In an emergency, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988. For local resource referrals in Michigan, dial 2-1-1 any time.
Services that do not depend on immigration status
Some help is available to everyone in the community regardless of status. Emergency medical care, K-12 public school enrollment for children, emergency shelter, and food from most pantries and meal programs fall into this group.
Organizations in this network are not immigration enforcement and do not exist to report anyone. You can ask any agency what they record before you answer questions.
Language access
You have the right to interpretation at hospitals, clinics, schools, and any program receiving federal funding — at no cost to you. Ask for an interpreter in your language rather than bringing a child to translate; staff can usually reach a phone interpreter within minutes.
Legal help
Immigration law is specialized, and the wrong advice is expensive. Work with an accredited representative or a licensed immigration attorney, and be cautious with anyone described as a "notario" — in the United States a notary public is not authorized to give legal advice.
Nonprofit legal aid organizations may offer free or low-cost consultations. Bring every document you have received, including envelopes with dates.
Getting settled
Beyond the emergency, the practical steps are usually the same: enroll children in school, establish a health care home, find English classes if you want them, and get connected to job services. Local organizations can often handle several of these in one appointment, and referrals within the network let one agency hand you off to another without you retelling the whole story.
Common questions
- Will using these services affect my immigration case?
- Rules around public benefits and immigration status are complex and change over time. Ask an accredited representative or immigration attorney about your specific case before applying for cash or long-term benefit programs. Emergency care, school, and food pantries are not usually a concern.
- Can my children enroll in school without documents?
- Public schools in the United States must enroll children regardless of immigration status. Schools may ask for proof of residence and immunization records, not immigration papers.
- Is there help in Spanish?
- Several organizations in Kalamazoo County offer Spanish-speaking staff, and interpretation is available by phone at most clinics and schools. Ask when you call.
Kalamazoo Care Network lists organizations that participate in the network. We do not screen, rank, or guarantee any program — always confirm hours and eligibility with the organization directly. Last reviewed 2026-08-19.