January 12, 2024

President and CEO Linda Little Wishes You a Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On this MLK Day weekend, NSO extends you warm wishes for a day filled with reflection and purpose. As we reflect on the vision of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., please take this opportunity to make a positive impact that echoes the dream he passionately pursued.

Dr. King's tireless efforts were pivotal in shaping a more just society, advocating for civil rights, equitable healthcare, and accessible housing. "There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that we now have the resources to get rid of it.”, these words spoken by Dr. King continue to resonate and underscore the urgent need for the work of NSO to bridge gaps in housing, health, and well-being.

Dr. King's advocacy for fair housing guides us toward creating communities where every individual, regardless of their background, can find safe, accessible, and affordable homes. His belief in the transformative power of secure housing resonates today as we strive to build a society that embraces and uplifts all. King envisioned a world where quality healthcare was a fundamental right for everyone, transcending racial and economic disparities. We celebrate the progress made while acknowledging the work that lies ahead in ensuring healthcare equality for all.

Dr. King's commitment to the well-being of vulnerable populations displayed the interconnectedness of social justice. His dream of a society where individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives continues to guide our mission at NSO.

NSO pledges to continue carrying his legacy forward until his vision of universal dignity, equality, and freedom becomes a reality. At NSO, our team lives by the question Dr. King once posed as life's most persistent and urgent question."What are you doing for others?" We empower you to ask this of your community and yourselves so that we can all work together to make our world a better place.

Linda Little

President and CEO 

Marches and Rallies:

Martin Luther King Junior High School MLK 2024 March: Transforming the Dream

Location: 3200 E Lafayette St, Detroit, MI 48207

Date & Time: January 15th at 9:30 am

Details: Bands, teams, and city organizations will unite in a celebration of Dr. King’s incredible legacy. The theme for this year, “It Starts With Me,” emphasizes the impact of individual actions on creating a monumental legacy. For more information visit https://www.detroitk12.org.

Detroit MLK Committee 21st Annual MLK Day Rally & March

Location: St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202

Date & Time: January 15, 2024, 12 – 3 pm

Details: This free and public event, dedicated to preserving Dr. King’s actual legacy, promises a day of reflection and unity. You can contribute to the costs for this event by sending a donation to the Detroit MLK Committee at 5920 Second Ave., Detroit, MI 48202.

Westland MLK Celebration and Freedom Walk

Location: Westland City Hall, 7550 Woodview St, Westland, MI 48185

Date & Time: January 15, 2024, at 9 am

Details: A remembrance walk, and annual ceremony will honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, inspiring individuals to contribute to creating a more inclusive and righteous world. https://www.cityofwestland.com.

MLK Task Force 39th Annual Drive for Freedom, Justice & Equity Peace Walk

Location: Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI

Date & Time: January 15, 2024, at 9 am

Details: The peace drive will depart from Hope United Methodist Church, emphasizing freedom, justice, and equity. For more information, call the MLK Task Force hotline at 248-924-9MLK or visit www.mlktaskforcemi.org.

Libraries and Museums:

Farmington Community Library Martin Luther King Day Celebration

Location: 32737 W 12 Mile Rd Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Date & Time: January 15, at 10am

Details: Activities at the Main Library include peace sign and banner making, a peace walk, remarks from officials, and performances, all contributing to the celebration of Dr. King’s life. For more info visit www.farmlib.org.



Celebrate MLK at The Charles H. Wright Museum

Location: 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Date: January 15, 2024

Details: The theme “Living the Dream: It Starts with Me” sets the tone for the day, starting with a Prayer Breakfast and continuing with exhibitions and programming. For more information visit https://www.thewright.org/programs/mlk-day-wright.

Former NSO President and CEO, Sheilah Clay Provides Holiday Elf Gift Cards to Clay Apartments Residents

Former President and CEO Sheilah Clay visited the Clay Apartments to help spread cheer among the residents. This year, Sheilah went above and beyond by actively participating in the Holiday Elf program, personally donating $25.00 gift cards to all 42 residents.

For over three years, Sheilah has been a consistent supporter, generously giving back to the Clay Apartments community. This year, she engaged with residents, distributed gift cards, shared in conversations, and provided a delicious meal with other desserts and refreshments.

The Holiday Elf program collected 300 gift cards to bring joy and comfort to individuals residing in NSO permanent supportive housing at Clay & Bell, those staying at NSO's women's shelter at the DHHC, and other clients in need during the holiday season. Thanks to the incredible support of generous donors like Sheilah Clay, the campaign has successfully reached its goal, bringing smiles to countless faces.

A Big Thank You to All Our Holiday Elf Donors!



We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every donor who contributed to the success of the Holiday Elf campaign. Your kindness and generosity have made a significant impact, allowing us to bring the holiday spirit to those in need. Together, we've created moments of joy and warmth that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Ian and Cristine Host a Gift Exchange With Their Friend Group for NSO Residents

We recently received a donation from a group of colleagues who decided that this year, instead of buying holiday gifts for one another in a gift exchange, they would pool their resources and purchase gifts to donate to NSO! They brought household items for residents who are moving into their apartments here at NSO. This team also brought towels, blankets, toiletries, and cleaning supplies! What an awesome way to show the spirit of the season! NSO is so thankful to Ian, Christine, and their team for their donation!

Robin Steele and Friends Provide Holiday Gifts to

Three NSO Families

Robin and her friends have been donating meals to NSO for over 5 years and this holiday season, a colleague of Robin’s at Trinity Health Medical Group asked how her team could get involved with NSO. Together Robin and her colleagues collected gifts and donations for 3 families NSO recently helped house. Thank you so much to this group for bringing hope and joy this holiday season. NSO is so thankful for your support!

We are sending a personal thank you to the following:

Dejah white

Bill Hardiman

Steven Fowler

Christian Schafer

Lemark Payne

John Caruso

Front row

Dean Stimson

Loretta Smith

Kristina Lawson

Amy Tschopp

Swathi Kalagadi

Kym Brown

Tyra Evans

Robin Steele

Not Pictured:

Mark LePage

Mike prissy

Arlita moore

Fusen li

Life Church Riverside Detroit Provides Groceries to Clay Apartment Residents During Holiday Season

Dear Life Church Riverside Detroit, thank you for your generous donation of groceries to our Clay Apartment residents. Your donation significantly impacted the lives of those we serve, providing comfort during the holiday season.

Many thanks to Allah Young, an NSO Board member, for taking a leadership role in the distribution of groceries. A special thank you also goes out to Mary McKinley and Trevor Hammond for their invaluable assistance in event cleanup. Your willingness to go above and beyond is commendable, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication to creating a positive experience for everyone involved.

Thank you, Ms. Nejma, for your role in delivering food to Detroit Healthy Housing Center shelter residents. Last but not least, a big shoutout to NSO Staff member Desiree Dismuke for her assistance in helping clients with their grocery bags. Thank you for your generosity and for being an integral part of our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church Donate Winterwear to Bell Building Residents

Thank you to Pastor Dawson and the outreach team at Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church for donating coats, gloves, socks, scarves, and hats to our shelter. We are so thankful for your generosity, and these items will be a real gift to our residents this winter! We appreciate your support of NSO and our mission!

Greater Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church Provides Household Items to Bell Building Residents

Greater Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Thank you to Juanita and Greater Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist for the donation of household items, new socks, toiletries, dish towels, soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, tissues, gloves, and hats. These items have been a huge help to NSO’s clients. Thank you so much!

CAM has officially opened another access point. There will now be two more spots for you to go to get housing services.

Access points engage people experiencing homelessness to address their most immediate needs through referral to emergency services.

To get help from this access point, arrive at the location and ask for CAM at these locations. They will be ready to assist you.

Locations:

Cass Community Social Services | Monday - Friday 10 AM- 6 PM

11850 Woodrow Wilson St, Detroit, MI 48206

NOAH Project | Monday - Thursday 9:30 AM - 3:300 PM

23 E Adams Ave, 2nd Floor, Detroit, MI 48226

For the first time, Summer EBT is coming to Michigan! This upcoming summer, eligible families will be able to receive money for select food items through the new Summer EBT program. The benefits are available to eligible households based on their student eligibility status (free or reduced). Talk to your school about the form you need. The deadline to apply is January 31.

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S., and it can be prevented. If you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide,

please call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.