HOMELESSNESS

Staff from U-M's ER department donated personal hygiene kits this week to local homeless shelters.

The City of Detroit has broken ground on the second and final phase of the city’s first Healthy Housing Center (DHHC) that will offer shelter and other services to people experiencing homelessness.

The 10 a.m. rally, at 310 S. Division St., will include speakers and a two-mile walk around downtown Ann Arbor ending with refreshments at the shelter association’s Delonis Center Building.

This winter the TCF Center will be used to help the homeless community in Detroit.

The Delonis Center has received much-needed funding to continue serving homeless individuals in Washtenaw County.

The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit is launching its annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.

Place an order for a delicious food truck dinner to support IHN at Alpha House.

Learn how the Breakfast at St. Andrew's has continued service every day during the pandemic.

The issue of homelessness appears straightforward on the surface, but it is actually a complex issue that affects families and children everywhere.

Los Angeles Sparks center Amanda Zahui B. has been given the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award recipient for her participation in health and wellness programming, contributions to the LGBTQ+ community along with numerous other causes she is passionate about.

Through the program, medically fragile community members experiencing homelessness can have recuperative care at a local hotel in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19.

United Ways of Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan grant $20,000 for technology for homeless youth.

The nonprofit, iCare Fighting Hunger Foundation, has been in existence since 2019 but its founder Johnnie Townsend has been feeding the homeless in the Detroit community for nearly 10 years.

The homeless are one of the most vulnerable populations during the COVID pandemic.

READ: Former homeless woman hands out phone charger kits to those in need in Ann ArborAside from not having a safe place to stay, another problem was created. Many homeless people do keep a cell phone, that is how they can stay connected to services offering help. A formerly homeless woman in Ann Arbor found a solution but is asking for help. Ariah Schgat, 28, said when she was homeless her phone was her lifeline to doctors, shelter services and more. READ: Michigan nonprofit aims to help homeless, dismiss stereotypes“It’s very nerve-wracking because every percent going down is another chance you could miss the call that could get you off the streets,” she said.

Ariah Schugat recently came to the Ann Arbor area and experienced these challenges. With restaurants, cafes and the Ann Arbor District Libraries closed, the pack helped keep her phone charged and, in turn, connected with those who could help. When asked why she started the project, Schugat said she wanted to spread kindness, since it is ultimately what got her off the streets. “The need is far greater than just the phone kits. Every time they come out (of jail), they’re two steps further back.”With plans to expand the project, Schugat said more funding is needed.

It’s hard to furnish just one apartment but groups from around Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County have furnished over 25 in Avalon Housing’s new Hickory Way Apartments. By the end of the first phase of Hickory Way move-ins, community members will have filled 34 units. An additional 36 units will be available for Avalon Housing clients sometime in the summer, seven of which still need sponsors. (Heidi Ruud / HouseN2Home)Teams of volunteers and sponsors worked to collect items and set up over 25 apartments at Hickory Way in January. (Heidi Ruud / HouseN2Home)

DETROIT – A charter school in southwest Detroit is getting some national attention after being named a semi-finalist in the $2 million Samsung Solve For Tomorrow STEM competition. The Hope of Detroit Academy is the only school in Michigan to make it to the semi-finals and will receive $15,000. READ: Metro Detroit students serve others to honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. That can do a lot for our school,” Langwald said. Seven of the schools will receive $65,000, and the final three schools will receive the grand prize of $130,000.

Several Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea locations around Ann Arbor are hosting a collective food drive to help combat the hunger many homeless veterans face. Drop off donations at these Ann Arbor locations:Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Kerrytown: 407 N. 5th Ave.Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Meijer: 3145 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Plymouth Green: 3393 Plymouth Rd. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - UM Liberty: 604 E. Liberty St.Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - UM Union: 530 S. State St., Room 1300Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Washington Street: 123 W. Washington St.Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Westgate: 2503 Jackson AveThe Canton Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea location is also accepting VA donations. Starting today until 12/23, drop off donated items to Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Plymouth Green to support the VA Ann... Posted by Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Plymouth Green on Monday, December 14, 2020Related:

But counties say that with some federal relief funding expiring soon or its status uncertain, it's time to transition residents from expensive hotel rooms to cheaper, more stable housing. California is one of several states, including Washington, that turned to hotels to shelter homeless people as the virus took hold. The department has said it plans to move homeless people out of all 29 hotels by June. Russ Heimerich, spokesman with the state's Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, says counties have resources to continue housing homeless people in hotels. They say hotel residents have flourished with regular checkups and meals.

The stereotypes claim they’re lazy people who don’t want to work and they’re living on the street because they choose to. Gail Marlow runs Motor City Mitten Mission. Motor City Mitten Mission will culminate this week of awareness on Saturday night with a Virtual Campout for Compassion. If you’d like to know more or to donate to the Motor City Mitten Mission, visit the official website here. We continue to have medical clinics and medical care available to the folks that are experiencing homelessness,” said McCabe.

ANN ARBOR – Officers in the Ann Arbor Police Department have developed a mobile arraignment program in response to community need during the ongoing health crisis. With many courts operating virtually due to the pandemic, settling court cases has been difficult for those without tech access -- until now. Those without tech access - and the homeless - have been unable to clear up court cases. pic.twitter.com/wCK4jkbV0k — Ann Arbor Police (@A2Police) November 9, 2020✉ Like what you’re reading? The Ann Arbor Police Department regularly posts updates on its Twitter and Facebook accounts.

ANN ARBOR – Since the coronavirus broke out in Michigan, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County has served more than 600 homeless individuals, providing temporary shelter, case management and housing. For the first time ever, the Shelter Association is hosting the Hustle for Housing virtual 5K. “You can join us in this event by walking, running, pushing a stroller, walking a dog, rollerblading, skateboarding, hiking, or you can be creative,” read a news release. “The goal is to have fun and help us continue to end homelessness one person at a time.”✉ Like what you’re reading? The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and participants are encouraged to sign up in teams to enjoy a socially distant outdoor 5K.

The county’s main warming shelter, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County’s Delonis Center, has cut its normal capacity in order to allow for proper social distancing. The Shelter Association also confirmed this week the receipt of additional funding that will facilitate hotel stays for medically fragile clients. This helped the shelter prioritize housing placements for its clients at the Red Roof Inn, according to Dill. Starting Monday, 25 clients staying at Red Roof Inn will be moved to other shelter accommodations. In a Facebook post on Friday, the group criticized the move to switch to warming center programming, citing the county’s approval to redevelop the Red Roof Inn site.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) is asking the public to help meet growing demands on the association and its services. But, the organization’s ability to offer its Winter Shelter Programs to those experiencing homelessness is “at risk" due to a lack of funding and shelter space, according to a release. It is looking for locations around Washtenaw County that can act as safe and socially distanced sheltering spaces. has been helped by the Washtenaw County government, the City of Ann Arbor, community individuals, businesses, local advocates and local congregations. Learn more about Shelter Association of Washtenaw County at www.annarborshelter.org/

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ann Arbors Avalon Housing has partnered with two organizations to furnish 70 units of affordable housing at Hickory Way Apartments. Working with Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundations Kiwanis Thrift Sale and HouseN2Home, a Ypsilanti-based nonprofit organization, Avalon Housing is trying to furnish each unit for future tenants. Tenants are exiting homelessness and will begin leases and move into Hickory Way units in December, according to a news release. Starting Sept. 15, those wishing to help can take gently used and clean furniture to the Kiwanis Thrift Sale store on North Staebler Road. Avalon Housing is not taking applications for the Hickory Way units.

DETROIT A Detroit woman is asking for help, but not for herself, she wants to continue to help others. Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), Louise Fincher isnt able to make monthly deliveries to Detroits homeless population. On the day Local 4 traveled with her, as she made her rounds to streets in front of Detroit churches and homeless gathering spots. READ: Meet woman behind bus providing food and comfort to needy on Detroits streets for 30 yearsNow, when you travel her usual route, the first thing you notice is that her people are mostly gone. If if she can find the people she usually serves, her bus is in its last few miles.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. A poll commissioned by the Partners of Affording Housing, a coalition of nonprofit organizations and citizens, suggests that voters in Ann Arbor would support a proposed millage to fund more affordable housing. In its release, Partners for Affordable Housing pointed to a decline in affordable housing around Washtenaw County as private developers have converted properties away from affordable housing. Ann Arbor City Council members Chip Smith and Elizabeth Nelson plan to present a resolution to the Ann Arbor City Council for a November 2020 ballot proposal seeking voter approval for the millage. The poll was funded by a grant given by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation to the Washtenaw Housing Alliance. Partners of Affordable Housing is a coalition of individuals and nonprofit organizations interested in a millage to support affordable housing so as to help the city achieve affordable housing goals.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Not sure how to help out individuals experiencing homelessness during the pandemic? These Ann Arbor organizations, communities, shelters and houses of hospitality could use your support. Here is a list of organizations around Ann Arbor helping those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Temporary locations include The Red Roof Inn, Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church, First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor and Calvary United Methodist Church. Read: Volunteers help Hope Clinic provide additional groceries, services to community membersFaith-based organizationsAround Ann Arbor, faith-based organizations have been collecting funds, giftcards, food, items and other forms of support for those experiencing homelessness.

No rules, no conditions, just a place to live through Housing First, a unique program aimed at helping the chronically homeless find permanent housing with no strings attached. "The shelter system is dangerous and unreliable...people need permanent housing that is not contingent on meeting certain milestones," says Executive Director of the Downtown Emergency Services Center in Seattle (DESC), Daniel Malone. "People deserve time and investment, they deserve something as simple as permanent housing so they can start living." The program has also been shown to have economic incentives for municipalities, proposing that permanent housing for the chronic homeless is more cost effective than paying for their hospital visits, jail time or array of expensive services. "That's just not how it works: people deserve time and investment, they deserve something as simple as permanent housing so they can start living."

This is part of a special report by The Monroe News on the issue of homelessness in Monroe County. About 470 of those M-V students were enrolled in the countys public school districts: Airport Community Schools, Bedford Public Schools, Dundee Community Schools, Ida Public Schools, Jefferson Schools, Mason Consolidated Schools, Monroe Public Schools, Summerfield Schools and Whiteford Agricultural Schools. While that, unfortunately, may be true for some students, he added, its not the norm in terms of homelessness in public schools. Finally, fixed housing asks whether a students living situation is going to be taken away. RESTORATIVE PRACTICESProviding students seasonal clothing and two meals a day, unfortunately, is only part of the equation in terms of supporting FIT students, Krause said.

In the last two years, President Trump has issued two executive orders dealing with veteran suicide and supporting legislation has been introduced in Congress. These tools could be instrumental to reducing veteran suicide rates. These efforts include a community grant program, which is in line with the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide 2018-2028. It is imperative that legislation outlines transparency and accountability measures, and prioritizes proven approaches to preventing suicide among veterans. Typically, this happens within the health care setting through self-report assessments.

After experiencing homelessness, Robert McMurtry is asked a simple, yet surprising question: Do you want an apartment? Watch Anderson Cooper's report "100,000 Homes" and learn why housing the chronically homeless could save taxpayer dollars.