Friends In Deed

Mission: To help people in need and build a community to end poverty.

For over 40 years, Friends In Deed has helped Washtenaw County residents navigate crisis and climb out of poverty by filling the gaps left by other assistance programs. Founded in 1983 by a group of concerned community members and supported by local congregations, Friends In Deed was created to offer practical, compassionate help where it’s needed most.

We serve low-income individuals and families by addressing urgent needs—like utility shut-offs, car repairs, and furniture shortages—while also building long-term stability through relationship-based programs. Our approach combines immediate relief with community connection to ensure people don’t have to face hardship alone.

Friends In Deed offers four core programs designed to meet both urgent and long-term needs:

• Direct Assistance: Through our Help Line, we provide emergency support for utility bills, car repairs, prescriptions, and other urgent expenses that threaten stability.

• Furniture Program: As the only large-scale furniture bank in the county, we collect donated, gently used furniture and distribute it free of charge to families in need.

• Transportation Support: We assist with car repairs to help working individuals maintain employment and access essential services.

• Circles Program: A long-term, relationship-based initiative that matches individuals in poverty with trained volunteer allies to help them build social capital, set goals, and break the cycle of generational poverty.

By combining direct services with community-centered solutions, Friends In Deed helps families move from crisis to stability—and, ultimately, toward thriving futures.