A Message From The Co-Chair

New Announcements:

1. Join Us! Banquet 2007- Thursday Night September 20, 2007 Andiamos- 14 Mile Rd. Warren MI
2. We got so much from the "Celebrity Football Bash" upon being an officially sanctioned event of the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee during 2006, we decided to continue our "Sports Theme" in 2007 and ride the wave of excitement that our Detroit Tigers have created in Metro Detroit. Banquet 2007 will feature Tiger Alumni led by 1984 World Series Pitcher Milt Wilcox. There will be Exclusive Sponsor packages that include, having a former Tiger great at your table.
3. This year's message is two parts. Part One, "Community Housing Network (CHN) -- a vital part of our Community!" This wonderful organization has been expanding what it does for our disability community every year since its birth 5-6 years ago. From managing group homes and other more independent housing options for the disability community, to facilitating newer & better housing options for those in need, and being a resource center for families with a member having a disability, and much more. Our 2007 Banquet, is in essence a "celebration of how much they do for our community!
4. Part Two- "The Future!" The Homes Coalition now celebrating our 7th Banquet was founded to bring together, and "team up with", organizations, people at large who together, would bring attention to, raise funds for, and start to solve the overwhelming need for affordable housing options for families of people with disabilities. Because of the support we've received, we are ready to take this to another level-together! Having been Blessed with a great Community Team-Mate, Community Housing Network, (also named as such for a reason!) ... CHN will lead the way with a truly incredible "Community Housing Partnership Initiative". By teaming up with other terrific Local Community Based Housing Organizations, we will truly begin to see many more "housing successes" and we can all take joy in being a part of such meaningful & important outcomes.
5. Last but definitely not least, we are thrilled to have our inaugural "Friends of the Disability Community" Award. We are setting the bar high for future recipients, as this years award is in honor of the memory of our dear friend Tony Filippas Sr, who passed away earlier this year. In 2006, Tony Sr.'s "Athletes With Disabilities Hall of Fame" (ADHOF) was our application partner to become an official Super Bowl Event. Anyone familiar with this wonderful organization, knows their name on the application, made it an automatic approval for us; 10% of our Banquet 2007 proceeds, will go to the ADHOF in honor of Tony's memory, friendship & support.

Update from CHN

June 28, 2007

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Concerned Members of Our Community:

Plant closings, layoffs, increasing economic instability, and the lack of affordable housing and educational resources in Southeastern Michigan have created a crisis of HOMELESSNESS that could touch people you know. Children and other vulnerable populations, like persons with disabilities, are the ones suffering the most. The average age of a homeless person is only nine.

Take Tracy, a college educated mother of two. Tracy was laid off last year and has been unable to find a new position that provides a living wage. She now works at a lower paying job but lost her home to foreclosure. Tracy cannot afford the security deposit on an apartment. She and her children live in their car and use public facilities to meet their basic needs.

Since 2001, with the support of public grants and contracts, volunteers, and contributions from people like you, Community Housing Network has made a difference by:

• Managing group homes for persons with disabilities in Oakland County,
• Creating a Housing Resource Center and providing educational workshops for the public,
• Helping families in Oakland County become homeowners,
• Providing 249 units of affordable housing and supportive services for 370 persons.

While we are pleased with the progress we have made; our work has only begun and we are excited about our future plans to end homelessness in our community including:

• Continued expansion of our leasing assistance and homeownership programs,
• Bringing a Housing Resource Center and Independent Living Club to Macomb County,
• Promoting more inclusive communities among persons with disabilities,
• Creating more affordable housing for families at risk so they do not have to become homeless.

On September 20, 2007 Community Housing Network and The HOMES Coalition will be hosting a "HOMERUN FOR HOMELESSNESS" dinner event and auction. The special guest will be former Tiger, Milt Wilcox with all proceeds dedicated to help make our goals for the next year possible. There will be many opportunities to partner with us to make this event a success. We hope you will consider STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE TO END HOMELESSNESS in a number of possible ways, such as:

• Helping to spread the word about the event,
• Donating auction items,
• Volunteering and/or becoming a sponsor,
• Coming with your friends to enjoy a great party.

Contact Event Chairperson, Barbara Garrett at 248-928-0111 to let us know how you would like to start making a difference in the lives of disenfranchised people with no place to live. Your efforts will help bring one more homeless family off the streets of Oakland County to a place they can truly call home.

Sincerely,