Updated May 21, 2010 - Detroit, MI

We have all seen the statistics. Michigan’s unemployment and foreclosure rates are among the highest in the nation. Emerging from the staggering effect of today’s economic conditions is an especially disturbing trend: the fastest growing segment of the homeless population now consists of single mother households with school aged children.

“In addition to those who have lost jobs we are finding that many of the homeless are trapped in low-wage situations and simply can’t afford to make ends meet” cited James Kelly, chief executive at the Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit. “The average income for a homeless family in Michigan is less than $740 per month. More and more children are becoming caught in a devastating spiral as the local economy continues to deteriorate.”

The Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit is a 501c3 nonprofit charity dedicated to addressing the needs of people in distress including travelers, transients and the homeless.

Established in 1923, the organization has a proud legacy of helping thousands of disadvantaged individuals over the years by providing one-on-one crisis intervention counseling; referrals for emergency and transitional housing; integration into a ‘care-network’ of ready human services providers; as well as providing life skills training and job-readiness coaching designed for program recipients to achieve self sufficiency.

In an effort to respond to the ‘new face of homelessness’ the Travelers Aid Society has recently embarked upon an aggressive fundraising campaign to generate better awareness of this issue and to seek out public support for families at risk.

One of the highlights of their fundraising efforts will be a special dinner cruise being planned to take advantage of the upcoming Detroit fireworks display on June 21st. The fireworks spectacular is rated as one of the grandest in North America.

Participants will begin gathering along the River Walk near 300 River Place at the foot of Jos Campau street on Detroit’s eastside. The popular Diamond Belle river boat has been chartered with a departure time set at 6:15 and an estimated return at 11:00.  Tickets for the festivities are $75 each, which includes a narrated cruise along the historic Detroit River, a barbeque style dinner as well as a breathtaking view of the fireworks.

All proceeds collected from the event will be used to help support the Travelers Aid Homeward Bound series of programs that are fighting homelessness in communities throughout the metro area.

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January 6, 2010 - Romulus, MI

Fran Wood doesn’t just like her job, she loves it.  Not only does she love it, she will tell you it is by far the best job she has ever had.   Wood is the director of operations for the Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit’s Airport Ambassador Volunteer Program.  With over 36 million individuals passing through the airport each year, Travelers Aid of Metro Detroit is in need of more dedicated, heartfelt people like Fran. 

“We get to help travelers from all over the world, literally guiding them where they need to go,” said Wood.  “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a passenger give me a huge hug for helping relieve some of the stress that sometimes comes with traveling.” 

Identified by their distinctive red vests, Airport Ambassador Volunteers can be found all around Detroit Metropolitan Airport and serve as information resource specialists.  They serve passengers in a variety of ways, including help with flight status, baggage claim, gate locations, ground transportation, and lost and found.  Making sure no passenger is left without service, Ambassador Volunteers are especially adept when interacting with international visitors and those with special needs. 

The organization especially encourages bi-lingual individuals to volunteer, as the airport sees nearly three million international passengers yearly. 

Noted Wood: 

“Ambassador Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the airport.  Our volunteers have a love for airports and a love for people.  If a passenger leaves with a good impression of the Detroit Metro Airport, then we have accomplished our goal.” 

Travelers Aid Society has been a staple of volunteer service in Detroit since the early 1920s.  One of their earliest missions was to provide a safe haven for new arrivals to the city, including giving special attention to the needs of women traveling with young children.  

"Some customer questions or concerns cannot be addressed with signs or kiosks.  Sometimes it takes a human touch--a face-to-face interaction with an understanding soul,” said Lester Robinson, Wayne County Airport Authority CEO.  “This is where Travelers Aid excels here at Detroit Metropolitan Airport."

Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit’s mission at the airport is to serve as a link between the Wayne County Airport Authority, its vendors, the airlines and the entire airport community.  It continues with a proud legacy of volunteer service for over 85 years by lending a helping hand to passengers and visitors in need of assistance at one of busiest airports in the country. 

For more information please visit Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit on the web at www.TravelersAidDetroit.org or at info@tasmd.org .  By phone, please contact Fran Wood at (313) 414-6456 or (313) 962-6740. 

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January 29, 2009 - Romulus, MI

December 11, 2008 - Detroit, MI

The Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit is committed to providing the highest levels of service as well as compassionate care on behalf of its clients.

Paula Banks, Director of TASMD Homeless Services emphasized how often such situations can become an extremely debilitating experience. “The loss of stability and safety is compounded by feelings of anger, self blame and hopelessness. In the midst of this turmoil, families must also confront a sometimes bewildering maze of social services that may seem indifferent to the basic human need for dignity."

"Our agency is proud of the leadership role we are taking to deliver effective and considerate care.”

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December 2, 2008 - Lansing, MI

The Michigan State Housing Department Authority has announced the award of a $14,000 Emergency Shelter Grant to the Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit. The allocation will be used to provide essential supportive case management services for indigent persons. The TASMD proposal will effectivley accomodate dozens of households facing the challenges of homelessness.

Notification of the funding availability came through the Homeless Action Network of Detroit / HAND who are administrating a Continuum of Care network of nonprofit service providers throughout the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. TASMD has served as a longstanding member in this ongoing partnership which is steadfast in its commitment to deliver comprehensive homeless prevention programs.

Housing First Strategies

MSHDA is encouraging each of the Continuum of Care partnerships to gradually move toward an innovative "Housing First" approach. Among its distinguishing features:

• The use of an assertive outreach to engage homeless individuals with mental illness.
• Direct, or nearly direct placement of targeted homeless families into permanent rather than transitional housing.
• Developing a network of private landlords and management companies to provide clients with more choice in housing and neighborhoods.

TASMD recognizes the urgent need in overcoming barriers to access as well as reducing the durations of those entering into the emergency shelter system.

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November 15, 2008 - Detroit, MI

Neither cold weather nor rain filled skies could dissuade the hearty band of volunteers who gathered by the hundreds on this date in a show of common support for a noble cause.

The Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit served as a co-sponsor for the event, joining with the Homeless Action Network of Detroit / HAND in their 12th Annual Walk Against Homelessness. The 5-K route originated at the New Center One building and continued down historic Woodward Ave until it concluded with a rally at Campus Martius.

Among those representing TASMD were team organizer Holly Galan, Robin Steele, Mark Nunn, Paula Banks, Tracee Dorsey, Roslyn Lockett, and Henry Guthard as well as various family members and well wishers who also lent their support to the effort.

MOJO in the Morning 95.5 FM and Ed Foxworth, multimedia personality, served as Grand Marshals. Although the frigid conditions sometimes made the journey challenging, the warm response and encouragement shouted out by onlookers along the way kept our spirits high.

HAND estimates that there are 13-14,000 cases in the Detroit area presently dealing with varying issues of homelessness. Over 60% of these are familes with children.

The purpose of the Walk was not only to draw attention to this alarming situation but to also raise awareness that there are organizations and service agencies throughout our community who are working vigorously to develop counter strategies and create permanent solutions.

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November 13, 2008 - Detroit, MI

As our nation's present financial woes continue to deepen, the State of Michigan has responded by convening its first ever Poverty Summit. The event was designed to highlight the work that government and community partnerships are doing to address the growing economic crises as well as provide a means for diverse service organizations to showcase their best practices and build new networks accross the state.

The event was conducted at the Cobo Hall convention center in Detroit and drew more than 5,000 social workers and community activists. Governor Jennifer Granholm and Martin Luther King III were among the keynote speakers.

The plight of the poor, and the struggles of an ever growing number of families who can no longer afford their housing, were among the prime topics for dozens of discussion groups and breakout sessions.

Among the disturbing trends affecting Michigan:

• Michigan is presently providing some form of direct assistance to 18% of its entire population.
• Nearly 2 million statewide residents live near the poverty level set at $21,000 for a family of four. That includes 500,000 children.
• Michigan is presently one of five states whose Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund has become insolvent and is now borrowing money to pay for such benefits.

For over 85 years the Travelers Aid Society of Metroploitan Detroit has been actively involved in lending its support for regional collaboration and the sharing of resources. We stand determined to advocate on behalf of all of Michigan's low-income citizens and will continue to work tirelessly in the development of sustainable engagement strategies.

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November 7, 2008 - Detroit, MI

The Travelers Aid Society of Metropolitan Detroit is especially proud to report that we were recently selected by the Citadel of Praise congregation to join them as part of their "Day of Empowerment" community outreach. The program was designed to seek out socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and then assist with a well coordinated process for restoration and a means to becoming self-sufficient.

The Citadel of Praise Church is prominently located on Detroit's west side, adjacent to the Brightmoor 'Good Neighborhoods' re-development initiative presently underway by the Skillman Foundation.

The ministry has a proud history of activism and is seeking to provide resources that address the critical needs for jobs, health care and housing that affect their community.

The day long gathering provided free access to health & wellness testing; on-site registration for educational & vocational training; job skill workshops; applications for meaningful employment opportunities; legal assistance as well as referrals to governmental agencies. TASMD was on hand to provide information on transitional housing and to offer assistance with case management services.

By all measure, the outcomes for what will become an annual event proved to be very successful as hundreds of participants took full advantage of the extensive range of program offerings.

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