Real talk, the holiday season is expensive.  You don’t need us to tell you it can be really difficult when you have kids and money is sparse. There are programs that can help you give your family the holiday they hope for.

Since many families apply for assistance and supplies are limited, here are some tips on applying and raising your chances to be chosen:

• Apply now. DO NOT wait until December 1st. Since most resources are given on  a first come, first serve basis, most resources fill up quickly.
• Trust the process. The application process can take time and you may have to try a few times. Try to be patient.
• Be prepared. Remember to bring all the documents that are required for the application.
• Be honest about your situation. The organization needs to understand why you need this assistance.
• Ask for things you need. Be clear about the items you need like home items, gas cards, or winter clothes, not just items you may want.

Our Community Neighborhood Navigators (CNN) can help connect you to a number of resources for holiday assistance. If you are enrolled in WIN Network: Detroit, contact your CNN directly to find out more.

Not part of WIN Network: Detroit yet? Contact us to see if you can join. Then, check out the list of holiday assistance resources below for a few options. Happy Holidays!

Click on the program names below to visit each website:

United Way 2-1-1: Call United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 211 or 1-800-552-1183 on your phone. You will speak with an operator who can help connect you to a wide variety of assistance programs and resources for the holiday season.  Let them know you what you are looking for and what you need. They can help you find programs that are right for you.

Adopt A Family: This program offers goods and support through the holiday season to qualifying families. They only accept applications online. After completing your online application, you have 7 days to mail copies of additional documents.

Lighthouse Thanksgiving Program: Sign up to receive a Thanksgiving basket from the Lighthouse of Oakland County. For more information call 248-920-6000, extension 2141.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries: This organization is accepting applications from October 1 to November 10 to adopt a family for the holidays. You must visit fill out the application in person, and bring all of the necessary documents to apply. For more information, contact Rachael Williams at 313-993-4700.

Old Newsboys Goodfellow Fund of Detroit Holiday Gift Program: This program will hand out 35,000 Christmas packages this year. They are for residents ages 4-13 who are from Detroit, Harper Woods, Highland Park, Hamtramck, and River Rouge. Fill out the online application, and they will contact you in early December with instructions to pick up your children’s packages.

Salvation Army: You can register with your local center to see if you are eligible to receive gifts and a food basket or gift certificate for your family. This program is intended for families who have children under the age of 14. Registration is open October 29 through December 9.

Local Churches: reach out to your local church to see if they are offering any holiday assistance.