Illustration of money.
With inflation rising quicker than it has since 1981, many families are experiencing financial strains ongoing from the pandemic. With whispers of a recession around the corner, many are experiencing financial anxiety.
Within the Greater Lansing area, there are a number of resources created to reduce this. From food pantries to utility assistance, those in need have options.
St. Vincent De Paul
The City of Lansing offers resources for utility assistance through the Lansing Board of Water and Light and St. Vincent De Paul Society.
In addition to utilities, St. Vincent can assist with rent payments, food, furniture and clothing and other needs as well. They offer home visits, referrals to community resources, and even financial guidance, all in a way that preserves the dignity of those they work with.
Address: 1020 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48910
Contact: 517-484-5395
Website: https://stmarylansing.org/st-vincent-de-paul-society
Lansing CARES
Lansing CARES was established by the Capitol Area Housing Partnership in order to assist those struggling with housing payments as a result of the pandemic.
This grant prioritizes those who have lost their income and who are in danger of getting evicted or behind on rent. Those eligible will have a household income lower than 80% of the area, and the funds can be used on either rent or mortgage. For those who are deemed ineligible, there is free housing counseling available, as are referrals to other resources.
Address: 600 W. Maple St., Suite D, Lansing, MI 48906
Contact: assistance@capitalareahousing.org | 517-332-4663
Greater Lansing Food Bank
A member of Feeding America, Greater Lansing Food Bank is a nonprofit that provides nutritious food for those in the Lansing community in need of it. With everything from mobile food pantries to farmer’s market initiatives and food gardening education, the GLFB does everything it can to make sure that no one in the community goes to bed hungry.
There are several ways to receive aid from them, through local churches or schools that they send food to or by applying for a BRIDGE card to help with groceries.
To find the nearest food pantry to you, call this number GLFB main distribution center line at (517) 853-7800 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Contact: 517-449-0360 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday
Website: https://greaterlansingfoodbank.org/get-help
Cristo Rey Community Center
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Cristo Rey Community Center works with residents of zip codes 48906, 48912, and 48933. Additionally, those who only speak Spanish, regardless of zip code, are welcome to utilize the food bank.
“Servimos a miembros de la comunidad que sólo hablan español, sin tener en cuenta el código postal de la persona.”
Food is given by appointment only with proof of residency and a photo ID, but walk-in emergency food kits are available to anyone regardless of permanent residency. Fresh food and nonperishables are available, in addition to two loaves of bread. Cristo Rey offers many services, including free mental health counseling, health care assistance and financial empowerment sessions, on top of the food assistance.
Contact: 517-372-4700
Website: https://www.cristoreycommunity.org/
Care Free Medical
Providing medical, dental and optometry care to Lansing, Care Free Medical provides high-quality care to those in Lansing without insurance.
The goal, according to the website, for each patient is long-term wellness and creating a plan that empowers patients in their own health journey. Care Free offers prescription assistance, helps patients navigate the health system and benefits they might be eligible for, and gives patients free laboratory testing through McLaren Hospital.
Address: 1100 W. Saginaw St., Suite 5, Lansing, MI 48915
Phone: 517-887-5922
