November 1, 2011

Family Warmth Center

Franklin Wright Settlements has teamed up with DTE Energy and The United Way of Southeastern Michigan to provide a warming center for families affected by energy theft. Often, landlords fail to pay utility bills on behalf of tenants or engage in the unsafe practice of stealing energy. Energy theft is very dangerous and exposes residents to explosions and or fires. Once theft has been identified by utilities, it must be shut off. Families who are victims of landlords who steal energy resulting in service termination need help.  Some traditional shelters separate families according to gender and do not provide a warm family atmosphere. Monique Marks, President and CEO of Franklin Wright Settlements puts the center in prospective. "This is a very human response to an issue that affects families. It is a very grassroots effort because many of the residents living around the warming center volunteered to help with building renovations. It is also encouraging that DTE Energy saw the need in the community surrounding this issue and stepped in to help" Marks stated at a recent staff briefing.

DTE Energy and Franklin Wright Settlements created the warming center during the 2010-2011 heating season to provide families, who through no fault of their own, are in need of temporary housing due to service disconnection. The center offers up to 72 hours of shelter, housing options counselors, and a variety of other resources including 211 referrals and resource guidance. Numerous families were provided temporary shelter, family therapy, budget training and relocation assistance at the DTE Family Warming Center. The help continues for the 2011-2012 heating season as the DTE Family Warming Center moves to 4141 Mitchell. The center opens on November 1, 2011. Masters level Therapist and Franklin Wright Settlements Clinical Director  Remy Woods is the program coordinator and contact person. Remy Woods can be reached at 313.579.1000 ext. 257.

November 12, 2011
Assisting the Homeless in Cass Corridor 
9:00am - 11:00am
 
December 6, 2011
Spirit of Giving Dinner Event

7:00pm Detroit Seafood Market
1435 Randolph St., Detroit, MI 48226

As the Christmas Season approaches, Franklin-Wright Settlements, Inc. has begun to prepare for our Spirit of Giving Celebration.

The Annual Franklin-Wright Settlements, Inc. Spirit of Giving Fundraiser is the signature event, which recognizes the contributions of charitable philanthropist for their dedication, commitment and service to the South Eastern Michigan region.  The event also raises funds, which allow FWS to continue its mission of “Help the Child.  Preserve the Family.  Strengthen the Community.”

Franklin-Wright Settlements has provided basic life, family and social needs to the local community for the past 130 years.  Embracing the settlement house philosophy, FWS utilizes a multi-service holistic approach in the treatment, prevention and amelioration of social needs through advocacy, programs and services.  For additional information please call 313.579.1000 or visit www.FranklinWright .org.

In order for this event to be a success we are in need of your help.  As we prepare to celebrate, carefully consider investing a financial contribution in support of our efforts.