Press Release and Public Awareness Statement June 21, 2003...
How do you hope to see lives changed through SolidGround's efforts?
The average age of the homeless individuals in the US is 9 years old. In Macomb County alone, we had at least 316 homeless school children for the 2002-03 school years. With the increase of layoffs, this number will continue to grow. This impacts every city in the county.
The services of Solid Ground will result in an increased quality of life for the clients and a reduced need for the community resources needed to assist the homeless for lengthy periods of time. Individuals and families will be able to regain their self-respect and assume their place in society through transitional and long-term programs. Communities in Macomb County will benefit from a decreasing homeless population as families develop economic stability and maintain permanent housing.
What role will volunteers play?
Our Executive Director is Doreen McCardle, BSW, MDIV. We hope to have a one to ten staff to resident ratio. This will more than meet compliance with licensing regulations. We will have 6 paid professional staff positions and the remaining will be volunteers. Volunteers will assist professional staff in providing program services. Areas of responsibility will include: mentor, transporter, class instructor, support group leader, group activities leader, kitchen aid, clerical, relief worker, etc. All volunteers must complete an application, have references and a criminal background check, and complete a two-week training program prior to becoming a volunteer for SGI.
How will the vision for implementing this program become a reality?
In order to provide these services Solid Ground, Inc. has acquired the former Red Cross Buiilding in Roseville and upon completion of renovations it will be in compliance with city code to meet the needs of our target group. We have received architectural drawings for our renovations and are in the selection process for our construction manager to oversee this project. The renovations are expected to take about 8 months. It has been exciting to have the different groups and individuals to begin partnering with us. Our partners include various members of the community from girl scouts to senior citizens, lay persons to professional unions, church parishioners to elected public officials.
The plan includes a commercial kitchen that will provide nutritious meals three times a day for our residents. There will be additional office space for intake, shift workers, a case manager and volunteers. Space will be needed for training, recreation, educational activities, and daycare for the children of our residents. We will have rooms to accommodate up to 48 residents. We are required to have handicapped accessible restrooms and showers, sprinkler system and an elevator. These are also essential to our program since our target group includes the elderly and disabled.
Solid Ground depends on funds from individuals, churches, organizations, and government agencies to help support and maintain the operations of this program. Contributions are tax-deductible. Churches and community groups sponsor fundraisers on behalf of Solid Ground. We are also writing grant proposals to different foundations and government agencies. Individuals are continuing to join our committees and assist in the ongoing program. Spiritual support is always welcome.