Michigan college students struggle with housing, food. Program aims to help

August 17, 2026

Michigan is launching the Open Door pilot project at Henry Ford College and Wayne State University this fall to help college students struggling with basic needs like food, housing, and transportation. The initiative comes after a state report revealed that nearly half of Michigan college students face unmet financial needs even after receiving aid, with significant percentages experiencing food and housing insecurity. The program will embed United Way staff members on campuses to connect students with both on-campus and community resources, addressing a problem that previously led to rapid depletion of a $1 million emergency fund.

Who is affected

College students in Michigan, particularly those at Henry Ford College and Wayne State University
Students enrolled in Detroit Promise, Detroit Reconnect, and Michigan Reconnect programs (primary focus)
The 20% of Michigan college students experiencing food insecurity, 44% facing housing insecurity, and 47% with unmet financial needs after financial aid
Kijuan Dent (example of a student who benefited from emergency assistance at Michigan State University)
Students using services at Muskegon Community College's Jayhawk Resource Hub and Grand Rapids Community College

What action is being taken

The Open Door pilot project is launching this fall at Henry Ford College and Wayne State University
United Way for Southeastern Michigan staff members are being embedded on campuses to direct students to resources
MiLEAP is hosting a Braiding Community Support for College Student Basic Needs event on September 9
The University of Michigan Youth Policy Lab, in partnership with WSU's Detroit PEER, is evaluating the project through 2028 (funded by a $300,000 Kresge Foundation grant)
Michigan is working toward its goal of 60% of residents having postsecondary credentials by 2030

Why it matters

This initiative addresses critical barriers that prevent college students from completing their education, even when they receive financial aid. With nearly half of Michigan college students struggling with unmet basic needs, these challenges can derail academic progress and prevent credential completion. The program matters for Michigan's economic future, as the state works toward its 60% postsecondary credential attainment goal, currently at 51.6%. By connecting students to resources more effectively than simply providing emergency cash—which proved unsustainable when $1 million disappeared in six months—the program aims to create lasting solutions that keep students enrolled and help them graduate.

What's next

The Open Door pilot project will launch this fall at Henry Ford College and Wayne State University
MiLEAP will host a Braiding Community Support for College Student Basic Needs event on September 9
The University of Michigan Youth Policy Lab will evaluate the project through 2028 with potential to scale it up
Organizers will work to bring basic needs services from the community to students and increase awareness of on-campus resources

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com