HOUSING SUCCESSES AND BRIDGE CLEAN-UP!! READ MORE BY CLICKING RIGHT HERE
Click HERE to read a brief eulogy by Sheri Wander for President James Eric Hill: 5/28/1967 - 6/25/2015
Anyone who wishes to pay their respects can do so this Sunday June 28 from 3-7pm at Crosspoint Free Will Baptist Church 4015 Allen Rd. Allen Park, MI 48101
President James Eric Hill
NEW!!! WATCH THE SHORT FILM BY VIVIANA PERNOT ABOUT M.I.S.S.I.O.N.
DONATE TO MISSION !! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT
See below for more details
Dear friends,
I’m sitting down to write this and find myself distracted by the world outside our window. After two weeks away from Michigan, the world is full of new. Flowers are pushing up through the soil to be nourished by the spring rains and warm sunshine, returned birds chatter away … hope after a long and cold winter. It dawns on me that, no matter what we are called to celebrate, Passover, Easter or Spring Equinox, it really is about hope; freedom after such long captivity, forgiveness and the promise of new life - radical and hardnosed hope.
I realize this is why I do this work. This is what MISSION and the Mercy Houses mean to me - radical hope.
I think about the warming center MISSION ran this winter in partnership with faith communities and the Shelter Association. The day time warming center was conceived and run by the community for the community; a democratically self-governed space that helped 123 people stay safe, warm and dry on our busiest days and brought together homeless and homeful people in community such that, as more than one volunteer from the churches expressed, “I don’t know who is homeless and who is here to volunteer.” Hope.
I think about the friends who stayed nights on our couch detoxing, struggling to kick addiction as others from the homeless community offer the support of a warm blanket, cool drink of water, and most importantly a listening ear and supportive presence. I remember the words of one woman who recently celebrated 30 days of sobriety as she sat with us, sick as a dog, laughing. “I have never felt so awful, or been so happy.” Hope.
I think of our recent experience at Ann Arbor city council in support of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). A room packed full of supporters, 7 out of 8 public comment spots filled with speakers in favor of ADU’s and a recent MLive article letting us know our voices were heard: "In keeping with the council's priorities, the proposed general fund budget for the next fiscal year includes $25,000 to hire a consultant to help draft zoning changes that could result in allowing accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods." Hope.
I think of a member of our community who, after years of bitter estrangement from his biological family, reconnected – inspired, he tells me, by the family we created here. Hope.
I think of another friend who spent the winter living at the shelter, helping us cook breakfast for the homeless community on Saturdays. While living in the shelter, she craved the simple ability to cook a meal with and for others. She is now in transitional housing and working. On a recent Saturday, she took a vacation day from work, to make Saturday breakfast for us on her birthday. When she returned to Mercy House after some weeks away, she almost cried, her memories of cooking for grateful and appreciative friends nearly overwhelming her. She had her best birthday in decades, lovingly cooking a beautiful meal for our homeless friends, helping create community.
I also think of our long term goals for the house and property on Stone School Road, a fully functioning house of hospitality, with a beautiful and eco-friendly tiny house community. Even before the dream is fully a reality, I am aware of the number of friends who visit the house to do laundry, take a shower, connect with community; who find hope in what is happening there.
And I think of you. Each of you. Your gifts of time, talent and treasure are literally what keep us going. You keep the lights on, the fridge stocked, the tents and sleeping bags available. You make it possible for 123 people to gather in a warming center to meet with agencies, support each other in friendship and eat healthy snacks while escaping below zero temperatures. You make it possible for our friends to make progress in their struggles against addiction, to reconnect with family, and to participate in a community that provides hope.
Hope is sustaining. Hope is power. Hope is needed. And you, with your contributions, provide hope. I am so very grateful.
As we look forward to the months ahead, we hope you will continue your support of MISSION with continued contributions. Winter was hard on the gear of those camping outside. That, combined with the seasonal closing of winter warming centers and rotational shelter, reminds me of the constant need for humanitarian aid items: tents, tarps, sleeping bags, rain gear etc. We also know that in 2015, the mortgage on Mercy House at Stone School will be due.
Will you donate this spring? Perhaps consider a donation in honor of mom for Mothers’ Day?
Whatever you can do, please know that I am grateful we are on this journey together. Grateful for your gifts of time, talent and treasure. Grateful for you.
Grateful and Hopeful.
With radical and hardnosed hope,
Sheri Wander, for the MISSION board
———————————————————————————————————————————--
Please find enclosed my gift of: ____ $500; ____ $250; ____ $100: ____ $50; ____ $25
Checks can be made payable to MISSION and mailed to:
MISSION ℅ Vesta Smith Campbell
P.O. Box 8161, Ann Arbor, MI 48107
I’m sitting down to write this and find myself distracted by the world outside our window. After two weeks away from Michigan, the world is full of new. Flowers are pushing up through the soil to be nourished by the spring rains and warm sunshine, returned birds chatter away … hope after a long and cold winter. It dawns on me that, no matter what we are called to celebrate, Passover, Easter or Spring Equinox, it really is about hope; freedom after such long captivity, forgiveness and the promise of new life - radical and hardnosed hope.
I realize this is why I do this work. This is what MISSION and the Mercy Houses mean to me - radical hope.
I think about the warming center MISSION ran this winter in partnership with faith communities and the Shelter Association. The day time warming center was conceived and run by the community for the community; a democratically self-governed space that helped 123 people stay safe, warm and dry on our busiest days and brought together homeless and homeful people in community such that, as more than one volunteer from the churches expressed, “I don’t know who is homeless and who is here to volunteer.” Hope.
I think about the friends who stayed nights on our couch detoxing, struggling to kick addiction as others from the homeless community offer the support of a warm blanket, cool drink of water, and most importantly a listening ear and supportive presence. I remember the words of one woman who recently celebrated 30 days of sobriety as she sat with us, sick as a dog, laughing. “I have never felt so awful, or been so happy.” Hope.
I think of our recent experience at Ann Arbor city council in support of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). A room packed full of supporters, 7 out of 8 public comment spots filled with speakers in favor of ADU’s and a recent MLive article letting us know our voices were heard: "In keeping with the council's priorities, the proposed general fund budget for the next fiscal year includes $25,000 to hire a consultant to help draft zoning changes that could result in allowing accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods." Hope.
I think of a member of our community who, after years of bitter estrangement from his biological family, reconnected – inspired, he tells me, by the family we created here. Hope.
I think of another friend who spent the winter living at the shelter, helping us cook breakfast for the homeless community on Saturdays. While living in the shelter, she craved the simple ability to cook a meal with and for others. She is now in transitional housing and working. On a recent Saturday, she took a vacation day from work, to make Saturday breakfast for us on her birthday. When she returned to Mercy House after some weeks away, she almost cried, her memories of cooking for grateful and appreciative friends nearly overwhelming her. She had her best birthday in decades, lovingly cooking a beautiful meal for our homeless friends, helping create community.
I also think of our long term goals for the house and property on Stone School Road, a fully functioning house of hospitality, with a beautiful and eco-friendly tiny house community. Even before the dream is fully a reality, I am aware of the number of friends who visit the house to do laundry, take a shower, connect with community; who find hope in what is happening there.
And I think of you. Each of you. Your gifts of time, talent and treasure are literally what keep us going. You keep the lights on, the fridge stocked, the tents and sleeping bags available. You make it possible for 123 people to gather in a warming center to meet with agencies, support each other in friendship and eat healthy snacks while escaping below zero temperatures. You make it possible for our friends to make progress in their struggles against addiction, to reconnect with family, and to participate in a community that provides hope.
Hope is sustaining. Hope is power. Hope is needed. And you, with your contributions, provide hope. I am so very grateful.
As we look forward to the months ahead, we hope you will continue your support of MISSION with continued contributions. Winter was hard on the gear of those camping outside. That, combined with the seasonal closing of winter warming centers and rotational shelter, reminds me of the constant need for humanitarian aid items: tents, tarps, sleeping bags, rain gear etc. We also know that in 2015, the mortgage on Mercy House at Stone School will be due.
Will you donate this spring? Perhaps consider a donation in honor of mom for Mothers’ Day?
Whatever you can do, please know that I am grateful we are on this journey together. Grateful for your gifts of time, talent and treasure. Grateful for you.
Grateful and Hopeful.
With radical and hardnosed hope,
Sheri Wander, for the MISSION board
———————————————————————————————————————————--
Please find enclosed my gift of: ____ $500; ____ $250; ____ $100: ____ $50; ____ $25
Checks can be made payable to MISSION and mailed to:
MISSION ℅ Vesta Smith Campbell
P.O. Box 8161, Ann Arbor, MI 48107
Click HERE for the Current MISSION statement RE: scope of activities
Coming Soon: A series of workshops to help create healthy boundaries and deal appropriately with sexual harassment on the streets and in community.
CAMP MISFIT AND MISSION ACTIVISTS INTERVENE IN EVICTION
On Thursday July 10, MDOT and the City of Ann Arbor used heavy machinery to clear cut and destroy campers tents and belongings. Camp Misfit A2 and MISSION were on the scene to support the individuals being targeted by State and City Officials. Sheri wrote an account of the events which you can check out here.
On Thursday July 10, MDOT and the City of Ann Arbor used heavy machinery to clear cut and destroy campers tents and belongings. Camp Misfit A2 and MISSION were on the scene to support the individuals being targeted by State and City Officials. Sheri wrote an account of the events which you can check out here.
"Homelessness in Washtenaw County" panel at Ann Arbor District Library
The Ann Arbor District Library hosted a panel discussion on this topic "Homelessness in Washtenaw County". It was an informative & interesting event. Mr. Kunselman, standing near the upper left corner of this picture, was present.
The Ann Arbor District Library hosted a panel discussion on this topic "Homelessness in Washtenaw County". It was an informative & interesting event. Mr. Kunselman, standing near the upper left corner of this picture, was present.
WE WIN! City Council Unanimously approves Good Neighbor Park Fee Waiver Amendment: click here for more info
WATCH Camp Misfit A2 and M.I.S.S.I.O.N. Board Member Ryan Sample's New Video that will introduce you to our community with a broad overview of our actions, our values, and well, yes our MISSION :)
Week of Services article is in BLOG section.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 UPDATE:
MISFITS COORDINATE THE EMERGENCY WARMING CENTER AT ST. MARY'S
Tim From the ICY TUNDRA of MICHIGAN
CAMP MISFIT A2 Update: We have been collaborating with Fr. Dan Reim and the fine folks at St. Mary's Student Parish on an emergency warming center for the better part of February.
The Emergency Warming Center is jointly operated by MISSION/CAMP MISFIT A2 and St. Mary's and is located in the lower level of the Gabriel Richard Newman Center on Thompson, near the corner of William.
The space is open when temperatures go below 25F and features plenty of space to collaborate on computer-based project, as well as a quiet area for folks to rest who have been sleeping outside or have otherwise had a rough night's sleep due to conditions beyond their control at local overnight shelters. We have had positive responses from both volunteers and participants in their experiences at St. Mary's Emergency Warming Center, about 40-50 individuals use the resource each day it is open.
Please come join us anytime the weather is below 25F, you may find new friends!
Emergency warming center hours: M-F 9am-4pm [when temps below 25F]
Check out some pictures from the last week or so below!
The Emergency Warming Center is jointly operated by MISSION/CAMP MISFIT A2 and St. Mary's and is located in the lower level of the Gabriel Richard Newman Center on Thompson, near the corner of William.
The space is open when temperatures go below 25F and features plenty of space to collaborate on computer-based project, as well as a quiet area for folks to rest who have been sleeping outside or have otherwise had a rough night's sleep due to conditions beyond their control at local overnight shelters. We have had positive responses from both volunteers and participants in their experiences at St. Mary's Emergency Warming Center, about 40-50 individuals use the resource each day it is open.
Please come join us anytime the weather is below 25F, you may find new friends!
Emergency warming center hours: M-F 9am-4pm [when temps below 25F]
Check out some pictures from the last week or so below!
MISSION A2 Press Release: New Land and Homeward Bound Project
MISFITS-TROLLS-M.I.S.S.I.O.N. help sisters and brothers at Cass Park
About two months ago, Camp Take Notice voted to attend Sunday in the Park with the Forgotten Workers. It takes place the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The event is a loosely organized group of members of the Detroit IWW ["Wobblies"], UAW activists and other community members coming with hot food, sweet treats, clothes and other warm things.
Eight from our ranks joined the festivities on Sunday February 9 including Shaquanna, Spyder, Ryan, Christy, Mugger, Caleb, Denise, and Greg. We gave away 16 pounds of oranges and tangelos, a big box of cookies, a carton of donuts, 27 pairs of socks, a bunch of coats, scarves, gloves, and two big boxes of canned goods.
Afterwards, Ryan, Mugger, Christy and Greg went to Belle Isle and walked through the Scripps Conservatory. It was a great day! Everyone came back with a smile! Below are some pictures from our trip to Detroit.
Eight from our ranks joined the festivities on Sunday February 9 including Shaquanna, Spyder, Ryan, Christy, Mugger, Caleb, Denise, and Greg. We gave away 16 pounds of oranges and tangelos, a big box of cookies, a carton of donuts, 27 pairs of socks, a bunch of coats, scarves, gloves, and two big boxes of canned goods.
Afterwards, Ryan, Mugger, Christy and Greg went to Belle Isle and walked through the Scripps Conservatory. It was a great day! Everyone came back with a smile! Below are some pictures from our trip to Detroit.
Alonzo greets new PAC Chair, Ingrid Ault, after Commission votes unanimously to recommend park fee waiver for local humanitarian aid organizations
Click here to read the story>>>Ann Arbor Considers Broad Park Fee Waiver
Park advisory commission recommends no park rental fees for charities that provide "goods for basic human needs" in city parks.
Park advisory commission recommends no park rental fees for charities that provide "goods for basic human needs" in city parks.
Documentary Film on CTN
Former CNN correspondent, Anthony Collings produces documentary on CTN. Click here to watch the 25 minute documentary.
Special thank you to Tony Collings for his compassion and dedication to telling the stories of members of our community :)
Special thank you to Tony Collings for his compassion and dedication to telling the stories of members of our community :)
M.I.S.S.I.O.N. A2 would like to thank the University of Michigan School of Penny W. Stamps and Junior Corrin Lewis, for their graphic design work.
