Equipment - Loan Closets

Medical equipment can sometimes be obtained through organizations that maintain and recycle used equipment. The following is a listing of such organizations in Michigan. Remember - you can also check your local "Freebe" ads, the local Salvation Army Store, Recycle Organizations, and churches. Check out the thrift shop link for local listing. Contacting your local United Way might also lead you to other resources. County listings that I have collected are below by County.

Also for specific illness groups, state or local chapters maintain equipment closets (e.g. ALS, Cancer, MS, etc.) Check the website or call the state organization for information.

Fire Departments, City offices and Service Organizations may also list information about medical equipment. Check out the local Center for Independent Living as well.

For specific information on ramps use this link.

The Assistive Technology (AT) Xchange maintains a listing of equipment that people around the state are trying to sell. You can also sign up and list items you are seeking.

Project Freedom is making available free lifting devices to people in Michigan if they have not other coverage source and it will enable a person to remain in their home. (734) 240-2565

Bay County - Disability Resource Center Loan Closet. They also help build ramps. Phone: 989-895-5444

Berrien County Cancer Service - loan closet, medical supplies & home nursing assistance for Cancer patients.

Benzie County

Benzie Community Services Home Health Care

Eaton County - the local Rotary and Lions Clubs (Lions, Lioness and Leo's District 11-C2 ) maintain a Community Medical Equipment Loan Closet. Call the club and ask for details.

Ingham County

Seventh Day Adventists 5400 W. St. Joseph Highway Lansing , MI 48917 Ph: 517) 321-8238

Jackson County

Parma Loan Closet contact them by e-mail.

Kalamazoo and a 5 county area around Kalamazoo: Lending Hands Phone number 269-567-4381 or www.lendinghandsmi.org

e-mail helpinghands@ charter.net

Livingston County - Medical Home Safety Equipment Loan Closet Program

Macomb County

Utica - Trinity Lutheran Church has a small loan closet

Monroe - Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) Information Center 1–734–282–7171 operates a loan closet

Oakland County

Waterford - Maintains a loan closet through the Waterford Senior Center (248) 623-6500 for City residents only

St Clair County - United Way Operates a loan closet

UPPER PENNINSULA COUNTIES - St. Vincent DePaul Societies serve all counties in the UP. The object of the society is to visit the needy in hospitals or in their homes and primarily to provide emergency relief, food, clothing, furniture, and fuel to anyone in need. There are no religious requirements or restrictions. A hospital equipment loan closet is maintained at no charge for use of wheelchairs, beds, commodes, crutches, etc. 226-2311

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church has reopened the Delta County Medical Equipment Loan Closet, which operates within the church at 500 Ogden Avenue in Escanaba.

Washtenaw County - Medical Loan Closet operated by the Emanual Luthern Church in Ypsilanti 734-482-7121

The Salvation Army Store on 1621 State Street sometimes has equipment like commodes, walkers and wheelchairs that are quite inexpensive. I've found them helpful and willing to check when I have called. 332-3474

Wayne County

City of Trenton - The Trenton Recreation Department provides medical equipment, such as crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and commodes on a loan basis to those who are in need. A nominal deposit and proof of residency is all that is required. If you would like further information on the Loan Closet contact the Senior Citizens Office at the Westfield Center at 734-675-0063.

City of Troy - Maintains a loan closet You may borrow wheelchairs, ramps (maximum height 2 steps), walkers, canes, crutches and shower chairs. Call 248-524-3484 for more information.

City of Wayne - Special equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) is available for Wayne residents from the "Loan Closet" at our Fire Department. For information call (734) 722-1111.

City of Westland - Loan Closet for Seniors – contact Senior Services Coordinator 734-727-5872

Wayne County Loan closet - for Wayne County Seniors call Nelda Saenz Senior Services coordinator 734-727-5872