life grants to parents of children in the final days of their cancer battle.
Parents in need of assistance while their child receives home hospice care are encouraged to email applications@angelsofhope.org for information on how to apply.
The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan offers comprehensive resources and services for people affected by blood cancer. Programs provide educational resources, professionally facilitated emotional support, financial assistance for medical and non-medical expenses, social support, and a holiday toys program for pediatric patients and children of adult patients.
Michigan residents who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood related disorder are eligible for BCFM services. There are no income or age requirements to enroll.
Camp Kesem is a national organization that provides free summer camps, day programs, and virtual meetups for children impacted by a parent’s cancer.
Camp Kesem serves youth ages 6-18 who have a parent undergoing cancer treatment, have lost a parent to cancer, or have a parent who is a cancer survivor. Applications open in January of each year and can be completed online or mailed in.
Cancer and Careers is a national organization dedicated to helping people with cancer return to everyday life and work after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer and Careers offers free resume review services, education about employment rights, and resources for returning to work after cancer treatment.
Interested individuals can access resources and sign up for the free resume review service.
CaringBridge is a free online tool that allows patients and caregivers to easily share health updates with family and friends.
Patients and caregivers can register online to create a personal site and share updates, photos, journal entries, or videos with loved ones.
Children with Hair Loss is a non-profit organization that offers free human hair replacements to children and young adults experiencing medically-related hair loss. They make a conscious effort to provide hair replacement that is very similar to one’s natural hair color and texture. Additionally, they also provide support and educational resources to their recipients.
Children With Hair Loss provides recipients with a complete care kit along with a human hair replacement. Their services and products are provided free of charge annually until age 21. To qualify, individuals must be 21 or younger, have medically-related hair loss, complete an application, and submit pictures.
Cleaning for a Reason is a nonprofit organization that provides free home cleaning services to people affected by cancer. Cleaning for a Reason has a network of 1,200 residential cleaning companies to support patients nationwide.
Any person in active cancer treament is eligible for up to two free home cleanings (one cleaning per month). Interested individuals can fill out an application.
Crossroads of Michigan provides community resources to low-income individuals and families. Support services include transportation, coaching to find and maintain permanent employment, food assistance, clothing assistance, childcare, personal hygiene products, and personal coaching for crisis reduction and long-term stability.
To get help and identify available resources, interested individuals can call (313) 831-2000.
The Dear Jack Foundation offers several support programs for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. The Breathe Now program offers healing retreats for individuals and couples that include yoga, meditation, and therapeutic conversations. Their LifeList program supports those with life-threatening diagnoses by granting wishes and fostering community. The Dear Jack Foundation also provides a digital community forum for AYA cancer survivors to access virtual events, resources, and mental health support.
Eligible applicants must be between the ages of 18-39. Individuals can access program services through online applications or through referrals from healthcare teams or support organizations.
Elephants and Tea, a program of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation (SGCF), is a unique publication created for and by the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community to reduce isolation and build community through storytelling, education, wellness, and research. Elephants and Tea also hosts virtual events and support groups for AYA survivors nationwide.
Digital issues of the Elephants and Tea magazine are publicly available online. Content standards apply to those wishing to submit content. Individuals interested in attending virtual events can register on the Elephants and Tea website.
Epic Experience encourages cancer survivors to live their lives to the fullest through a combination of adventure, community, and virtual programming. They offer a free weeklong adventure camp in the Colorado Rockies. Participants engage in physical challenges, build a supportive community with fellow survivors, and address fears and worries. The experience is intended to instills hope and equip survivors with the tools and support to thrive beyond cancer. Epic Experience also organizes regional meet-ups across the US, hosts the ‘Campfires of Hope: Living Beyond Cancer’ podcast, and offers free virtual exercise classes.
Epic Experience offers FREE, week-long adventure camps for adult cancer survivors. They welcome applicants who are 18+, regardless of their current stage in their cancer journey.
First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.
Eligible participants must have been diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15-39 and must currently be between the ages of 18-45. First Descent programs are free of cost, including lodging, instruction, equipment, and food. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs to and from the program. However, travel scholarships are available to those demonstrating financial need.
Human-I-T provides a variety of free and low-cost digital support services, including internet, electronic devices, digital skills training, and tech support.
Human-I-T provides a variety of free and low-cost digital support services, including internet, electronic devices, digital skills training, and tech support.
Lakeshore Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm in Southeastern Michigan that provides free civil legal services to people who are low income, seniors, or survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. Attorneys can assist clients with a wide variety of legal services, including family law, public benefits, housing, individual rights, and employment.
Lakeshore Legal Aid is open for walk-ins Monday-Thursday 8:30-4:30 and Fridays by appointment. Interested individuals can call for more information or fill out an online application.
Lanier Law Firm is a national law firm specializing in mesothelioma claims. Lanier Law Firm offers free legal consultations as well as educational resources about mesothelioma and the costs of treatment.
Interested individuals can fill out an online interest form to schedule a free consultation.
The LLS Urgent Need Program provides eligible patients with assistance for non-medical expenses, including rent, mortgage, lodging, utilities, child care, elder care, food, transportation, car repair, car insurance, phone service, and acute dental work related to treatment. Eligible patients can receive a grant of $500 once in a 12-month period. At the end of the 12-month period, healthcare professionals can reapply on behalf of patients.
To be eligible, applicants to the Urgent Need Program must have a household income below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level, adjusted for the Cost of Living Index; be a US citizen or permanent resident; have a blood cancer diagnosis; demonstrate acute financial need. Program availability is subject to the availability of funds to support the program.
The LLS Scholarship for Blood Cancer Survivors provides up to $7,500 to cover tuition for virtual or in-person vocational, trade, two-year, or four-year undergraduate education for one year.
To be eligible for the scholarship, individuals must be a blood cancer patient or survivor diagnosed at age 25 or younger, a United States citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or a U.S. territory, be attending or planning to attend virtual or in-person vocational, trade, two-year, or four-year undergraduate education in the U.S. (full-time or part-time students), and submit an LLS Diagnosis Verification Form.
The Center for Seniors helps older adults maintain healthy, enjoyable, independent lives. Available services include assistance with transportation to medical appointments, home caregivers, and programs to help older adults remain active through Detroit recreational centers.
Sign up through the Senior Services Sign Up Form.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center helps connect Veterans and families to VA benefits, healthcare and treatment, and financial compensation after being diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases.
Individuals must be United States Veterans and/or family members of Veterans.
Aging services provided through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services help older adults live in the setting of their choice for as long as possible. Through its local Area Agencies on Aging, MDHHS provides services to help older adults maintain independence at home and in their communities, provide nutrition support such as Meals on Wheels, and support caregivers of older adults to allow them to care for their person for as long as possible.
Contact information is available for local Area Agencies on Aging.
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) provides financial assistance for non-medical costs related to ovarian cancer treatment and clinical trial participation. Financial assistance may be used towards non-medical expenses, including transportation, rent/housing/lodging, food/groceries, utilities, childcare, and home cleaning services.
Eligible individuals must have a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and currently be in active treatment or maintenance therapy, live in the United States or US territories, and have an income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
OutCare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ health equity. OutCare has a variety of resources for LGBTQ+ patients, including peer support groups, healthcare navigation services, prescription savings programs, and a national directory of LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare providers.
Interested individuals can visit OutCare’s website to view online resources and sign up for available programs.
OvarCare provides support for ovarian cancer patients, including financial grants of $200, psychosocial counseling sessions via phone, genetic counseling sessions, $100 gas cards, and $100 grocery cards.
Support is available for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients who meet financial eligibility guidelines.
The Assistance Program provides emergency direct financial support for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer and in current treatment. Assistance is in the form of a $500 gift card. The program was created to help patients who are behind on medical bills or who need financial assistance due to breast cancer treatment.
To be eligible, applicants must live in a program state (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, Wyoming), be currently undergoing breast cancer treatment, be a US citizen, and demonstrate current financial need such as a decrease in income, being behind on medical bills, experiencing costs not covered by insurance, experiencing transportation-related cost issues, or needing a wig or non-medical supplies that present financial issues.
The Ruth Ellis Center is a nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed services for LGBTQ+ youth. The Ruth Ellis Center offers a variety of support programs, including permanent supportive housing and safety-net programs, primary and behavioral healthcare, HIV prevention, and family support programs.
Young people aged 13-30 are eligible to participate in Ruth Ellis Center programs. Interested individuals can visit the Drop-In Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-8:00 pm or Thursdays 11:00 am-2:00 pm, or can contact the Ruth Ellis Center by phone or email.
The Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation (BMCF) provides patients and their families with financial assistance, patient navigation, emotional support programs, and physician and hospital referrals. BMCF offers financial assistance through their Lifeline Fund, which helps to cover living and ancillary expenses for patients facing or recovering from bone marrow transplants, and through Carelines, a cancer-specific crowdfunding platform. BMCF also provides opportunities for community and connection through Cancer Buddy, a free peer support app.
To qualify for the Lifeline Fund, patients must be affiliated with a certified transplant center and either preparing for or undergoing post-care for a bone marrow, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT), CAR-T cell, or cord blood transplant. A social worker, nurse coordinator, or another healthcare professional must submit the application on the patient’s behalf. Patients and caregivers can register for a Carelines account online.
The Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation’s goal is to support young adults managing a cancer diagnosis by providing them with resources and support programs to guide them through treatment and into survivorship.
The Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation (CHSCF) Base2Summit Scholarship is an educational scholarship of $1000 for Michigan students with a history of cancer. To be eligible, students must be residents of Michigan, diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 13-30, must have graduated from high school or will be graduating by the spring of 2024, and accepted to a school of higher learning (university, community college, beauty school, graduate school, etc.). Application materials must be postmarked by July 15, 2024.
The Ruth Cheatham Foundation College Fund (TRCF) supports adolescents and young adults (AYAs) impacted by cancer by bridging the educational opportunity gap and providing academic opportunities for cancer survivors to continue their education. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and disease impact and vary from $2,000 to $5,000.
Scholarship applications are open to cancer survivors who are U.S. residents ages 17-26 and enrolled full-time at an accredited undergraduate college, university, or trade school. Applicants are required to submit a letter verifying their cancer diagnosis, a copy of their (or their parents’, if they are claimed as a dependent) most recent tax return, proof of acceptance or enrollment at the university of choice, and a recent school transcript. Applications are open from December to March each year.
Wayne Metro supports low- and moderate-income residents throughout Wayne County, providing programs related to quality housing, food supports, utility assistance, tax preparation, financial education, and more.
Wayne Metro offers a Universal Application to identify services that clients qualify for, in addition to individual program applications.