Grateful for those who serve
At Meadowlark, we’re grateful for being welcomed into so many people’s lives to transform their homes or build new ones. With Thanksgiving approaching, we remember how fortunate we are to simply have a roof over our heads. We want to acknowledge that many people here in Washtenaw County and throughout the world don’t have the stability of a home, or steady meals. We want to express our gratitude for those who provide care and aid to those in need. For those for whom home ownership seems an unobtainable dream, organizations like Ann Arbor’s Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley Chapter are transforming impossibility into a reality. Internationally, Habitat for Humanity works with low-income, hardworking families to make homeownership feasible. Since its founding in 1976, the organization “has helped build, renovate and repair more than 600,000 decent, affordable houses sheltering more than 3 million people worldwide.” In addition to making home ownership a reality, the Huron Valley chapter focuses on sustainability and scale by restoring empty and abandoned homes in Washtenaw County.
New Homeowners – Image courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
is living out its mission to end homelessness one person at a time. The association partners with multiple community organizations to meet the needs of homeless people, addressing needs beyond temporary shelter, by helping people find employment, health care, meals, affordable housing, and much more. In 2014, the services program served about 1,000 different individuals. And the residential program helped approximately 400 individuals find permanent or temporary housing. (Source: Shelter Association)
Beyond providing shelter and food, the Salvation Army resells a wide variety of donated goods to the public at discounted prices, from clothing to furniture and household goods. 
Likewise, Habitat for Humanity ReStore obtains goods through donations and purchases from discount warehouses. Beyond selling housewares and clothing, ReStore also sells larger items used for home building and remodeling, like windows, doors, tools, cabinetry, appliances, paint, and carpet.
As a new home builder and remodeler, Meadowlark has been able to salvage and reuse or donate an array of items to organizations like ReStore, including cabinetry, appliances, windows, and doors. We are always looking for ways to salvage, reuse or donate useful building materials.
As you celebrate this holiday season…
Consider what you’re grateful for, whether it’s a warm place to sleep, a solid meal, or a loved one nearby. If you’re looking to find ways to help others, all of the aforementioned organizations need volunteer help and financial donations. Check out their websites to see what and how you may be able to contribute. One more thing: there are many more organizations than we could cover in this blog post. If you want to learn more about organizations that provide food, housing, and assistance in Washtenaw County, check out this Ann Arbor Observer’s guide or Washtenaw County’s Homeless Services webpage.
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