Friend,

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the Detroit area particularly hard, as one of the Blackest cities in the country and Michigan’s epicenter. Although just 14% of Michigan’s population, Black people make up at least 40% of Michigan’s coronavirus deaths. This is outrageous.

But one organization that’s particularly well-suited for this moment is Focus: HOPE.

They’ve been serving southeast Michigan for 50 years, advocating for systemic change and an end to racism, poverty, and other injustices—while providing essential immediate services for people with the most need. And with massive job losses and surging health risks, the community’s needs have risen drastically.

Rush a donation now to Focus: HOPE so they can continue their urgent, critical efforts to support one of the hardest-hit communities in the nation.

More than ever, we need each other. We’ve heard overwhelmingly from residents that seniors and parents are relying on grocery drop-offs, formula, and diapers during this crisis, which is exactly what Focus: HOPE is providing.

Now they have to ramp up to meet the growing need, including reaching more community members who need help during this crisis. They’ve rapidly had to adjust important programs, including:

• Their Food for Seniors program—which serves more than 41,000 older adults every month—has shifted to a drive-through, contactless pickup system, where boxes of nutritious food are placed directly into seniors’ cars. And they’re increasing food deliveries, so elderly people can stay safe at home.

• In addition to helping students and families in their Early Learning and Youth Development programs with food and supplies, they’re supporting families with remote education resources and virtual home visits.

• Their Workforce Development training has had to move online, which means ensuring all students now have access to e-learning resources and virtual support.

We need organizations like Focus: HOPE not only for these lifesaving direct services, but also because of their leadership in antiracism and removing barriers to prosperity.

They build community empowerment and justice into everything they do, including free financial coaching to improve people’s credit scores and building a new generation of leaders to advance racial equity.

Focus: HOPE recognizes and is addressing the direct correlation between poverty, racism, and the increased number of coronavirus cases in the Detroit area. For example, even before the pandemic hit our community, 1 in 5 people suffered from food insecurity. But now, the need is even greater.

If you can, please donate now to support Focus: HOPE’s critical work. Please give generously if you’re able to.

This crisis will have long-lasting impacts on all of us. But it’s community groups like Focus: HOPE that remind me that together, we will get through this, as best we can.

In solidarity and love,

Rashida