Mount Clemens: The Salvation Army Hosts Safe Haven Event
On Tuesday, September 20, The Salvation Army Mt. Clemens Corps Community Center hosted a Safe Haven event for people in need in the local community. Over 100 people attended and benefitted from a variety of services, ranging from medical care to clothing and food. The event was organized by Continuum of Care, a homeless response system in Macomb County. It allowed a variety of agencies to pool their resources and to spread the word about the great need of such services.
“We try to do this twice a year, it’s for every home Continuum of Care to have a one-stop-shop… for people experiencing homelessness in our county to get all the resources they need to support their situation,” Heather VanDenburg, Macomb County emergency shelter manager, said.
Among the organizations in attendance were Motor City Mitten Mission, which gave out clothing and blankets, Community First Health Centers, which provided a mobile vaccination clinic, and Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH), which provided an opportunity for therapy, outpatient services, and psychiatry. “We serve children and adults and have different locations which serve different populations. Or motto is to put people first,” Holly Gruzwalski, a substance abuse therapist at MCCMH, said.
Though it is just one event, the impact that such services can have to people in need should not be underestimated. It is the hope of The Salvation of Army that by hosting events like Safe Haven more people can receive the help they need and spread the word to the broader community that there are resources available.
“[This event] would not have been possible without the support of the Salvation Army and Lt. Robert Owen and his wife, Major Barbara Owen, who provided the space, tables, and chairs, as well as 100 bagged lunches,” Deirdre Mercer, Senior Director of Programs at Community Housing Network, said.
Interested in volunteering with The Salvation Army? There are tons of opportunities throughout Michigan for you to make a difference. See how: https://sagreatlakes.org/volunteer