Freedom House, for those of you that haven't heard of it, is an incredible organization in Detroit that provides safe housing for asylum seekers from across the globe.

The services they provide have been recognized nationally as one of a kind in their commitment to justice and wraparound support services for their clients. DJJ, alongside many organization across the city, were deeply concerned when HUD Funding was dramatically cut from Freedom House's budget at the beginning of this year. Organizations and individuals across the state began to personally and organizationally fundraise for them during their frightening fiscal uncertainty.

DJJ had been building a relationship with Freedom House and reached out to ask how we could support. Freedom House asked that we step up to organize household goods needed for one of their residents to transition from Freedom House into his own apartment. We evaluated our capacity and decided to support. DJJ leaders stepped up to organize spreadsheets, make calls, pick up donations, and ultimately schlep everything downriver to the resident's apartment. DJJ leaders who were asked to donate did so immediately. We had folks stepping up all over to provide new and gently used items that could be useful to our process of making a home feel full. A crew of DJJ leaders met a crew of Freedom House Residents at the end of the summer to unpack all of the donations and assist in the nesting process. The resident expressed his gratitude, and we expressed our gratitude for him trusting us and allowing us to be part of his transition into his new home.