United Way for Southeastern Michigan serves the Detroit region through 211 and programs built around ALICE households, families who work but cannot afford the basics. Its roots reach back to 1917. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate raises money and directs it to programs and partners across the Detroit region, organizing much of its work around ALICE households. It operates a 211 helpline and funds local services in basic needs, education, and economic mobility.
Its service area covers Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, with the 211 team also serving Lapeer County. Dr. Darienne Hudson serves as president and CEO. The organization traces its roots to 1917, when it began as the Detroit Community Union.
The quickest way to reach help is 211, a free line that provides referrals for food, housing, financial assistance, utility help, and more across the region.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | Free referrals for food, housing, financial and utility assistance, and other local services. |
| ALICE-focused programs | Support and strategies aimed at households that work but cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across the Detroit region. |
| Basic needs and education | Programs spanning food, housing, and student support. |
Because the 211 team also covers Lapeer County, the helpline reaches beyond the affiliate's four core funding counties.
United Way uses the ALICE framework, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, to describe households that earn above the poverty line but still cannot afford housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology. The affiliate builds much of its strategy around reaching those families.
Focusing on ALICE keeps the work centered on the large share of working households in the region that remain financially fragile.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and 211.
Volunteers help across the region's programs. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is listed on Charity Navigator and other nonprofit databases, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 20-3099071.
Free referrals for food, housing, and financial help.
Support for households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs in the Detroit region.
Food, housing, and utility-assistance support.
Programs supporting students and families.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way for Southeastern Michigan (unitedwaysem.org) about, history, and 211 pages; Charity Navigator and GuideStar (EIN 20-3099071). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way for Southeastern Michigan and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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