Since October 2024, Oakland Connects has assisted over 10,000 clients with housing, health and other non-medical concerns. Read Oakland Connect client testimonials and learn how Community Health Workers (CHW) were able to provide stability and support through challenging life situations.

Navigating Housing Instability After Job Loss

A client experienced significant financial hardship after being laid off from her previous job. Unaware that she qualified for unemployment benefits, she quickly fell behind on rent while searching for new employment. Although she was eventually able to secure a new job, the accumulated rent balance had become difficult to manage, placing her housing stability at risk.

Oakland Connects partnered with Michigan Works!, City of Southfield, and utilized stability funding to help address almost $9,000 in past due rent. Through this collaboration, the client received $7,049 in rental assistance and was able to pay the remaining balance independently.  

Collaborating with Partners to Help a Client's Critical Needs 

In March 2026, a client visited the North Oakland Health Center in Pontiac after hearing about Oakland Connects from a neighbor. The Oakland Connects team learned that the client had been without electricity for two months due to an outstanding balance of more than $1,000. The client was also experiencing food insecurity, didn't have cell phone service and had limited ability to travel due to gas costs.

The team immediately connected the client to local food pantries and assisted him in applying for multiple assistance programs including Medicaid, Food Assistance, Supplemental Security Income and State Emergency Relief. The client was provided with a gas card and EMPWR coat (weather-resistant coat that can transform into a sleeping bag) to help meet his immediate needs while exploring utility assistance options through community partners.

When the client missed a required Michigan Department of Health and Human Services phone appointment because his cell phone service was disconnected, we established weekly meetings at a Health Division office to provide ongoing support. The CHW helped the client develop a plan for regularly accessing local food resources.

During meetings, the client disclosed that he had received a foreclosure notice due to several years of unpaid property taxes. He was connected with legal and county resources, and ultimately, secured a one-year foreclosure extension and access to a property tax hardship exemption program.

Helping a Family Gain Greater Financial Stability

After a client's husband experienced a work-related injury, she faced significant financial hardship trying to support her family while working three jobs. As she fell behind on rent and utilities, she needed support accessing housing resources, public benefits, and employment assistance. Mischon, a CHW, worked closely with the client to coordinate rental and utility assistance, complete SNAP and Medicaid applications, and connect her with Michigan Works! for employment support.

"I appreciate the team and the support this program has give me Mischon has been very supportive and helpful and has kept me updated on everything. [...] She has been truly supportive in every way. Our family truly appreciates all the help and dedication that your team has provided." - Client

Connecting a Client to Multiple Forms of Support

After falling behind on rent, our client was facing eviction and struggling to access food and reliable transportation. Our CHW connected them with Michigan Works! to secure rental assistance, which prevented eviction and helped stabilize the household. They were provided emergency food boxes from Gleaners Food Bank and an Easter meal delivery from Kids Empowered on the Move. Michigan Works! helped address vehicle repairs and insurance needs.

Through ongoing communication and consistent follow-up, our client was able to access multiple forms of support during a particularly challenging time. She expressed appreciation for having someone continue to "stick with her" throughout the process.

Helping Address a Family's Medical Financial Challenge

A father reached out to Oakland Connects after his daughter missed several days of school due to illness and needed a doctor's note before she could return. Although the family had insurance, the cost of accessing care through the emergency room would have been approximately $1,200, creating significant financial strain for the family.

The CHW connected the family with Honor Community Health, where the child was able to receive care and obtain the required doctor's note at a more reasonable cost. Due to this support, the client's daughter was able to return to school without further interruption and prevent additional financial hardship for the family. The family has since continued working with the CHW to explore school enrollment options that better support their transportation and scheduling needs.

Helping a Client Transition from Homelessness to Stability

While at Wellness Wednesday, a weekly event connecting individuals experiencing housing instability to resources and services, a CHW met with a client staying in a shelter. She was in the process of starting two jobs and needed childcare. After finding out her 4-year-old daughter met the eligibility requirements for the Head Start program, our CHW reached out to Head Start to discuss our client's current situation. Head Start representation, Linda, was eager to help and within a month's time, our client had enrolled her daughter in Head Start, gained employment, and secured housing. The Oakland Connects team is continuing to support the client as she makes this transition.

Our CHW received a text from Linda a few weeks after the initial interaction. She wrote, "Hi Jared, Linda here from OLHSA Head Start. We met at the Baldwin Center. I just wanted to thank you for providing resources and contact information as we were able to connect her to lots of Head Start services! Thank you for all you do for the community we serve."