PARTNERS
Most ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) homeowners and renters are housing-burdened, with over 30% of their income spent on housing and utility costs. This could mean they are just one crisis away from losing their homes.
In Michigan, the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) count revealed that 9,739 people experienced homelessness on a singular snowy day in January. While showing an 8.2% increase from 2023, this count continues to underestimate the need, because many temporarily shelter with family to escape the harsh weather.
Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND), a United Way for Southeastern Michigan grant-funded partner, is on a mission to provide leadership to end homelessness. They launched their Ambassadors program to center the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness (PWLEH), to learn about the shortcomings of aid systems and help create a better care system.
“I’m a survivor of domestic violence, which led me and my children into homelessness— that experience changed my life,” said Ashley Brown, ambassador at HAND. “I went in one way and came out another, it gave me a whole new sense of purpose.”
“I didn’t just survive; I became an advocate,” said Ashley. “HAND’s Ambassador program felt like the right space to continue my mission, build deeper connections, and keep pushing for change in a meaningful way.”
AMBASSADORS ADVOCATE
Established in 2024, HAND’s Ambassadors provide resource coordination, one-on-one support, client and staff education and system advocacy.
“The Ambassadors program spun out of strong belief that our system will never be just or responsive to the community without centering lived experiences in the work and decision-making,” said Kaitie Giza, MSW, engagement manager at HAND.
Each of the 11 Ambassadors has their own story of resiliency. Their diverse experiences help them support everyone they encounter, including young people and mothers.
Over the last year, the Ambassadors helped 141 people register to vote, served 192 people with a winter clothing drive and provided supplies to132 people impacted by the water main break in southwest Detroit.
“I became interested in joining the Ambassador Program because I’ve experienced homelessness firsthand with my family and that gave me a real understanding of the challenges people face— not just the lack of shelter, but the emotional, physical, and mental toll it takes,” said Rachel Minion, ambassador at HAND.
“I believe my perspective can help build more empathy and understanding, and I want to be a voice for those who are still struggling and lost hope along the way.”
POWER OF PARTNERS
The pilot Ambassadors program was funded with a $50,000 flexible grant from United Way for Southeastern Michigan in 2023. PWLEH leaders hosted seven focus groups with 117 clients to provide feedback on the homeless response system.
“The funding allowed us to pay those advocates to help design and implement a feedback gathering process and to pay clients to share their perspectives,” said Tasha Gray, executive director at HAND. “The conversations provided a very human perspective to the data, a reminder that the decisions impact real people and helped to shift the conversations to ensure this impact is honored.”
This year, HAND was one of 90 partners across the region to receive flexible funding through United Way’s spring investments, providing an additional $50,000 to the organization.
“The flexible nature of this grant remains a boon in the midst of these tumultuous times for our system and community,” said Kaitie. “It has given us hope that we still have a stream of funding to support PWLEH in their system-level work even if the federal funding for this is inhibited or cut.”
With increased need and shrinking resources, it’s more important than ever strengthen the community safety net. When we come together as nonprofits, legislators, corporations and stakeholders, we can improve the lives of ALICE families and change our community for the better.
“Being part of this program is deeply personal to me,” said Rachel. “It’s about giving back, building community and showing others that their past doesn’t define their future.”
Donate today to ensure more flexible funds are available in our community.
