Latest News – Page 67 – Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

When people think of homelessness, they often tend to equate it to large, urban cities with a diverse population. However, that’s not always the case. The Associated Press (AP) recently reported on the steady increase of homelessness among suburbanites and rural residents. Shelters are packed with people affected by foreclosures and a lack of affordable housing. The weak economy and high unemployment rates are impacting families everywhere, especially those who had never before sought government help.

I’ve written about this new face of homelessness often, because it is a phenomenon in this country that most likely will not dissipate any time soon. At the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we are assisting people — and families —we have never seen before. Some are the “working homeless,” who come to us for meals and a warm place to sleep because they can’t afford food and utility payments. It is really a heartbreaking and unfortunate situation. But DRMM helps as much as possible by providing human services to the people who are feeling the pinch of the bad economy.

The AP article cited the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) annual survey that found homelessness rose from 23 percent to 32 percent among rural or suburban residents last year. Hardest hit were families, women, children, Latinos and men seeking help for the first time due to a loss of wages or jobs.

However, the bottom line is it doesn’t matter whether you are a city resident, suburbanite or rural dweller. These are tough times that we are living in, and anyone can find themselves in need of a helping hand.

Haiti Still Needs Help

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

February
10

Recently I wrote about the urgent needs of Haiti’s citizens after a deadly earthquake devastated the impoverished country, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. Today, nearly a month after the quake, a lot still needs to be done to provide shelter, food and medical care for people who saw their homes literally crumble all around them.

The recovery work has been steady and ongoing, but an estimated one million Haitians remain homeless. They’re camped out in makeshift shelters as the debate between the Haitian government and its international aid partners continues over how and where to shelter the quake victims. The Haitian president says at least 200,000 tents are urgently needed; others say a more long-term, cost-effective solution is more desirable. In the meantime, the U.S. and other aid groups are sending Haiti more than 10,000 rolls of durable plastic sheeting that can be used to shelter up to ten people per roll.

As the debate continues, another major concern is looming. Haiti’s rainy season is quickly approaching, which could result in the further destruction of buildings and the spread of serious diseases. The images of families living in makeshift tents, consisting of bed sheets propped on sticks, are absolutely heart-wrenching. The need for temporary, durable shelter is imperative in order to provide some sense of safety and protection. I know that a relief effort of this size is extremely difficult and complicated, but the lives of Haitians must be placed first and foremost.

As a testament to human spirit and resilience, there are glimmers of “normalcy” emerging in Haiti. Adults are selling fruits and vegetables on the street, and children have returned to playing games. There is hope among Haitians. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

Looking Past Homelessness

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

February
2

Isn’t it interesting how some people can leave a lasting impression on so many others? Two recent stories remind me that regardless of a person’s social background or economic standing, it’s the human spirit inside that truly makes a difference.

Guy Myers of Sunnyvale, California was better known as “Guitar Man.” He was homeless, yet he always found a place in his heart to help others. Even more than he helped himself. According to his son, Myers battled an alcohol addiction for several years. He slept in the bushes off a major highway and was a fixture at several Sunnyvale locations where he would strum his guitar and sing for passersby. Tragically, the 58-year-old Myers was fatally struck by a car last month. The community has reacted with an outpouring of support. A shrine was erected outside a 7-Eleven store where Myers often hung out, and he was remembered in several online messages. A retired school employee wrote a poem about Myers called, “Ramblin’ Guitar Man.”

Here in Detroit, regular visitors to our popular Greektown neighborhood — a dining and shopping destination — became very familiar with an elderly woman known as “Greektown Stella.” Stella Paris was believed to be in her mid-90s when she died last month at a Detroit nursing home. For nearly three decades, she lived on the streets of Greektown, frequently screaming in Greek at passersby. The feisty, eccentric woman suffered from schizophrenia. She was loved by family and strangers, but her mental illness often made life difficult. The police allowed Greektown Stella to sleep and wash her clothes at the nearby headquarters and kept a watchful eye on her safety. Despite her quirky and combative personality, Stella was a beloved fixture in Greektown.

Both are examples of individuals who were homeless, but who touched numerous lives. In Myers’ case, he seemed to care more about other people than he cared about himself. He just wanted to make people happy with his music. Stella Paris provided a colorful part of Greektown’s history and will be missed by many. In their own unique ways, they created lasting memories for many.

Haiti’s Homeless

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

January
24

The deadly earthquake that devastated Haiti has left more than one million people homeless. As the people of Haiti try to cope with the massive loss of life, they must also struggle with the fact that so many of them have no where to live. Makeshift homes and refugee camps can be found throughout the capital of Port-Au-Prince. The Haitian government has just announced plans to set up tent cities in order to house more than 400,000 people in a safer, cleaner environment outside Port-Au-Prince. And Habitat for Humanity International is planning to erect thousands of expandable and quake-resistant one-room homes to shelter the homeless.

This natural disaster has created a human services crisis in Haiti, which will linger for months and probably years to come. But for now, the world is coming to Haiti’s aid. Thanks to the incredible generosity of people throughout the world, much needed emergency supplies — food and water — are making its way to Haiti. Health care workers are donating their time to treat the masses of people injured in the quake. Nearly $1 billion in emergency and long term aid has been pledged by foreign nations, including the United States. There has been an outpouring of donations from people around the world.

Here in the U.S., we have recently seen the ranks of the homeless swell under our struggling economy. At the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we have seen people walk in who have lost their homes to foreclosure or who can’t afford to eat. They are among the new faces of the homeless. But the number of newly homeless in Haiti is staggering. Imagine one million people who suddenly have no place to live!

The entire world is focused on helping the people of Haiti and rebuilding that tiny nation as quickly as possible. It warms my heart and makes me proud to witness the kindness and true compassion of the human race.

A Cold Weather Crisis for the Homeless

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

January
15

Much of the United States — and parts of the world — are in the midst of a severe cold snap. Here in Detroit, temperatures have dipped into the single digits, while the East Coast is grappling with major snowstorms. Even parts of India are experiencing unusual near-freezing weather. Normally, winters are short and mild in that region, but the cold temperatures have led to the deaths of at least sixteen homeless people, despite the government’s efforts to provide the poor with blankets and firewood.

In Vancouver, B.C. a controversial new law called the “Assistance to Shelter Act” just went into effect. It gives police the authority to “apprehend” people who are sleeping outside when an emergency weather alert is declared. While officials say the law is designed to prevent cold weather deaths among the homeless, critics contend it’s an effort to rid Vancouver of homeless individuals while it hosts the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Regardless, it’s hard to argue about the impact of extreme weather conditions on the homeless. They are the most vulnerable victims of the bitter cold temperatures. If you live in a cold weather state, you know exactly what I mean. The next time you’re out in the cold, bundled up in layers of clothing and running errands or going to work, try to imagine how it would feel to have no where to go to warm up. No heated house. No warm, dry clothes to change into. No fireplace to sit by. And no hot coffee or tea to warm your insides. It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it?

That’s why winter is perhaps the busiest time at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). We never say “no” to the homeless who come to our door for a respite from the cold and snow. We make room for them and provide a warm place to sleep, dry clothing to wear, and hot food to eat. For the homeless, it’s a matter of life and death. And as a faith-based organization, saving lives is how we serve God.

Making the Holidays Brighter

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

December
31

As President/CEO of the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), it was my pleasure to host our annual holiday party recently for hundreds of disadvantaged children and adults. It made my day to see the smiles on the faces of the kids and to hear the sincere gratitude from the grown-ups.

The holiday gathering gave everyone an opportunity to forget about the struggling economy and to embrace the joy, love and caring of the season. Santa Claus was there to hear the wishes of the children. Needy families received a nutritious, hearty meal. Kids screamed with joy as they opened gifts donated by our generous friends in the community.

For the thousands of children across the country who are homeless or poor, the holidays can be a lonely, unhappy time of the year. They feel sad about not having what other children have. There is no joy in their hearts and no hope for the New Year.

Throughout the year, adults and children come through DRMM’s doors asking for a helping hand. Our staff and volunteers provide them with food, shelter, clothing, education, counseling and spiritual nourishment so that they regain hope for the future. But at this time of the year, it’s even more important to make sure that everyone experiences the magic of the holidays. Especially the children. Every child deserves a Christmas filled with giving and love. That’s what the holidays are all about.