DETROIT – After being denied funding by the Housing and Urban Development, Freedom House in Detroit was facing a challenge to stay open.
Today, HUD reversed the decision and granted Freedom House a full grant for the 2017-18 fiscal year.
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Freedom House is a temporary home for survivors of persecution from around the world who are seeking asylum in the United States and Canada.
Executive Director Deborah Drennan sent this letter out this morning:
Dear Friends--
We have received notice that we have been awarded a full grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the 2017-18 fiscal year. We are awaiting a letter from HUD explaining the reason our application received further review, but we have a signed grant contract in hand. Freedom House’s doors will remain open!
It is difficult for me to express how profoundly grateful we are for the outpouring of support from our community during this crisis. Your donations, fundraisers, and appeals raised $329,943 for our vital services. Just as important, our residents were able to see how loved and cared for they are by our community.
Freedom House has always operated on a lean budget. The funds raised through our campaign will support our core work and our residents’ basic needs--shelter, legal services, and comprehensive social services. We anticipate the need for these services continuing to grow in light of issues both nationally and globally. The funds will also enable us to fill staff positions that remained open during the funding crisis.
While we are thankful to have HUD’s support for another year, this funding is not guaranteed after 2018. We are refining a plan that decreases our reliance on government funds and increases funding from philanthropic and corporate funders as well as individual donors.
We are planning a community celebration so that we can say “thank you” to all of you who have shown such love and generosity to Freedom House and our residents. Please watch your email and our social media for details. We look forward to celebrating with you this tremendous news, our strong and supportive community, and the fact that Freedom House remains a beacon to those who wish to breathe free.