Avalon Housing

Thank you to Ryan Stanton and Mlive for this article on potential cuts to HUD funding. One important thing to note: No current Avalon tenants are in danger of losing their homes or services because of potential cuts to HUD. From our email to our supporters referenced in the story: "Since 1992, Avalon’s staff, supporters and community members have put our blood, sweat and tears into building homes and providing services to combat homelessness, and to help all of our neighbors improve their lives. No matter what happens in Washington, our commitment to continuing this work will not waver." https://lnkd.in/g_z-eWbV

Avalon offices will be closed today for Presidents' Day. If you have service or maintenance needs, call 734-369-9338. Rent checks can be put in the drop box at Jones Drive.

Avalon Housing statement: Protecting Housing and Services from Federal Threats The beginning of the Trump administration has been alarming, from cuts in federal funding for social services, to attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, to harmful rhetoric about people who have already suffered and survived so many hardships. Avalon Housing’s staff and board of trustees are closely monitoring how federal actions could negatively affect our work and we are making plans to ensure our services continue uninterrupted. We are not doing this alone, but alongside our various local, state, and federal partners. We are grateful for our own elected officials and our local community members who have fought for supportive housing in the past and who we know will help us navigate any challenges that come up in the future. Read more: https://conta.cc/42XLRud

If you're stuck inside on this snowy day, or just need something to read, here's an interesting interview with Enterprise Community Partners' new senior policy director for homelessness, Lindsay Knotts: https://lnkd.in/gH22CCPC

Avalon's administrative offices are closed because of the snow. Avalon staff will still be present at our residential properties. Tenants can still call the regular maintenance line at 734-369-9949 with any requests.

The turnout was wonderful on Saturday for a screening of the amazing new documentary "A Letter to the West Side." The film was a stark reminder that the Black community had a huge role in building Ann Arbor, and that the history of the community must be preserved. Thanks to filmmaker Kameron Donald and Breyko, and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission for creating such an important document of our local history and community. One of the goals of the Dunbar Tower development on Catherine and Fourth, a partnership between the AAHC and Avalon Housing, is to honor the Old West Side's legacy as a bastion of Black life in Ann Arbor. A second screening of "A Letter to the West Side" is scheduled for Feb. 26 at the Michigan Theater: https://lnkd.in/ginpZkju

Thanks to everyone at Angell Elementary School who organized and contributed to the cleaning supply drive! These are very helpful contributions for residents of Avalon homes! For information on donating goods or organizing a drive, visit https://lnkd.in/g3TSpSb6

In celebration of Black History Month, 28daysofblackhistory.com will send you a daily email highlighting a significant Black historical figure every day -- great reminders of the contributions of Black Americans over the course of our country's history. Here are the first three: Feb. 1: A Philip Randolph, founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (https://lnkd.in/gmwkwCzR) Feb. 2: Isaac Myers, pioneering labor organizer (https://lnkd.in/g4J-4Gqj) Feb. 3: William Lucy, civil rights organizer (https://lnkd.in/gQdSTJjp)

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Ypsi Pride Volunteer Fair on Saturday! It was great to see so many people dedicated to improving our communities!

Please join us Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Indoor Ypsilanti Farmers Market, 1-5 p.m., at 16 S. Washington St. to learn about volunteer opportunities at Avalon and other local organizations! https://lnkd.in/gg-hAztZ