As a final challenge, all of the Fellows were tasked with creating their own “July Impact Project” where they were able to select a nonprofit, create a scope of work and spend the Friday’s in July helping them to solve their own Challenges.
This past month, I have had the amazing opportunity to work with the local Detroit Chapter of Architecture for Humanity.
As a small volunteer based chapter that regrouped itself in Spring of 2013, Architecture for Humanity – Detroit [AfH-D] already has quite a bit of success stories. In just over a year, they have completed 2 Parking spot reclamation projects, Jefferson: PIT STOP at the Collective and PARK(ing) Day, and 1 clean up project, Winship Community Clean up.
This Summer, Architecture for Humanity – Detroit is launching a new Home Improvement Assistance Program (HIAP). This program is a collaboration between the Detroit Chapter and St. Dominic’s Outreach Center to help elderly residents gain independence by giving them the ability to age in place through design build interventions.
What that means is that over the 6 weeks, we will be working with 4 residents and their local community to complete home improvement projects that they could not afford without the assistance of Architecture for Humanity – Detroit. The following dates and projects to be completed are:
- Aug 3 – Build Handrail
- Aug 9/10 – Clean up and repaint Porch
- Aug 16 – Rebuild Entry Steps
- Sept 6/7 – Build ADA ramp
In addition to helping with HIAP, I was able to create a series of recommended strategies for Growth, Marketing and most importantly Funding. On August 1st, the Detroit Chapter kicked off a campaign to raise $8,000 for the upcoming improvement projects.
If you are interested in participating or donating towards any of the upcoming clean up projects,
Remember that all donations are tax-deductible and help to rebuild local Detroit communities.
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