What Ann Arbor's Shelter Offers and Who Can Stay

Ann Arbor's primary shelter for people experiencing homelessness is Delonis Center, operated by the Shelter Association of the Washtenaw County. The shelter provides overnight beds, meals, and access to case management services. Beds are available year-round, though the shelter also opens additional winter overflow capacity when temperatures drop below freezing.

Delonis Center accepts single adults and families with children. There is no income requirement — homelessness itself is the only threshold. You do not need to be a resident of Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County to stay, though staff will ask about your local connections during intake. The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most of the year, meaning you arrive and check in the same day.

The shelter does not turn people away based on prior shelter stays, criminal history, or substance use. However, residents must follow house rules: no weapons, no violence toward staff or other residents, and no use of drugs or alcohol on the premises. Violations can result in a temporary ban, typically 24 to 72 hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Delonis Center is located at 312 Huronview Boulevard in Ann Arbor and accepts walk-ins during intake hours, which typically run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
  • You need only to show up; there is no advance registration, appointment system, or paperwork barrier to getting a bed the same night.
  • The shelter provides a bed, dinner, breakfast, and a shower, plus referrals to case management and other services like job training and mental health support.
  • Winter overflow beds open when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and those beds are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If you are banned for a rule violation, you can speak with a supervisor about the ban length and conditions for return.

How to Check In and What to Bring

Walk into Delonis Center during intake hours (typically 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., though hours can shift seasonally — call ahead to confirm). You will be asked your name, date of birth, and whether you have stayed at the shelter before. Staff will also ask whether you have any medical conditions, mental health needs, or medications so they can connect you with on-site support.

Bring a photo ID if you have one, but lack of ID will not prevent you from staying. If you have medications, bring them in their original bottles with your name on the label; the shelter has a nurse on-site who can help manage them. You can bring a small bag of personal items, though weapons and drugs are prohibited and will be confiscated.

The shelter provides a locker for your belongings during the day. If you need to store items during the day while you are out, ask staff about day storage options — availability varies. Pets are generally not allowed in the shelter itself, though staff can sometimes refer you to pet-friendly shelter options or temporary foster care for your animal.

What Services Are Available Beyond a Bed

Delonis Center employs case managers who work with residents to move toward stable housing. These conversations are voluntary — you can decline case management — but staff will offer it during your stay. Case managers help with housing searches, benefit applications, employment referrals, and connections to mental health or substance use treatment.

The shelter has a nurse on-site during daytime hours who can address minor health issues, manage medications, and refer you to the hospital or urgent care if needed. Mental health counselors are also available, and the shelter coordinates with local providers for ongoing therapy or psychiatric care.

The shelter does not provide job placement directly, but staff can refer you to Washtenaw County's workforce development programs, which offer resume help, interview coaching, and job leads. Food is provided at the shelter (dinner and breakfast), so you will not need to find meals while staying there.

Winter Overflow and Extended Stay Options

From roughly November through March, Delonis Center opens additional overflow beds when the National Weather Service forecasts a low of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. These beds are in a separate area and operate under the same rules as the main shelter. You do not need to reserve an overflow bed — show up during intake hours and staff will direct you to overflow if it is open.

The main shelter does not have a maximum stay limit, but it is designed as emergency shelter, not long-term housing. If you stay more than a few weeks, case managers will intensify efforts to connect you with transitional housing, rapid rehousing programs, or permanent supportive housing. Washtenaw County has several longer-term programs for people with disabilities or chronic homelessness; your case manager can assess whether you meet those criteria.

Rules, Bans, and What Happens If You Violate Them

Delonis Center enforces a clear code of conduct: no weapons, no violence, no use or possession of drugs or alcohol on the premises, and respect for staff and other residents. Violations result in a conversation with a supervisor. First violations often result in a verbal warning; repeated or serious violations (such as violence) can result in a temporary ban ranging from 24 hours to 30 days.

If you are banned, ask the supervisor for the specific reason and the length of the ban. You can request a meeting with a manager to discuss the ban or appeal it if you believe it was unfair. Most bans are temporary, and you can return once the period ends. If you have a disability that affects your behavior (such as a mental health condition), tell staff — accommodations may be possible.

The shelter does not report residents to law enforcement for minor rule violations. However, if you commit a crime on the premises (such as assault or theft), staff may call police. Shelter staff are trained in de-escalation and will try to resolve conflicts without involving law enforcement.

Getting Connected to Housing Programs

Your case manager at Delonis Center can refer you to several housing programs in Washtenaw County. Rapid Rehousing programs provide short-term rental information (usually 3 to 12 months) plus case management to help you move into an apartment. You must be willing to work with a case manager and have some income or a path to income; the program covers part of the rent while you build stability.

Permanent Supportive Housing is available for people with disabilities (physical, mental health, or substance use) who have been homeless for a year or more, or for people with a disability who have had four or more episodes of homelessness in the past three years. This program combines affordable housing with ongoing support services and has no time limit.

Ask your case manager whether you meet the criteria for these programs. If you do, they will help you through the referral process. If you do not, they can discuss other options, such as emergency rental information (if you have a lease), job training, or mental health treatment that might help you move toward housing stability.

Contact Information and Hours

Delonis Center 312 Huronview Boulevard Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Phone: (734) 994-2700

Intake hours are typically 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily, but hours may vary seasonally or due to staffing. Call ahead to confirm current hours before you arrive. The shelter is accessible by public transit (AATA bus lines serve the location) and has parking available.

If you cannot reach the shelter by phone or need when ready help outside intake hours, call the Washtenaw County Crisis Line at (734) 996-4747. They can tell you whether the shelter has beds available and can sometimes arrange transportation if you have mobility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay at the shelter if I have a criminal record or have been in jail?

Yes. Delonis Center does not screen people out based on criminal history or prior incarceration. The only disqualifying factor is active violence or weapons on the premises. If you are on probation or parole, tell your case manager so they can help coordinate with your supervision officer if needed.

What if I have a pet or service animal?

Pets are not allowed in the shelter itself, but staff can sometimes refer you to other shelter options that accept animals or help arrange temporary foster care for your pet while you stay. Service animals (dogs trained to perform a task for a disability) are allowed. Bring documentation of the service animal's training if you have it.

Do I have to participate in case management or treatment programs?

No. Case management and treatment referrals are offered but not required. However, if you stay longer than a few weeks, staff will encourage you to work toward housing stability. If you refuse all services, you may eventually be asked to leave to make room for people actively working toward housing.

What if I arrive after 9 p.m. or on a day the shelter is closed?

Call the Washtenaw County Crisis Line at (734) 996-4747. They can tell you whether Delonis Center has beds available and may be able to arrange a bed at an alternative shelter or emergency location. During winter, overflow capacity is more likely to be available during extreme cold.

Can I store my belongings at the shelter during the day?

Lockers are available for overnight storage. Day storage (while you are out during the day) is sometimes available but depends on space and staffing. Ask staff about day storage options when you check in; they will tell you what is currently possible.