Maybe you need groceries. Maybe you're looking for housing. Maybe you need a job. Maybe you just don't know what your next step is.
Sometimes when we say someone is "in need," we picture one specific thing.
Maybe they need diapers.
Maybe they need food.
Maybe they need a place to stay.
But the truth is, families need all kinds of help.
Sometimes the need is obvious.
Sometimes it isn't.
Sometimes you don't even know exactly what you need—you just know that something has to change.
And that's okay.
You don't have to figure it out by yourself.
That's what KindNest is here for.
Maybe What You Need Is Groceries
Food costs are real.
Maybe your grocery budget didn't stretch as far as you hoped this month.
Maybe you have more people to feed than you did before.
Maybe you're between paychecks.
Maybe you're trying to figure out where your next few meals are coming from.
Or maybe you simply want to find out what food resources are available in your community.
You don't have to wait until your situation becomes an emergency to look for resources.
There are food pantries, meal programs, churches, food distributions, and other community organizations throughout Flint and Genesee County.
A Good Place to Start
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan — Find a Food Pantry
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has a pantry locator where you can search by ZIP code or address to find food assistance near you.
Find Food Near You:
https://www.fbem.org/where-to-get-food/find-a-food-pantry/
You can also check local organizations such as Project Thirty6 Food Pantry & Clothing Closet, Crossover Outreach, and South Flint Soup Kitchen for additional community support.
Always check directly with an organization before traveling because eligibility, hours, and availability can change.
Maybe You Need Help Finding Housing
Housing can be overwhelming.
Maybe you're looking for a more affordable place.
Maybe you're facing a housing transition.
Maybe you're staying with family or friends and don't know what your next step should be.
Maybe you're worried about losing your current home.
Maybe you're already experiencing homelessness.
You don't have to know exactly where to begin.
A Good Place to Start
The GCHC Housing Resource Center serves people in Flint and Genesee County who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or facing eviction. They can help connect families with housing programs, prevention services, rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, rent or utility assistance, and other housing resources.
GCHC Housing Resource Center:
https://genchc.org/housing-resource-center/
Phone: 810-600-4525
Address: 422 W. 4th Avenue, Flint, MI 48503
You can also explore resources through the GCHC Housing Resource Center.
If you're already without housing, don't assume there's nothing available. Reach out and ask what options may fit your situation.
Maybe You're Looking for a Job
Finding employment isn't always as simple as filling out an application.
You might need help finding job opportunities.
You might need to update your resume.
You might be looking for work that fits around your children.
You might need training.
You might be returning to the workforce after being home with your family.
Or maybe you're ready for a completely different career.
Where you are today doesn't have to determine where you end up.
A Good Place to Start
The Flint & Genesee Group Job Board is a great place to look for current opportunities in the area. It allows you to search local jobs by position, company, location, salary, seniority, and more. The board currently lists hundreds of opportunities throughout the region.
Search Flint & Genesee Jobs:
https://jobs.flintandgenesee.org/jobs
You can also look at:
Genesee County Jobs:
https://geneseecountymi.applicantpro.com/jobsandemployment/
The county currently has openings ranging from administrative and public-service positions to healthcare, clerical, warehouse, IT, and other roles.
And if you're looking for help with your job search—not just a list of jobs—GST Michigan Works! offers career services, job-search assistance, resume support, skills development, training, and employment planning.
GST Michigan Works!:
https://gstmiworks.org/
Looking for a Job at a Local College?
Mott Community College also maintains its own employment opportunities and employment services. Their employment services are available to students, alumni, employers, and community job seekers.
Mott Community College Employment:
https://mcc.peopleadmin.com/
Maybe You're Thinking About Going Back to School
This one doesn't get talked about enough.
Maybe you started college years ago but never finished.
Maybe you've been home raising children and are wondering what comes next.
Maybe you're thinking about a trade program.
Maybe you want to earn a certification.
Maybe you're considering college for the first time.
And maybe you're sitting there thinking:
"Can I really do this?"
You might be surprised by the number of options available.
Going back to school doesn't necessarily mean jumping into a four-year degree.
There are community colleges, certificate programs, skilled trades, healthcare training, career programs, adult education, and other pathways.
A Good Place to Start
Mott Community College offers accessible and affordable educational opportunities in Flint and Genesee County, including career and technical programs.
Explore Mott Community College:
https://www.mcc.edu/
And if you're not sure what career or training path makes sense for you, GST Michigan Works! can also be a helpful place to explore career planning and training options.
You don't have to decide your entire future this week.
You can simply find out what's available.
Maybe You Need Childcare
Sometimes the reason someone can't take a job, attend school, or even make an appointment isn't lack of motivation.
It's childcare.
Finding dependable childcare can be one of the biggest challenges for parents.
If you're trying to work, go back to school, attend training, or simply find care for your child, don't assume you have to figure it out alone.
A Good Place to Start
Michigan's childcare resources can help families explore available childcare programs and assistance options.
You can also use Michigan 211 to search for local family and childcare resources.
Michigan 211:
https://mi211.org/
And remember, KindNest's Resource Library includes childcare and family-support resources specifically so families don't have to search through dozens of websites trying to figure out where to begin.
Maybe Transportation Is the Problem
Maybe you found a job.
Maybe you found an apartment.
Maybe you found a childcare provider.
But now you're thinking:
"How am I supposed to get there?"
Transportation can be the thing that stands between someone and an opportunity.
That's why transportation belongs in the conversation, too.
A Good Place to Start
Michigan 211 can help connect Michigan residents with transportation and other community services.
Call 2-1-1 or visit:
https://mi211.org/
You can also explore transportation-related resources through the KindNest Resource Library.
Maybe You Just Need Someone to Talk To
And sometimes the thing you need isn't food.
It isn't housing.
It isn't a job.
It isn't diapers.
Sometimes...
You just need someone to talk to.
Maybe you're overwhelmed.
Maybe you're exhausted.
Maybe you're trying to make a decision and don't know what to do.
Maybe you're carrying something you've been keeping to yourself.
Maybe you feel like you're supposed to have everything figured out, but you don't.
Maybe you're simply having a really difficult season.
That matters too.
A Good Place to Start
Find Help Mid-Michigan is a local resource supported by the Greater Flint Health Coalition. It helps people search for free or reduced-cost services related to medical care, food, housing, job training, transportation, utilities, and more. It also provides a 24-hour call/text option.
Find Help Mid-Michigan:
https://findhelpmidmichigan.org/
Call: 810-953-2427
Text: FINDHELP to 810-953-2427
And if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or immediate danger, please contact emergency services or a crisis service right away.
What If You Don't Even Know What You Need?
This might be the most important part.
You don't have to know.
You don't have to come to KindNest with the perfect question.
You don't have to know the name of the program you need.
You don't have to know which agency to call.
You don't have to know what paperwork you'll need.
You can simply say:
"I'm having a hard time, and I don't know where to start."
That's enough.
We can start there.
KindNest Has More Resources Than You May Realize
One of the things we hear often is:
"I didn't know you could help with that."
And honestly?
That's exactly why we want to talk about it.
KindNest has a growing Resource Library designed to help Michigan families find organizations, programs, and community resources covering a wide range of needs.
You can find resources related to:
Food assistance
Housing
Parenting
Mental health
Infant care
Childcare
Employment
Education
Family stabilization
Transportation
Community assistance
Family support
KindNest doesn't provide every service listed in our Resource Library. Instead, we help families find organizations and programs that may be able to help with the specific situation they're facing.
You don't have to search the entire internet trying to figure it out alone.
Start with us.
KindNest Resource Library
https://www.kindnestproject.org/visit-resources
And Yes, You Can Reach Out to Us
If you need practical assistance from KindNest, you can also submit a request for support.
Depending on current inventory and family needs, KindNest care packages may include items such as diapers, wipes, baby essentials, children's clothing, hygiene items, and other requested family essentials.
Request Assistance
https://www.kindnestproject.org/application
Because resources and inventory are limited, not every request can be fulfilled in exactly the same way.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't reach out.
Let us understand what you need.
We'll do our best to help you find a place to start.
You Don't Have to Wait Until Things Get Really Bad
This is your reminder:
You don't have to wait until the refrigerator is completely empty.
You don't have to wait until you're facing an eviction.
You don't have to wait until you've been unemployed for months.
You don't have to wait until you're completely burned out.
You don't have to wait until you have everything figured out.
Asking for help early is okay.
Asking questions is okay.
Exploring your options is okay.
Changing directions is okay.
Going back to school is okay.
Starting over is okay.
Saying, "I don't know what to do next" is okay.
KindNest Is Here for You
We mean that.
Whether your family needs practical assistance, you're looking for a community resource, you're trying to figure out your next step, or you simply don't know where to begin...
Reach out.
You may be surprised by how many resources are available to you.
You may discover an organization you didn't know existed.
You may find a program that can help.
You may find an answer to a question you've been carrying for months.
Or you may simply find a starting point.
And sometimes, that's all you need.
One resource.
One phone call.
One conversation.
One person willing to help you find the next step.
Tuesday Reminder
You don't have to have everything figured out before you ask for help.
You don't have to explain your entire life.
You don't have to be embarrassed.
You don't have to apologize.
You are allowed to need help.
And KindNest is here to help you find it.
If you need something, reach out.
We may not have every answer ourselves, but we can help you look for one.