WARREN, Mich. – The situation is dire for a Macomb County nonprofit that provided emergency housing for 558 homeless people last winter.
This year, they expect to house even more, but the problem is they don’t know if it will be for months or weeks. They are quickly running out of funds.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Warren is being transformed into an emergency shelter set to open Nov. 1, but it may close as early as Christmas due to funding issues.
The Motor City Mitten Mission, which started by crafting warming mats out of discarded grocery bags, has evolved into an emergency organization. We were with them last year as they rescued people living on sidewalks and in cars when it was only 18 degrees outside.
They also take people in off the street when it gets cold by transforming spaces into shelters. But this year, they have lost all of their funding.
Reverend Lois Stair sits on the Continuum of Care board, which oversees this type of funding. He’s the one who asked Motor City Mitten Mission to expand its mission to become an emergency shelter for Macomb County.
This organization can stretch a dollar and can operate annually with about $208,000. However, this year, they enter the season with less than $55,000.
Motor City Mitten Mission is taking part in a Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. Running from Nov. 11-18, the nonprofit will have events to help educate people on the rise in homelessness throughout our communities. More information can be found on its official website.
You can help support Motor City Mitten Mission by donating here.