Get involved with SAWC during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Two local organizations are partnering to tackle mental health in the Washtenaw County homeless population.

Until the end of March, visitors to the Main Street cannabis retailer can drop off new winter essentials including socks, gloves, hats and warm sweatpants.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 City of Ann Arbor has announced that Sustaining Ann Arbor Together (SA2T) grants have been awarded to 11 community-based organizations over the course of the past summer and fall. The organizations have been given grants based on their efforts to advance community sustainability, including food distribution and community lunch programs, sheltering services, literacy programs, therapeutic art programs, community play spaces and the creation of community gardens. Organizations awarded the SA2T grants are:Shelter Association of Washtenaw CountyPeace Neighborhood CenterChildren’s Literacy NetworkMichigan Ability PartnersNorthside Community CenterArrowwood Hills Community CenterBryant Community CenterCreekside Court Community CenterMiller ManorBaker CommonsAvalon Housing✉ Like what you’re reading? “The Sustaining Ann Arbor Together Grant program is an important vehicle for supporting our community’s innovation and creativity as it relates to advancing local sustainability and climate action,” said City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations manager Missy Stults in a release. The grant program has $100,000 that is divided into grants of $10,000 or less and awarded to local projects.

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. 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.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Tonight, students from the University of Michigan, Concordia University and Eastern Michigan University will spend the night sleeping outside to raise awareness of the Washtenaw County homeless population. Along with raising awareness through their night outside, students will also participate in speaker talks, activities and discussion about homelessness and home-insecurity in Washtenaw County. Supported by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, the Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development and other community partners, the “Campus Sleep-out” is one event in a series of activities during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The fair will offer services and resources from community organizations such as Food Gatherers, Thrive Counseling and the Washtenaw County Health Department. Both events will be hosted by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County at the Robert J. Delonis Center at 312 W. Huron St.