Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Rides the Bed & Bread Truck
It takes an army of community supporters to Do the Most Good in Detroit, and we are so grateful for those who help drive our mission forward. On May 20, 2021, we were happy to host three representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at the Detroit Harbor Light Center. With a shared interest in serving individuals and families who are homeless, our MDHHS guests were given a tour of the Harbor Light Center, which highlighted the Medical Respite program, which provides recuperative health care for homeless individuals.
“It’s heartwarming to see The Salvation Army caring for the whole person,” said Orlando Todd, Director of Bureau Health and Wellness at MDHHS.
Pictured above (left to right): Laura de la Rambelje, MDHHS Director of Division of Local Health and Wellness, Orlando Todd, Director of Bureau Health and Wellness, Lynn Hendges, Manager of Housing and Homeless Services
The visit continued with our Bed & Bread truck, where MDHHS served meals to residents throughout Detroit. Following behind the truck was Central City Integrated Health to vaccinate Detroiters for COVID-19.
“Because of the pandemic, it has been difficult for us in the last year to personally engage with the communities we serve – that’s one of the reasons we are so excited about today,” said Lynn Hendges, Manager of Housing and Homeless Services at MDHHS. “As we headed out today, our coworkers were saying how jealous they were that we got to go!”
Previous to the pandemic, those struggling with homelessness and poverty already faced stifling barriers to accessing medical care, legal aid, and nutrition. COVID-19 exacerbated these issues, heightening the need for The Salvation Army’s services.
“The Harbor Light Center’s campus is holistic in its services,” said Hendges. “Accessing care is intimidating and burdensome for those we serve, particularly those with children. Bringing all the needed services right to the person can be a great relief to them. Our goal is that a person does not return to homelessness, and we love working with The Salvation Army because we see their programs aimed to do just that.”