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Here to Help Foundation
PO Box 480
Hero Story
Here to Help launched in 2007 to assist people facing emergency situations such as eviction, utility bills, car repairs etc. They became the go to resource for anyone facing an emergency throughout southeastern Michigan and have helped over 23,000 people since their launch.
In August 2020, the issues of social and racial injustice and inequities in the criminal justice system were significant and at that time Here to Help felt compelled to launch their Returning Hope to Returning Citizens program. The goal of this program was to significantly assist this marginalized and disenfranchised group as soon as they’re released from prison as the need to help has never been more critical, especially since communities of color are disproportionately impacted by incarceration in Michigan.
Their program quickly became the go-to resource for every single parolee coming back to Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb county and by 2023, after working with thousands of returning citizens over the prior 29 months, it was clear their needs are so vast, so extraordinary and ongoing, that it was critical 100% of their focus needed to go towards these individuals. So, they altered Here to Help to only assist returning citizens. Their program has made a dramatic impact and produced so many economically sufficient individuals, now living independently, and contributing to the success of their community. All of which benefits everyone.
The program has helped returning citizens on over 7,500 occasions and over the three years of the program's existence, the recidivism rate in Michigan went down to the second lowest number in history. They initially address the basic needs of clothing, food, shelter etc. After those needs have been met, they then help secure employment or enrollment in skilled trade training, college, or GED. They provide work clothing, work tools, permanent housing, move in costs, new furniture, new home furnishings, driving test costs, computer for school/work, eyeglasses, car insurance, gas cards, car notes, bus passes etc. etc. Without their program, none of those needs would be met as they are the only organization providing all these wraparound services.
Their focused mission also provides the intangible help of providing a caring voice and friendship and love. They have established remarkably strong bonds and trust with all of the formerly incarcerated individuals they have assisted.
Here to Help Foundation
PO Box 480
Hero Story
Here to Help launched in 2007 to assist people facing emergency situations such as eviction, utility bills, car repairs etc. They became the go to resource for anyone facing an emergency throughout southeastern Michigan and have helped over 23,000 people since their launch.
In August 2020, the issues of social and racial injustice and inequities in the criminal justice system were significant and at that time Here to Help felt compelled to launch their Returning Hope to Returning Citizens program. The goal of this program was to significantly assist this marginalized and disenfranchised group as soon as they’re released from prison as the need to help has never been more critical, especially since communities of color are disproportionately impacted by incarceration in Michigan.
Their program quickly became the go-to resource for every single parolee coming back to Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb county and by 2023, after working with thousands of returning citizens over the prior 29 months, it was clear their needs are so vast, so extraordinary and ongoing, that it was critical 100% of their focus needed to go towards these individuals. So, they altered Here to Help to only assist returning citizens. Their program has made a dramatic impact and produced so many economically sufficient individuals, now living independently, and contributing to the success of their community. All of which benefits everyone.
The program has helped returning citizens on over 7,500 occasions and over the three years of the program's existence, the recidivism rate in Michigan went down to the second lowest number in history. They initially address the basic needs of clothing, food, shelter etc. After those needs have been met, they then help secure employment or enrollment in skilled trade training, college, or GED. They provide work clothing, work tools, permanent housing, move in costs, new furniture, new home furnishings, driving test costs, computer for school/work, eyeglasses, car insurance, gas cards, car notes, bus passes etc. etc. Without their program, none of those needs would be met as they are the only organization providing all these wraparound services.
Their focused mission also provides the intangible help of providing a caring voice and friendship and love. They have established remarkably strong bonds and trust with all of the formerly incarcerated individuals they have assisted.