U of M Football Star Blake Corum Hosts Toy Distribution at DRMM Shelters

Posted in: In the News, Latest News

January
2

On Saturday, December 23rd,  University of Michigan star running back Blake Corum brought Christmas joy to our family shelters, inspiring optimism and hope.

He delivered toys to our Genesis House II and III for women and families, and also our 440 refugee shelter.

He toured each location, learned about DRMM programs, took pictures, signed footballs, served dinner, and interacted with everyone!

We are so thankful to Blake, his coaching staff, family and friends who spent their day giving back to our clients in this way.

GO BLUE!

 

 

A Symphony of Hearts: Blessing 2000 Families with Unconditional Love

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

December
19

In the symphony of life, where each day brings its own rhythm and melody, there exists an emotion so profound, so deeply touching, that it dances across the soul, leaving a trail of unforgettable joy. This emotion is the essence of giving— a symphony of love, hope, and joy, resonating in the lives of those who need it most. Let me take you on a journey to a recent, unforgettable Saturday when within the warm embrace of the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, we experienced this emotion in its most pristine and touching form.

Picture this heartfelt scene: a gathering of over 2000 families, with the innocent eyes of more than 8000 children, all united under a canopy of compassion and kindness. These children, embodiments of innocence and purity, found themselves in a world of challenges they never chose. Yet, they are deserving of all the world’s treasures, just like any other child, and therein lies the true miracle of giving.

Our mission was heartfelt yet monumental: to envelop every child and their families in the true spirit of Christmas joy. With the generosity of our amazing donors, who embraced these families with open hearts, we transformed wishes into tangible expressions of love and care. Each present, each item on their wish list, was a token of dreams becoming reality.

The day was a vibrant tapestry of community and empathy, as volunteers from diverse backgrounds joined hearts. They filled our space with warmth, turning it into a haven of festivity and affection. The halls rang with laughter, with the rhythms of dance and song, celebrating the enchantment of the season.

Our Christmas celebration was nothing short of magical. Delectable food, uplifting music, creative arts and crafts, and heartwarming moments with Mrs. and Santa Claus created an atmosphere of pure bliss. The immense support from our donors, influential individuals, and countless volunteers was awe-inspiring, a testament to the boundless nature of kindness.

Reflecting on this wondrous day fills us with immense pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of mission. The 2000 families we reached are more than mere numbers; they are a vivid reminder of the profound need in our community and the ongoing work that beckons us.

We extend our deepest thanks to every donor, friend, staff member, and volunteer. Your boundless generosity and commitment have profoundly touched lives, creating ripples of impact that will echo into the future.

Our hope burns brighter than ever, and we are determined to do even more in the coming years. As we look ahead to the future, we envision a world where every child experiences the joy of Christmas, where love and compassion reign supreme. Together, we can make that vision a reality.

With renewed hope and determination, we look towards a future where every child basks in the joy of Christmas, in a world where love and compassion reign. United, we can bring this vision to life.

The most precious gift we received that day was the immeasurable fulfillment that comes from selfless giving. It’s a feeling beyond material worth, a reminder of the limitless beauty of the human spirit. In giving, we discover our true calling, and in the smiles of those we’ve touched, our greatest joy.

Let this be our collective inspiration: the joy of giving, a gift that perpetually gives, a treasure worth sharing with the entire world. As we continue to spread love, hope, and joy, we not only transform the lives of others but also enrich our own souls immeasurably.

Chad Audi President and CEO Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

DRMM is a 114-year-old organization that gives much needed hope and help to the homeless, jobless, drug-addicted and afflicted of southeast Michigan. For more information, please visit https://drmm.org or call 313-993-4700.

Detroit Rescue Mission Offers Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness During The Holidays

Posted in: In the News, Latest News

December
12

The holidays are a lonely time for the homeless and disadvantaged, a population that’s increased across Michigan over the last few years for myriad reasons. Many are alone with no family and friends, they don’t have a warm house to call their own, and they may not know where their next meal is coming from. Between 2021-2022, Michigan’s homelessness rate grew by 8% across the state. In Southeast Michigan — Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties — homelessness grew by 31%. Data for 2023 has not been released yet as of this report. 

Host Stephen Henderson talks with the CEOs of two Detroit nonprofits about the current state of homelessness and poverty in Detroit and how their organizations are working to provide help and hope for the less fortunate during the holidays and beyond. Dr. Chad Audi, president and CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), and Linda Little, president & CEO of Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), share information on the growing number of individuals and families who are homeless as a direct result of the COVID pandemic, evictions, job loss, and inflation.

They discuss the programs offered to the homeless and disadvantaged by their respective organizations and the need for more affordable housing to alleviate the homeless crisis. They also talk about food insecurity, the difference between panhandlers and the homeless, and how people can help these two nonprofits help others.

GARY’S STORY OF RECOVERY AND RENEWED FAITH

Posted in: Newsletters, Stories

December
6

“THE FIRST TIME I WAS JUST CLEAN… THIS TIME I’M RECOVERED” — GARY

For 14 years, Gary had been clean from his addiction to alcohol and cocaine. Then, while celebrating at his wife’s cancer-free party, he had one drink which started a domino effect. About a year after, he had fully relapsed.

As things got progressively worse, his wife told him he had to leave. By this point, his whole family had distanced themselves from him. For eight months he was without a home, staying on couches and in guest rooms of friends. He finally began to rebuild his foundation when he entered the G.A.T.H.E.R House.

“The G.A.T.H.E.R House really made me think about where I was in my life at that time. It helped me build my structure back up,” he says.

With the help of our program and God’s grace, Gary was able to reconnect with his wife, three kids, and grandchild. That Christmas, they reunited to celebrate together as a family. Gary says this was when he “started feeling good about myself again.”

Your unconditional support shows guests like Gary that there are people who believe in them. With your help, our G.A.T.H.E.R House and other programs have helped changed lives and restored the faith of those who are hurting.

Today, Gary has found a home for his family, and works as an administrator at a children’s hospital. He sticks to his routine every morning that he found at the Mission, reading his Bible and praying. “The first time I was just clean those 14 years… This time I’m recovered. It’s a big difference,” he reflects.

Gary is on a new chapter with restored faith and strength. Please, take a moment this holiday season and consider giving someone like Gary the gift of a new beginning. Every new foundation starts with a hot meal and care.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Named 2023 Neighborhood Builder by Bank of America

Posted in: In the News, Latest News

November
20

Lansing to open overnight family warming center

Posted in: In the News, Latest News

November
15

Mike Ellis
Lansing State Journal

LANSING — The city is opening a new overnight family warming center this winter.

Nov. 27 is the anticipated opening date for the Letts Family Warming Center, 1220 W. Kalamazoo St. Hours will be 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., seven days a week.

The center will remain open through April 30 and promises to be the first of its kind for Lansing families, according to the city’s Friday statement announcing the opening.

There is a gap between the number of unsheltered families and the number of shelters, said Kimberly Coleman, director of Human Relations and Community Services Department, in an email.

“It is our hope to fill that gap by providing a safety net for these families,” she said.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries will operate and manage the nighttime warming center, which will be funded through an $800,000 allocation in the state budget for the city to establish such a shelter, according to the city.

The organization won a bid for proposals and operates several shelters, warming centers and facilities in Michigan.

“Keeping families together and sheltered during the cold winter months has to be a priority for Lansing,” said Coleman in the city’s statement. “We have had conversations with the school district and know that there is an incredible need out there right now.

“Our intent is to use the lessons learned this year to better serve our community in the future.”

The shelter will have a capacity of 75, she said, but during severe cold weather emergencies, deemed “Code Blue” by the city, the shelter’s capacity will be increased so it can accept seniors and individuals with disabilities.

During extremely cold times, there can be dozens of warming centers available in the Greater Lansing area, with libraries and churches and malls being among the places welcoming people to warm up.