HOPE Hospitality and Warming Center, Inc.

Recession threatens cities' progress in shifting people to apartments with case workers.

Dionne Walker / Associated Press

ATLANTA -- Beneath the glowing red curlicues of the Coca-Cola headquarters sign, case worker Hylda Jackson bargains with one of Atlanta's left behind.

"Are you ready, right now, this morning?" she says, kneeling beside a white-bearded man.

Harry Byrd's rumpled form is enveloped by the odor of stale beer, even before dawn...READ MORE

This New Years Eve, the place to be is at the WhyYouJam.com party.

$30 cover includes: light food and drink, open bar, and lots of music!
You must be on the guest list and prepaid to get in; money will not be taken at the door.

10% of every ticket sold will be donated to the HOPE Hospitality & Warming Center, a nonprofit serving people struggling with homelessness in Pontiac. We will also be doing a drive, so bring new pairs of men's socks, men's underwear, extra sample-size hygiene products, or a few bucks to donate.

CLICK HERE for more info at the WhyYouJam.com website, and to purchase tickets.

As I am sure most are well aware, our national and global economies are struggling quite a bit at the moment. The National Bureau of Economic Research has recognized that the U.S. economy peaked in December 2007, and has been in recession since that time. I personally do not know very many folks who have not felt a personal financial impact related to this broader trend. Unfortunately, it is the already economically disadvantaged who are likely to suffer the greatest, in a very real and immediate sense.

Hosted by On the Rocks Detroit @ The Crofoot Ballroom

Thursday December 18th 2008, 7pm-Midnight

Join On the Rocks Detroit & an all-star lineup of singers, including Vinny Dombroski (Sponge, Crud, The Orbitsuns), Ty Stone, Whitey Morgan, Brandon Calhoon (Smokin' Moses), Robin Horlock, Eliza Neals, Don 'Doop' Duprie (Doop & The Inside Outlaws), & Frankie D'Angelo, at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac to raise a glass or two of holiday cheer and give some much needed help to our friends at the HOPE Hospitality & Warming Center!

Since beginning my work with HOPE Hospitality and Warming Center, I have become particularly sensitive to judgmental points of view regarding the difficult life circumstances some individuals face on a regular basis. I had not previously noticed how frequently people--including some whom I greatly respect--make comments implying that because certain conditions of suffering are at least partially the result of poor decision-making on the part of the sufferer, those experiencing these circumstances are generally deserving of their suffering.

By JERRY WOLFFE
Of The Oakland Press

PONTIAC – The HOPE Hospitality and Warming Center in Pontiac is seeking volunteers to help homeless people survive the winter.

“We’re looking for organizations to provide an organized group of volunteers to cover anywhere from a few days to a week or two,” said Ryan Hertz, executive director of HOPE Hospitality and Warming Center...READ MORE

As I was walking to my car the other day I was freezing. The car heater didn't work as fast as I would have liked and I thought to myself - it is only mid-November and it will be cold until at least March!!

I have a warm coat and a warm home to go to... Many people in our community are not as fortunate... So, please take the time to find out how you can contribute your time, your talent or treasure to help.

It is by giving that we receive... - by St. Francis of Assisi

Earlier today, I spent some time volunteering at the Project Homeless Connect event in Pontiac. The concept of this event was simply to gather representatives from a variety of agencies and service providers relevant to individuals experiencing homelessness, and invite folks to come and connect with the services they need and/or for which they qualify. There were many volunteers, of a wide range of ages and backgrounds, and I met some very inspiring people.

The Oakland County Taskforce on Homelessness and Affordable Housing is sponsoring Project Homeless Connect, " a one day, one-stop-shop which connects the homeless population throughout the county with needed services." Please see the attached flyer for more information.

The HOPE Hospitality & Warming Center provides crucial emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness in Pontiac and northern Oakland County during the winter months. Due to current zoning laws in Pontiac, HOPE is not able to provide beds. However, if we can raise a few thousand dollars, we can at least provide our guests with mats so they are not forced to sleep on the cold floor. Please help us to reach this goal by contributing what you are able, and inviting your friends to join you in showing your support.

Click here to contribute to this effort.