Who We Are
Friends In Deed is a nonprofit organization in Washtenaw County dedicated to providing emergency support to those in need.
People & Partners
Meeting urgent
needs. Building
stability. Breaking
the cycle of
poverty.
Our Mission:
Helping people in need and building community to end poverty.
For more than 40 years, Friends In Deed has served Washtenaw County by supporting neighbors through urgent financial assistance and relationship-based programs that build long-term stability. We help people stay housed, keep utilities on, and access essential items like beds and furniture; partnering with individuals and families to strengthen financial resilience and move beyond the “poverty cliff” toward lasting security.
What We Do
At Friends In Deed, emergency support looks like furniture, transportation, utility assistance, and long-term programs that help families build financial stability.
Programs
Who We Serve
Friends In Deed serves low-income individuals and families in Washtenaw County, including those facing homelessness, housing instability, or unmet financial needs.
Get SupportLooking for Support?
At Friends In Deed, we strive to provide clear, accessible, and effective support for our community. By consolidating our programs, we can more effectively address critical needs in housing, transportation, utilities, senior services, and furniture assistance. If you need support, please review the information below to see how we can help.
Looking to Get Involved?
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Donating
Provide urgent financial assistance that helps families avoid eviction, utility shutoffs, and displacement.
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Volunteering
Use your time and skills to support your neighbors, from hands-on service to behind-the-scenes support.
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Tell Your Friends
Spread the word about Friends In Deed and help more neighbors find support when they need it most.
Browse Volunteer Opportunities
Find the role that fits your time, skills, and interests.
Direct Assistance Intake Volunteer
Serve as the first point of contact for neighbors reaching out for urgent financial assistance, listening carefully and connecting them with the right support. This support involves responding to phone and email requests from neighbors in need of rental & utility assistance, and car donation and repair. This role works closely with our Case Management for gathering client information and coordinating client appointments.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreFurniture Services Intake Volunteer
Support the administrative side of the Furniture Program by responding to phone or email requests from neighbors in need of basic furniture items, or who would like to donate great quality furniture to be donated. This role works closely with our Furniture Coordinator for processing these requests and coordinating details for scheduling furniture pickup or delivery.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreFurniture Delivery/Warehouse Volunteer
We are always in need of people who can help us pick up and deliver furniture. If you have a group of 3-to-5 people, you can take our 16-foot cube truck and work with our furniture coordinator to make up a route. Addition opportunity involves sorting, preparing, and moving donated furniture in our warehouse to keep the Furniture Program running from intake to delivery.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreChildren’s Program Volunteer
Lead age-appropriate activities and provide mentorship for children during weekly Circles meetings while their parents participate in the program.
Weekly attendance for the full cohort (approximately 18 months)
Learn moreCommunity Team Volunteer (Ally)
Allies are people willing to accompany a Circles Leader on their journey out of poverty. Allies do not give financial resources, but share their social networks, act as a sounding board, help problem-solve, and generally act as a friend offering consistent encouragement, and practical help as they work toward greater financial security.
18-month cohort commitment; weekly meetings and regular informal contact
Learn moreBig View Team Volunteer
Work alongside Leaders and Allies to identify and address the systemic and policy-level barriers that keep families trapped in poverty.
Weekly attendance for the full cohort (approximately 18 months)
Learn moreOffice Assistant
Manage front desk operations and provide general administrative support that keeps the organization running smoothly day to day.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreDevelopment Assistant Volunteer
Do you like putting together activities and events? Is connecting with people one of your super powers? We need some resourceful people who’d like to volunteer their time, project management, and people skills. This vole helps with coordinating fundraising events, and donor engagement & appreciation.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreJobs & Education Volunteer
Coach neighbors on career readiness, job applications, and education pathways to build long-term self-sufficiency alongside Friends In Deed programs.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreCommunity Support Specialist - Paid Opportunity
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) can help you learn new skills and demonstrate valuable work experience to prospective employers — all while giving back to your community. SCSEP matches eligible jobseekers with local nonprofits and public agencies — day care centers, senior centers, schools, and hospitals — in paid training assignments.
part-time paid training assignment through AARP
Learn more