NAMIWalks Michigan 2026 FAQ

NAMIWalks Michigan 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

THE BASICS

Where and when is the Walk?

Join us for NAMIWalks Michigan on Saturday, September 19th at the University of Detroit Mercy. The main event hub, including the Start/Finish Line, will be in front of the Fitness Center at the blue star on the map below. The address is:

4001 W McNichols Rd.

Detroit, MI 48221

On-site registration begins at 8:00 AM. The program will start on the main stage at 9:00 AM. The Walk will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. Vendors and exhibitors will be available from 8:00 AM through the conclusion of the walk. The Walk should end around 12:00 PM.

What is the plan for inclement weather?

The NAMIWalks event will proceed "rain or shine!" It will only be cancelled in the event of severe weather. Check the forecast and prepare accordingly with umbrellas, extra layers of clothing, etc.

PARKING

What are the parking accommodations?

Parking will be in Lot D, with additional parking in Lot B, as highlighted on the map. You can enter campus from the main entrance on W. McNichols Rd. The Livernois Avenue entrance will be open to access Lot B.

Parking is free to all Walk participants!

REGISTRATION

Do I need to register?

Yes! Registration is important and required. We encourage all participants to pre-register online at https://www.namiwalks.org/michigan! It takes just 2-3 minutes! On-site registration is also available beginning at 8 AM on Walk Day.

Once you've registered online, you do not need to check in on walk day unless you've earned a shirt.

Is it too late to register?

No! There is still time to invite your friends and family!

T-SHIRTS

I raised $100 or More....I'm getting a NAMIWalks T-Shirt, right?

Yes! If you have $100 raised ONLINE by Thursday, September 17th at 4:00 PM, you'll be on our list to get a shirt. Shirts are available in Youth Large and adult sizes Small-3XL. Shirts will be handed out first-come, first-serve to eligible participants. If you earned a NAMIWalks shirt, PLEASE be sure to pick it up from the Registration table before the end of the event. If we do not have your size available, your T-Shirt will either be delivered to your local affiliate or mailed to your home. You MUST be a registered participant with $100+ raised to receive a shirt.

I won't have $100 raised by September 17th at 4:00 PM, but I will have raised $100 by Walk Day. Do I get a NAMIWalks T-Shirt?

Yes! If you donated online after the deadline or on Walk Day to meet or exceed $100, let someone inside the registration tent know that your total fundraising meets the $100 shirt minimum, and they will help you. If shirts run out of supply on walk day, your T-Shirt will either be delivered to your local affiliate or mailed to your home.

FUN STUFF & WHAT TO BRING

What types of activities are available at the Walk?

We'll have family-friendly music and a DJ, free mental health information & resources, and other activities from our vendors! Visit our 20+ exhibitor tables set up by organizations from across the state!

Should I bring food?

Yes, if you choose! NAMI Michigan will provide snack bars, fruit, coffee, and bottled water for free at the event! If you are choosing to bring your own snack, please keep it peanut-free for the safety of all walkers!

Can I bring my pets?

Registered service dogs ONLY. For the safety of your pet and other walkers, please make arrangements for someone to care for your pets while you join us for NAMIWalks.

Anything Else I Should Bring?

Keep an eye on the forecast for September 19th, and pack appropriately for the weather. You may also wish to bring lawn chairs if you will need to sit down during the event, as the seating on-campus will be limited.

How long is the walk route?

The full walk route is 5 km., or approx. 3 miles. We encourage you to participate at your comfort level, however! You do not need to complete the full walk route. NAMIWalks is an awareness event, not a race!

DONATIONS

Can I donate at the Walk?

YES! Bring your cash or check donations to the registration table, or donate online! Donations will continue to be collected until November 20th, 2026.

NAMIWalks is designed to be an informative, fun day for all, but reaching our fundraising goal is equally important, as it allows us to keep our services available for free in Michigan.

How can I donate?

You have a few different options, any of which are welcome!

• Debit/Credit/PayPal: Online at https://www.namiwalks.org/michigan

• Cash & Check: Cash and checks made out to NAMI Michigan can be collected at the registration table or sent to:

NAMI Michigan

401 S. Washington, Suite #104

Lansing, MI 48933

Note: If you want the donations to go to an individual or team OTHER THAN YOURSELF, please include it in the subject/memo line of your donation.