Lansing City Hall feeds homeless and asks citizens for help as winter hits early 

Thursday, Nov. 14 — The city of Lansing is pulling together some help for our most vulnerable neighbors, handing out many of the bare necessities for homeless people and those living at the margins as winter hits early. 

A coalition of area government agencies, businesses and nonprofits will be handing out lunch at City Hall on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Capital Area Transportation Authority will be handing out free bus cards for the needy while the Ingham County Health Department will offer free flu vaccinations.  

People can also get warm hats, gloves and personal items to help them in their time of need. 

Meanwhile, the mayor’s winter hat and gloves drive also kicked off on Tuesday, just in the nick of time as an unusually early winter storm dumped five inches of snow on Michigan’s capital on Veteran’s Day. 

“Winter can be challenging for many,” Mayor Schor said. “I am asking folks throughout Lansing and the region to help those in need by donating new and gently used hats and gloves before the colder weather hits.” 

After Monday’s storm, temperatures plunged to near record lows for a few days. High temperatures are expected to go back above freezing on Friday but are forecasted to remain several degrees below average for the next week.  

Donations of hats and gloves at the Parks and Recreation Department at Foster Community Center started coming in almost immediately from concerned citizens, with about 20 hats and gloves for children and adults donated in about 24 hours.  

The city is also accepting donations at the Gier, Letts and Schmidt community centers as well as the treasurer’s office at City Hall. People who donate will be entered into a raffle for Lansing Lugnuts tickets next season. 

“We are not sure what to expect; however, we are grateful for all donations we receive,” said Valerie Marchand, the mayor’s press secretary. “We will be distributing them at the upcoming school district event at Willow Elementary annual Community Feast for those in need.” 

Drop-off Locations (Drop-offs accepted until Nov. 25): 

• Foster Community Center - 200 N. Foster Avenue, Lansing; M-F 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Gier Community Center - 2400 Hall Street, Lansing; M-F 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Letts Community Center - 1220 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing; M-F 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Schmidt Community Center - 5825 Wise Road, Lansing; M-F 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• City Hall Treasurer's Office – 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing; M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.