The COVID-19 crisis has deeply impacted Detroit, its people and its economy. However, tragedies often reveal the amazing capacity for people to do good. The hardships so many of us face can trigger generosity in others. Our suffering links us in a very human and tangible way. The result is nothing short of a miracle.
From the onset of this pandemic, we’ve seen Detroiters help each other in selfless and creative ways. It’s touching and reflective of our City’s history of embracing each other in times of adversity. “We’re all in this together,” is being lived in the neighborhoods across Detroit.
District 2
To show their appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers protecting the Avenue of Fashion, many Livernois restaurants joined together to create a privately funded meal program.
Delicious and free meals are being served to firefighters and medics from the First Alarm District (comprised of three stations) and police officers from the 12th Precinct. In all, about 50 meals a day are being prepared for local heroes by Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Bucharest Grill, ConverZation’s Banquet & Event Center, Durden’s Catering, Good Cakes and Bakes, Good Times on the Ave., Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles, Narrow Way Cafe, Motor City Brewery, Petty Cash Kitchen, Table No. 2, and Yoshi Hibachi Grille.
This program helps the community in a number of ways. It provides nourishment and shows gratitude to the responders servicing the area. It also allows restaurants to remain open and continue paying staff while operating hours are reduced as a result of the governor’s executive orders.
The program will continue to operate as funds allow. Those interested in making contributions can send a check, made payable to “Livernois Executive Association” to 19966 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221. For more information, email aveoffashion@gmail.com.
Efforts to feed first responders, as well as Detroit’s homeless population, are happening throughout the city. The “Pay it Forward: Power a Business & Feed the Homeless” initiative raised $50,000 to nourish Detroit’s most vulnerable residents. Participating restaurants included Yum Village, T-Mo’s BBQ Pit, Detroit Pepper Company, Rincon Tropical and Norma G’s.
Grassroots organizations across the city are stepping up to help those who need it most – children and Detroit’s homeless and aging populations. Consider what you can do to help our community in these difficult times. Thanks to Curbed Detroit, here are just a few suggestions.
Check in on others: People on your street or in your neighborhood, especially the elderly or those with disabilities, could use an extra hand. Consider joining the Metro Detroit COVID-19 Support Facebook page, for more information.
Volunteer: Several sites offer connections to volunteer opportunities including this guide by Belt Magazine and the Detour Detroit Facebook page. The State of Michigan has put together a handy page of ways to volunteer, from helping senior citizens to donating blood.
Donate: United Way for Southeastern Michigan has launched a community response fund, Gleaners Community Food Bank is looking for donations, Henry Ford Health System and TCF Bank created a $100,000 incentive match fund to aide healthcare workers, and Eater Detroit has lists for ways to contribute to the food industry, including unemployed service industry workers, feeding the homeless or simply ordering from restaurants.