Local Homelessness
Homelessness in Macomb County is no longer a hidden issue—it’s an escalating public crisis that touches every part of our community. What was once seen as a temporary challenge has grown into a full-blown housing emergency, fueled by rising rents, stagnant wages, and a severe shortage of affordable homes. Families, veterans, and working people are finding themselves without a place to live, often for the first time. This is not a problem that can be solved by one agency or one act of charity—it requires all of us. The numbers are rising, and so must our response.
Homelessness in Macomb County Rose 36.7% Between 2023 and 2024
A growing local crisis driven by rising costs and limited housing options.
In 2024, 436 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in Macomb County—up from 319 the year before. Of those, 417 were sheltered and 19 were unsheltered, according to the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count. This marks one of the largest year-over-year increases in the county’s recent history. The data reflects a growing local crisis, driven by rising housing costs, a shortage of affordable rentals, and limited access to permanent housing programs.
96% of People Experiencing Homelessness in Macomb County Are Sheltered
Community partnerships are keeping more people safe—but need continues to outpace capacity.
While homelessness is rising, most residents who lose their housing do find temporary shelter. The 2024 PIT count shows that 96% of people experiencing homelessness were sheltered, compared to 89% in 2023—a testament to the efforts of local agencies, faith-based partners, and organizations like MCREST that provide year-round shelter and emergency assistance. This success demonstrates how coordinated community efforts can keep people safe while they work toward stability.
192 People Are Waiting for Permanent Housing in Macomb County (as of March 2025)
The path from shelter to stability is bottlenecked by a lack of affordable homes.
Behind the shelter doors, the struggle continues. As of early 2025, there are 192 individuals and families waiting for placement into permanent housing through the Macomb County Coordinated Entry System. With affordable housing in short supply, people often remain in shelter longer than intended, unable to transition into stable homes. This backlog underscores the need for greater investment in housing options that meet the needs of low-income residents.
1,594 Students Have Experienced Homelessness in a Single School Year
Homelessness affects children too—impacting education, stability, and hope for the future.
Homelessness in Macomb County doesn’t just affect adults—it touches families and children across the region. According to the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) Homeless Education Project, 1,594 students were identified as homeless during the 2016–2017 school year. These children face unique barriers to attendance, stability, and development, making programs like MCREST’s Women & Children’s Shelter critical to breaking the cycle of generational homelessness.
1 in 4 Renters Faced Eviction in Macomb County (2014–2018)
Eviction is often the first step toward homelessness for struggling families.
Before homelessness begins, eviction is often the first step toward instability. Between 2014 and 2018, Macomb County ranked second in Michigan for eviction rates, with one in four renters experiencing eviction during that time. As housing costs continue to rise faster than wages, eviction remains one of the clearest predictors of homelessness in the county.
27% of Michiganders Are “Extremely Low Income”
Thousands are one paycheck away from losing their homes.
Statewide, more than one in four Michiganders spend over 30% of their income on housing, with that number climbing to 51% among renters. This imbalance means that even small financial disruptions—like a medical bill or job loss—can push families into homelessness. For many households, there’s simply no margin left between survival and crisis.
Michigan Faces a Shortage of 188,000 Affordable Rental Units
A statewide housing gap continues to push families into homelessness.
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Michigan is short nearly 188,000 affordable rental units for low-income residents. This shortage is one of the key factors fueling homelessness statewide, leaving individuals and families competing for too few safe, affordable options. Without increased investment in affordable housing development and supportive programs, shelters like MCREST will continue to see growing demand.
Where MCREST Fits In
For nearly four decades, MCREST has been at the center of Macomb County’s response to homelessness—offering emergency shelter, meals, and the wraparound services that lead to independence. In 2024 alone, 626 individuals found help through MCREST, with 56% leaving the program with newfound stability. By working hand-in-hand with the Macomb County Continuum of Care, MCREST bridges the gap between crisis and home—helping ensure that the people behind these statistics have a path forward.
Impact Overview
Over 2.5 MILLION MEALS have been served since 1988.
626 INDIVIDUALS SERVED in 2024.
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Average stay: 51 DAYS
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Return rate: ONLY 5% WITHIN 12 MONTHS — a strong indicator of program success.
28% of guests MOVE INTO HOUSING when exiting MCREST.
SERVICES include case management, job readiness, ID securement, benefits access, childcare help, training, and transportation support.
The LEARNING AND RESOURCE CENTER (LRC) supports about 260 guests annually with resumes, job searches, certifications, virtual court access, and employment training.
