Helping Patrick
AN EXERCISE IN LOVE
|
At Macomb County Habitat, the typical partner family is a single mom with three children. All work in low-paying jobs and, for the most part, are people who have overcome challenges such as a divorce or some type of family conflict.
Only one has seen his father murdered for political reasons and only one found shelter in the arms of our government who accepted him as a legal asylee in less than 30 days.
Meet Patrick!
|
|
|
Patrick is part of a collaborative program between the city of Eastpointe and the Detroit District of the United Methodist Church. He comes from the Republic of Congo and leaves behind a loving wife and four boys. He can never go back home because he is the son of an Ambassador whose beliefs were pure and honest- very different from the Dictator of rule. His home is now in Michigan!
When Patrick arrived two years ago in our area, he secured a job at Amazon, began to learn English, and lived in a small room. His rent for that room is close to what his mortgage note would be were he to become a homeowner.
Partnering with the city of Eastpointe and a very philanthropic donor/friend, several homes are being repaired and brought to code. One of those homes was presented to Patrick and he was thrilled!
The home is a three-bedroom bungalow with a cozy kitchen, a living room, a small family room, two bathrooms and a garage. It needs a ton of work but with God’s help, the home will be move-in ready soon.
We Need Your Help
In a few months, Patrick is hoping to see his family join him from the Republic of Congo. His wife and four boys are very anxious to be in Patrick’s arms again.
While we have resources to purchase paint, drywall, carpeting, and other finishes, we could use help in the following areas:
-
Furniture – four single beds and new mattresses; two small dressers; one queen bed and mattresses; two adult dressers; kitchen table that has retractable sides with six chairs; a small couch and chair for family room; a wrap around couch and tables for the living room; towel sets for the bathroom; kitchen ware (pots, pans, plates, silverware, drinking glasses); stove, fridge, full dishwasher, washer, and drier. (Maybe a church might want to adopt this whole list!)
-
Down Payment Assistance – Patrick will be purchasing this home, but he could use a hand with down payment assistance. If you can help with this, ($4,000) please send us a check of any size (25 Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043) or donate online.
-
Volunteers – If you would like to spend some time helping, please reach out to Dave, our Volunteer and Faith Relations Manager.
Patrick has been through so much since the day his father was murdered. With God’s guiding hand, he has found his way to Macomb County Habitat for Humanity. Now, with your help, this lovely man will soon be a homeowner and a citizen.
Love, and you, will bring him home.
|
|
 |
In His Name…
John Lewis was laid to rest this past week and learning about this man has inspired me again to do more and say more about important things.
Please know this: At Macomb County Habitat for Humanity, we respect everyone.
While we do not discuss politics or take a public stand on politicians who run for office, we do loudly and courageously express our belief in social justice and in ensuring that we hire fairly and treat everyone with the same degree of respect.
As such, know the following:
- When you enter our stores, you will wear a mask or be asked to leave.
- All staff and customers will be valued in the same manner. One set of rules for all!
- We will always provide diversity training so that learned hatred can be discussed and barriers to acceptance can be torn down.
- We do not expect that everyone we serve will worship in the same manner or follow the same set of beliefs. Even if a person is a non-believer, he/she/they will be welcomed with open arms.
- ALL people, with every possible difference, will be welcomed here.
As John Lewis is buried, it is time to continue to be conscious about matters of tolerance, justice, and respect. We must find ways to talk about them and to learn from each other as we make our way through this life we have been sent to live.
The poet Langston Hughes best summarizes what I am saying to you.
Evil
Looks like what drives me crazy
Don’t have no effects on you—
But I’m gonna keep on at it
Till it drives you crazy, too.
Join me in my quest to make Macomb Habitat a safe and wonderful place for all! Do it for yourselves. Do it for others. And do it in His name.
Helen
|
|
|
|
|
|
Race for Shelter Goes Virtual! |
The 2nd Annual Race for Shelter 0.5 K Race has gone virtual. We are offering the opportunity for supporters to get outside on the 546-yard racecourse they choose, on the day they prefer between August 8th and 22nd. For a $30 fee ($65 for families), each participant will get a t-shirt, medal, and an oval sticker for their vehicle to show support for Macomb County Habitat for Humanity. Those who register will have contact-free delivery in Macomb County, and mailing to those outside the county. Unlike last year, we won’t be able to provide a beer or soft drink at the finish line. So start making extra trips to the mailbox to ensure you are in top shape for this big race! Here is the link for you to sign up to help us build a new home for a family
|
|
Home Sweet Auction
August 17-August 21 will feature an online silent auction. Feel free to register and preview the auction items. More items will be added daily, so check back often! Bidding goes live at midnight on the 17th!
|
|
Home-in-One Golf Classic
Monday, September 28th is our Exclusive Home-in-One Golf Classic at Greystone Golf Club sponsored by JMC Electrical Contractors.
Space is limited so take advantage of our early bird special before August 28th!
|
|
|
|
|
You're Invited to the Drive-In! |
Tickets are $100 per car. Limit 150 Cars, so book your tickets NOW! List Macomb County Habitat for Humanity in the "company" section at check out.
Wednesday, October 14th. Stay tuned for more info!
|
|
Browse a multitude of popular products from the comfort and safety of your own home. Pay securely via the web, and then pick up your items from the Shelby ReStore.
Tuesday - Friday 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
and Saturday 10:30 am - 4:00 pm.
46660 Van Dyke in Shelby Township
between 21 Mile and Hall Road
Use the website contact form or call (586) 263-1540 with any questions.
|
|
The ReStore is currently looking for the following items to be donated:
- lawn and garden items
- patio/outdoor furniture
- upholstered furniture (in good condition)
- toilets
- usable lumber
- working power tools
We DO NOT ACCEPT the following:
- bedding and towels
- clothing
- mattresses and box springs
Call ahead to reserve a pick up time, or ask what drop off hours are available.
(586) 263-1540
ReStore Locations
Shelby ReStore
46660 Van Dyke, Shelby
between Hall Rd. & 21 Mile
Warren ReStore
23211 Van Dyke, Warren
at 9 1/2 Mile
Store Hours
Tues-Fri: 10 am - 6 pm
Sat: 10 am - 5 pm
|
|
|
Regular Volunteers Needed at Shelby ReStore!
The Shelby ReStore is in need of regular volunteers. Choose a time to volunteer Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm or 2 pm to 6 pm.
Volunteer duties include the following:
- managing displays
- processing home goods
- some lifting
- mask and work gloves required
Grab a friend or two and improve your health while helping others. Together we can reach more families with shelter solutions!
|
|
|
|
Adirondack Chair Project
Put your woodworking skills to use in support of our ReStores by ordering an Adirondack chair kit online. Build your chair(s) at home with loved ones or friends. Then contact a member of the Habitat team to organize a ReStore drop-off or pick-up. The funds raised go directly into our projects, allowing us to continue building and repairing affordable and safe homes for families in Macomb County. There is a shortage of patio and outdoor furniture available in our area, so these chairs will be most valuable!
|
|
|
|
Despite the heat, steady teams were able to make great progress on the Faith Build on Garfield St. in Roseville. A safe site with PPE, sanitizer, and a handwashing station, along with plenty of cold Absopure water and Gatorade.
We are still looking for partners who are plumbers, drywallers, masonry contractors, and concrete flatwork teams to keep the costs down. We appreciate the Placido Construction (roofing), Stier Heating and Cooling, and Gardella Electric who have stepped forward to help.
|
|
What are Community Rewards?
Kroger Community Rewards makes fund-raising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do everyday.
Once you link your card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!
|
|
Cars for Homes
Donate a vehicle to Habitat for Humanity’s car donation program – Cars for Homes. Your generosity will support our work with local families.
- All proceeds from your vehicle donation will support Habitat for Humanity and help local families here in Macomb County.
- Your donation may qualify for a tax deduction.
It’s fast and easy. Learn more about how vehicle donations work here!
|
|
Leave a Legacy Through Macomb County Habitat for Humanity |
Has Covid-19 prompted you and your family to examine your finances and consider a will or trust? Consider including Macomb County Habitat for Humanity in your legacy plans, so that families in need of better shelter in our area can be supported in years to come. Let us know if we are part of your legacy for the future, so we can be prepared as well. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
