Spreading Warmth This December

/ Hinton Real Estate Group/

December in Michigan is beautiful, but it can also be unforgiving. Subzero wind chills, icy roads, and rising energy bills create real challenges for families across our community. At Team Hinton, we’re dedicating this month to one mission:

Spreading Warmth.

Not just through coats and gloves, but through connection, education, housing support, and access to safe spaces for anyone facing the cold.

Home is more than a property. It’s safety, stability, and community — especially in winter.

Michigan’s Winter Reality

Michigan’s winter conditions impact more households than many realize.

Here’s what recent data shows:

  • Michigan sees more than 130 cold-related deaths each year (CDC).

  • One in seven Michigan households struggles to afford heat during peak winter months.

  • Low-income families in Michigan often spend 15%–20% of their income on utilities.

  • Washtenaw County reports more than 4,000 residents experiencing housing instability annually.

  • Tens of thousands of Michigan households receive utility shutoff notices each winter.

These numbers highlight the importance of having safe, warm places for people to turn to.=

Warming Centers in Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County (2024–2025)

Below is a list of local warming centers and shelters offering support during the colder months. Please share these resources with anyone in need in support of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) and the Continuum of Care Winter Sheltering Operations, will provide winter sheltering from November 10th, 2025 through April 14th, 2026, pending weather conditions. 

View the current draft of SAWC Winter Programs Information Sheet for the 2025 - 2026 winter season

Ypsilanti Freighthouse

  • Mon. - Thurs., 8am - 6pm

  • 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti

  • November 10th, 2025 - March 31st, 2026

Zion Lutheran Church

  • Mon. - Fri., 8am - 3pm

  • 1510 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor

  • November 10th, 2025 - November 21st, 2025

Ann Arbor Friend's Meeting

  • Mon. - Fri., 8am - 4pm

  • 1420 Hill St., Ann Arbor

  • November 24th, 2025 - December 5th, 2025

First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor

  • Mon. - Fri., 8am - 4pm

  • 1432 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor

  • December 8th, 2025 - December 19th, 2025

Ann Arbor Day Site

  • Mon. - Fri.

  • TBD

  • December 22nd, 2025 - January 2nd, 2026

St. Mary's Student Parish

  • Mon. - Fri., 8am - 4pm

  • 331 Thompson St., Ann Arbor

  • January 5th, 2026 - January 30th, 2026

First Congregational Church

  • Mon. - Fri., 8:30am - 3pm

  • 608 E. Williams, Ann Arbor

  • February 2nd, 2026 - February 13th, 2026

First Baptist Church

  • Mon. - Fri., 8am - 4pm

  • 517 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor

  • February 16th, 2026 - March 27th, 2026

Delonis Center

  • Fri. - Sat.

  • 312 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor

  • November 10th, 2025 - April 14th, 2026

Tips to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

These simple, effective steps can help keep heat inside your home and reduce energy costs during Michigan’s coldest months.

  • Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows

    • Use weatherstripping, caulk, door sweeps, or window film. Drafts can account for up to 30% of heat loss.

  • Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

    • Set fans to rotate clockwise on low to circulate warm air downward.

  • Replace Furnace Filters Regularly

    • A clean filter improves air flow and keeps your furnace working efficiently. Replace every one to three months.

  • Close Off Unused Rooms

    • Shut doors to rooms you don’t use often to help concentrate heat where it’s needed.

  • Use Curtains to Your Advantage

    • Open curtains during the day to let sunlight in. Close them at night to retain heat.

  • Protect Pipes From Freezing

    • Let faucets drip slightly and open cabinet doors when temperatures dive. Frozen pipes can lead to costly damage.

  • Use Space Heaters Safely

    • Choose units with tip-over protection and keep them three feet away from anything flammable.

  • Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

    • Regular maintenance increases efficiency and can reduce heating costs by up to 15%.

  • Add Rugs to Cold Floors

    • Rugs provide insulation and help retain warmth.

  • Maintain a Consistent Thermostat Setting

    • Constant shifting wastes energy.

      • Best winter range: 68–70°F while home

      • Lower to 62–65°F overnight if comfortable.

Home is more than a place. It’s the feeling of being warm, safe, and supported. That’s what we’re working to share all month long.

How You Can Help Spread Warmth

  • Donate winter clothing or blankets

  • Volunteer at a warming center or shelter

  • Share this list of resources with others

  • Check on elderly neighbors and those living alone

  • Support local nonprofits providing food, shelter, and winter essentials

  • Cover a utility bill for a family in need, if you’re able

Together, We Keep Ypsilanti Warm

Michigan winters don’t play, but our community is stronger.

Team Hinton is proud to stand with Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County this December by supporting families, uplifting resources, and making “home” possible in every sense of the word.

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay connected.