JUNE 29: Friends and Fundraiser for Freedom House Detroit

Some Came Bearing Fox News Slogans in Their Heads but all Left with Crossing the Line in their Hands and Freedom House Detroit in their Hearts.

For several decades, Freedom House Detroit has been the place for newcomers to Michigan to go for help with finding housing, jobs, legal support, schools for children, medical attention — you name it. Since August 2023, Freedom House Detroit has seen a more than four-fold increase in the number of folks needing welcome. And the organization prides itself on never turning anyone away.

By the time Crossing the Line launched in San Francisco, Freedom House staff were stretched well beyond capacity providing for over 220 people — up from the more typical number of around 50.

“We cannot do this alone,” began the Freedom House leadership’s urgent spring appeal to community and faith-based groups across the state. “That’s where you fit in!” the letter continued. “You can help us by throwing a fundraiser. Big or small, you help connect us with new people. You become our biggest advocates for our new residents who might still be sleeping on the bus station floor without your help.”

Already a part of the nationwide community uplifting the plight of newcomers and refugees, Deirdre connected the dots between her Detroit-based cousin Cheryl, my host for the Fox Run event, Karen Linell, and Lulu Nestor of Freedom House. Together, they reached out to ask if I’d be willing to do yet one more event in the Detroit metro area — this time at Karen’s church, the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington Hills, and in support of Freedom House Detroit.

I said, Yes, of course. Lulu and I took on the presentation preparation, while Cheryl and Karen took on promotion and food prep. It was true collaboration in every way. I was amazed and gratified at the number of people who came, and the level at which most people pitched in to make the evening a success.

I fashioned my book introduction to set Lulu up to present the Freedom House community and its need for volunteers as well as financial and in-kind donations. I passed all the profits from book sales, ultimately raising $250 for the organization. And Karen also passed a hat — well, really a basket — bringing in even more funds.

It was a grand time had by all! My only regret: I didn’t get the chance to visit Freedom House to roll up my sleeves and work. So, Michigan, here me now… I’ll be back!