February 7, 2019
DETROIT, MI: For the second year, Mercy-USA for Aid and Development is helping homeless families and individuals survive the freezing Michigan winter with their Urban Warmth Project. In collaboration with four local shelters, Mercy-USA and their volunteers will bring winter aid this weekend at the time of year when shelter supplies begin to diminish. From February 8th to February 10th, Mercy-USA volunteers will help to distribute hundreds of Urban Warmth Kits to shelter and soup kitchen guests across Detroit.
According to Charity Navigator, 31% of all annual giving occurs in the month of December. These numbers drop significantly after December 31st. “I like to call this time of year ‘the forgotten season’” says Aisha J. Morrell-Ferguson, Chief Development Officer at Coalition on Temporary Shelter, COTS. “During the holidays, we have a lot of wonderful donations and supplies coming into our shelter. Unfortunately, as we get further away from the holidays and further into the winter, we see fewer contributions. This is especially challenging because the harsh winter takes a toll on the few supplies folks in need have left.”
The kits include all new and much needed items such as socks, hats, gloves, and blankets. The kits also feature often forgotten, but necessary items needed to preserve dignity including razors, oral healthcare, feminine hygiene and diapers.
Kayla Botelho, Development Coordinator is organizing the relief volunteers on behalf of Mercy-USA and can be reached at 734-454-0011.
Dates/Times/Locations of Distributions
Friday, February 8th, 7:00 am-11:00 am
Manna Community Meals
1950 Trumbull Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Saturday, February 9th, 10:00 am-2:00pm
Muslim Center Masjid
1605 Davison Fwy, Detroit, MI 48238
Saturday, February 9th, 11:00 am-3:00pm
Cass Community Social Services
11850 Woodrow Wilson St, Detroit, MI 48206
Sunday, February 10th, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Coalition On Temporary Shelter: COTS
26 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
Mercy-USA for Aid and Development is an international humanitarian aid organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering and supporting individuals and their communities in their efforts to become more self-sufficient. Incorporated in the State of Michigan in 1988, Mercy-USA’s projects focus on improving health, nutrition and access to safe water, as well as promoting economic and educational growth around the world.
For media inquiries, please contact Mercy-USA’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Kari Ansari at 703-628-0260, kansari@mercyusa.org