Helping Our Community
COVID-19 Resources
Pontiac Community Foundation, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the residents of Pontiac during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
This website is intended to serve as a centralized information hub for COVID-19 related activity within the city of Pontiac and includes information about vaccines, testing, transportation, mental health resources, food assistance, and general guidance about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Pontiac Community Foundation is proud to partner with E-Community Outreach Services to provide Community Resource Navigator Services to those who need assistance scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments, finding a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in their area, or transportation resources to and from a COVID-19 vaccine appointment and/or clinic. Those interested in speaking with COVID-19 Resource Navigator Sharon Brooks are encouraged to fill out this REQUEST FORM, but may also reach Sharon at [email protected] or (248) 622-4062.
Pontiac Community Foundation Resident Survey: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Pontiac Community Foundation seeks input from residents about how to best serve the needs of the community. Residents are invited to complete a survey about the impact of COVID-19 and the barriers they might be facing as a result of the pandemic HERE. This survey is completely anonymous and is meant to serve as a resource to better serve the community.
General Information and Resources:
Center for Disease Control (CDC) – COVID-19
State of Michigan COVID-19 Resources
Oakland County COVID-19 Vaccine Hub
Eligibility for Vaccinations:
Everyone 6 months of age and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Everyone ages 5 and older can also receive a booster shot.
Please visit the Oakland County COVID-19 Vaccine Hub for detailed eligibility information.
Rules and Guidelines for Quarantine and Isolation: Oakland County is providing up-to-date information on Federal and State recommendations regarding quarantine and isolation.
Visit Oakland County’s website for the most up-to-date information:
Self Quarantine and Isolation
Caring for Others in Self-Isolation or Quarantine
COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone ages 6 months and older and booster shots are now available for all those 5 years and older, if eligible. Many pharmacies, health care providers, and community organizations throughout Pontiac have COVID-19 vaccines and welcome patients either by appointment or via walk-in. Below are several places within the Pontiac community to choose from.
Oakland County:
Oakland County offers Community Clinics with both appointment and walk-in flexible options.
Visit Oakland County Vaccination Providers to make your appointment through the online portal at any of the community clinics below. See what you need to come prepared.
Honor Community Health:
Call Honor Community Health at (248) 724-7600 to schedule an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccine. All Honor Community Health locations currently provide vaccines and walk-in hours are available. For more information, please visit Honor Community Health’s website.
Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic:
The Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic (GBCHC) is partnering with Oakland County to offer FREE COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots to anyone who needs them.
Vaccines do not cost anything regardless of your insurance or immigration status. Anyone age 5 and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.
Please call (248) 309-3752 to make an appointment to get your free COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot and visit the Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic website for additional information.
GBCHC is also hosting Free Friday Vaccination Clinics every Friday at the hours and location listed below. Appointments are required. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a Free Friday Vaccination date or another day, please call their office at (248) 309-3752.
Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic
45580 Woodward Ave
Pontiac, MI 48341
Free Friday Vaccination Clinic Hours
Fridays: 9am – 1pm
For more information, please visit: https://garyburnsteinclinic.org/covid19/
Other COVID-19 Vaccine Locations:
Meijer Clinic
Walmart Shots & Immunizations
Kroger – COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling
CVS
COVID-19 testing is important to help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community. There are several different options for obtaining a COVID-19 test in Pontiac, and the Federal Government is now mailing COVID-19 at-home testing kits to everyone, free of charge. Always be sure to discuss the results of your COVID-19 test with your healthcare provider.
Most forms of insurance will cover or reimburse for COVID-19 testing costs. Please verify with your insurance provider before booking a test. If you do not have insurance, there are options through the Oakland County Health Division.
Federal Government – At Home Kits:
The federal government is now providing free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests to everyone via mail.
You can request 8 free at-home COVID-19 tests online or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
**UPDATE: Ordering through the free at-home test program was suspended on Friday, September 2 because Congress hasn’t provided additional funding to replenish the nation’s stockpile of tests. This will be updated if additional funding and tests are provided through this option.
Access COVID Tests – FREE At-Home Kits:
FREE COVID-19 at-home tests for households in zip codes 48340, 48341 and 48342.
If your zip code is eligible, you can request free at-home tests online at https://accesscovidtests.org!
Households will receive one kit each month containing five tests throughout the month of August. Those without internet access can call 211 for help ordering tests.
SOLV + Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:
If you need an immediate COVID test, you can find a test location using the SOLV Health test finder.
Oakland County Health Division:
Oakland County offers same-day drive-up and schedule-ahead appointments through their partnership with Orchard Laboratories.
If you do not have insurance, Oakland County will cover your testing costs. Simply select “skip uploading photos” when you are prompted to add insurance via the online portal.
To schedule an appointment by phone, call 1-800-848-5533 and follow the prompts. You will be given the next available appointment time.
To schedule an appointment online, please visit: Oakland County COVID 19 Testing
The Pontiac Fire Station located at 348 South Blvd West is one of the participating locations. COVID testing appointments are available at this location on Wednesdays between 9 am – 4:30 pm.
Honor Community Health:
Honor Community Health has COVID-19 testing available to all patients and community members. COVID-19 testing is available through rapid (immediate results) or PCR testing. PCR testing may take up to three days to receive results but is the most accurate form of testing currently available.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, please contact Honor Community Health to schedule a test at (248) 724-7600. Visit Honor Community Health’s website for additional information about COVID-19 testing options.
Local Pharmacies:
Pharmacies are also offering COVID-19 testing at the following locations:
Please verify with your insurance provider before booking a test.
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland:
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland hospital now offers screening centers at multiple locations across southeast Michigan, providing a safe and convenient way to get screened and tested for a COVID-19 illness.
Patients interested in being tested at St. Joe’s Oakland need a physician referral. If patients visiting the Emergency Department meet the CDC and State of Michigan testing criteria, swab testing is available on-site to diagnose a COVID-19 illness. COVID-19 test results will be available within 24-72 hours.
Please visit St. Joseph’s Mercy Oakland website for additional information.
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Transportation does not need to be a barrier to receiving your COVID vaccine or test.
SMART Transportation Options
SMART Flex offers on-demand service at low-cost rates. Download the app to request your ride. For additional information about the SMART Flex program, including an FAQ, visit the SMART bus website.
Pontiac Community Foundation Transportation Reimbursement Program
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Pontiac Community Foundation seeks to eliminate the barrier of transportation in order to increase overall accessibility to the COVID-19 vaccine. As such, the Pontiac Community Foundation is implementing the Transportation Reimbursement Program for individuals who drive their neighbors and other community members within the Pontiac community to receive their COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster shot(s).
Guidelines:
Participants must drive a Pontiac resident to receive their COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot.
Participants may drive residents to any local vaccine site. Participants may find a vaccine site near them using https://www.vaccines.gov/ or at our Pontiac-based website at www.PontiacCOVID19.org.
Participants may receive a maximum of 4 (four) reimbursements for driving up to 4 individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
Participants must then complete the Pontiac Community Foundation Transportation Reimbursement Program form for each person they drive to a vaccine location, which includes filling out basic contact information, completing a brief survey, and uploading proof of either a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment or vaccination walk-in, either via receipt or screenshot. The Transportation Reimbursement Form is available HERE.
Uploading a copy of participants’ COVID-19 vaccine card is not required.
Participants will receive a code via email to redeem for a $25 Visa Gift Card. If preferred, participants can also opt to receive a physical gift card via mail.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our lives. It can be a challenging, stressful, and uncertain time for individuals and families. Below are some resources to help during this time.
General Resources:
Oakland County Mental Health Resources
State of Michigan-Mental Health Resources
Stress & Coping-CDC Mental Health Resources
Mental Health America-Mental Health and COVID-19 Information and Resources
Resources in Pontiac:
Honor Community Health offers a comprehensive suite of resources from telehealth to referral to services for the community. To make an appointment for mental or behavioral health services in Oakland County, please call (248) 724-7600 or visit their website.
Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic
Oakland Community Health Network
Pantry Net is powered by Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. This information is updated often, but please confirm with the food pantry by calling ahead first. Some locations may require an appointment or pre-registration or will provide you with additional instructions for receiving food. Click on the link and enter your zip code to see a list of food pantry locations near you.
Additional Food Resources can be found here:
Healthy Pontiac, We Can! Pontiac Food Resources List
Oakland County COVID-19 Food Resources
Below are some food distribution centers in and near the Pontiac area:
Believers Community Outreach Center @ Word Believers CC
156 University Drive Pontiac, MI 48342
248-705-1658
https://believerscoc.org
Appointment Required
Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm
Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan - La Casa Amiga
76 Williams St. Pontiac, MI 48341
248-338-4250, ext. 3700
https://ccsem.org/hispanic-outreach-2/
Appointment Required
Hours: Wednesdays 10:00am - 2:00pm
Centro Multicultural La Familia
35 W Huron St. Pontiac, MI 48342
248-858-7800
https://www.centromulticultural.org
Appointment Required
Hours: Fridays 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Door of Faith Christian Church
511 S. Sanford St. Pontiac, MI 48341
248-335-4656
Appointment Required
Hours: Thursdays 11:00am - 12:00pm
Dream Center of Michigan
830 Auburn Avenue Pontiac, MI 48342
248-221-5747
https://dcofmi.org
Hours: Fridays 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Eastside Church of Christ
149 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Pontiac, MI 48341
248-701-3848
Hours: 3rd Saturday of month, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Five Points Community Church House of Jacob
3411 E. Walton Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-909-9051
Appointment Required
Hours: 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 9:00am - 10:30am
Franklin Road Church of Christ
1400 Franklin Road Pontiac, MI 48341
248-895-4031
Hours: 3rd Thursday of the month, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Good Samaritan Lutheran Church
517 W. Walton Blvd. Pontiac, MI 48340
248-787-0127
Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 8:00am - 10:00am
Lakecrest Baptist Church
35 Airport Rd. Waterford, MI 48327
248-681-3214
Appointment Required
Hours: Saturdays 10:30am - 12:30pm
Liberty General Baptist
3545 Joslyn Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-568-6530
http://libertygeneralbaptistchurch.org/index.php/food-pantry/
Hours: Wednesdays 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Lighthouse Pontiac
46156 Woodward Ave. Pontiac, MI 48343
248-920-6100
http://www.lighthousemi.org
Appointment Required
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:30am - 3:00pm
Matchan Nutrition Center
46408 Woodward Ave. Pontiac, MI 48342
248-496-4292
https://www.facebook.com/Matchan-Nutrition-Center-1448434572139693
Hours: Tuesdays:: 11:30am - 1:00pm & Thursdays 11:30am - 1:00pm
New Hope Christian Fellowship
6020 Pontiac Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48327
(248)886-1500
Hours: 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays 11:00am - 2:00pm
New Springfield Missionary Baptist Church of Pontiac
124 Prospect Pontiac, MI 48341
248-332-8242
http://www.facebook.com/newspringfieldmbc
Hours: 3rd Saturday of the Month 9:00am - 12:00pm
Oakland County Farmers Market
2350 Pontiac Lake Road Waterford, MI 48238
248-858-5495
https://www.oakgov.com/parks/parksandtrails/farmers-market/Pages/default.aspx
Hours: February - June – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays – 9am - 11am
Oakland Hope
20 E Walton Blvd Pontiac, MI 48340
248-309-3658
https://oaklandhope.org
Hours: Thursdays 2:30pm - 6:30pm and Saturdays 11:30 am - 3:30 pm
Open Arms Food Pantry
451 W. Kennett Rd. Pontiac, MI 48340
248-496-4662
Hours: Thursdays 9:30am - 12:15pm
Open Door Outreach Center
7170 Cooley Lake Road Waterford, MI 48327
248-360-2930
https://opendooroutreachcenter.com/food-pantry
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:00am - 4:00pm
QTMC
526 1/2 North Perry Pontiac, MI 48342
248-318-0586
Hours: Thursdays 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Rochester Area Neighborhood House
1315 North Pine Street Rochester, MI 48307
248-656-4904
https://www.ranh.org/food-pantry
Appointment Required
Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Salvation Army Pontiac
469 S Martin Luther King Blvd. Pontiac, MI 48342
248-334-2407
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/pontiac/
Appointment Required
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
St. Stephens Baptist Church
69 S. Astor St. Pontiac, MI 48342
248-335-5873
Appointment Required
Hours: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9:00am - 5:00pm
Yapo Computer Learning Center, Inc.
26 Leanee Ln. Pontiac, MI 48340
(248)338-7799
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Double Up Food Bucks Michigan:
Many farmers markets and other retail locations throughout Michigan offer matching dollars to individuals that spend their federal nutrition benefits on fruits and vegetables at participating locations. Visit the Double Up Food Bucks Michigan website for an updated list of participating locations.
Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA):
OLHSA offers a wide variety of services to Oakland and Livingston County residents, including assistance applying for state benefits, such as SNAP and WIC. For a complete list of available services, visit their website here.
For additional information about OLHSA’s health food services, click here. You may also make an appointment with OLHSA on their website or by calling (248) 209-2600 or emailing: [email protected].
