The Oakland Press: Poverty shift to suburbs hits Oakland County, too

Areas around Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit lead U.S. in rates of increase

While Oakland County ranks among the most affl uent counties in the nation, it has not been immune to a national trend of growing poverty in suburban communities.

For the first time in the nation's history, suburban poor have outnumbered their innercity counterparts. A study of the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas indicates that more than 12 million suburban residents were living in poverty in 2005. This is about 1.2 million more than in inner cities.

"Economies are regional now," said Alan Berube, who co-wrote the report for the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. "Where you see increases in city poverty, in almost every metropolitan area, you also see increases in suburban poverty."

This has certainly been the case in the Detroit metropolitan area and across southern Michigan.

The report identifies the suburbs surrounding Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit as having the fi rst-, second- and third-highest rates of increased poverty in the nation.

Kurt Metzger, research director for the United Way of Southeastern Michigan and a longtime advocate of regional economic development planning, said the findings come as no surprise, given Michigan's struggling economy.

"This is a clarion call to show people that we are all in this together. The suburbs are not going to survive if the cities do not survive," he said. "We either have to come back as a region or we're not going to come back at all."

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Giving of our time and talents

United Way for Southeastern Michigan strongly encourages employees to get involved by giving of their time and talents, participating in worthwhile projects and organizations in communities where they live and work. UWSEM provides up to 30 hours of paid time-off for employees to independently work on volunteer activities that are important to them. Following is a recap of the experience four of our team members had volunteering through UWSEM's paid volunteer program at Children's Hospital.

Upon our arrival we were sent to the volunteer services office and were met with smiling faces from the hospital staff as well as other volunteers. This was just the beginning of an experience that we will never forget. Donna, a young lady, who was very enthusiastic when she greeted us, gave us our orientation. We were given detailed instructions on the “do’s and don’ts” of the hospital as it relates to interaction with the children.

We had the opportunity to work with children 8 years old and up. As the children entered the room, we offered our services to assist with making crafts that were provided by our Volunteer department. At the same time, most of the children came in with their own creative ideas as well as some additional supplies.

The children seemed eager to make holiday crafts - they came with as much enthusiasm to participate as we did as a volunteer. We made paper plate snowmen, tree ornaments, as well as photo ornaments. Some of the children even named their snowmen.

This experience is one that none of us will ever forget. At a time when so much is taken for granted we often forget that spending quality time with someone is the biggest gift that anyone can receive. Take a moment to spend time with someone who needs a hug, a kind word, or someone just to listen to. The rewards are unbelievable.

We would like to leave you with the “positive thoughts” that were displayed around the Activity room, - 5th floor, Children’s Hospital…

Smile, celebrate, dream, respect, giggle, create, believe, inspire, imagine, play, love yourself, support, have fun, share and heal.

While these seem like everyday words to us, there is a much deeper meaning behind these words for children who are away from their families, especially during the holidays. In reality, these words are the “positive thoughts” that we should all live by.

Vanessa Austin
Resource Development, Labor Departmetn

Cora Kendrick
Facility Services

Theresa Sampson
Brand Identity & Communications

Toforaya Williams
Brand Identity & Communications

Statewide 211 line encouraged

United Way officials will ask governor to offer human and social service help line to all in Mich.

Kim Kozlowski / The Detroit News

National and local United Way officials plan to lobby Gov. Jennifer Granholm today to join 20 other states and help Michigan take the 211 help line statewide.

The call line, which launched operations one year ago this week, has referred 98,000 Michigan residents to more than 6,000 human and social service agencies, primarily in food, utility and housing assistance.

But it is only available to 70 percent of the state's population, who live in the state's lower half and Upper Peninsula.

The program, which runs 24 hours a day, currently operates with $6.5 million from private foundations, corporations, nonprofit agencies and some public funds. But United Way is seeking to increase public support to help the call line operate statewide at a cost of $10 million a year.

"It took 911 39 years to get across America," said Mike Brennan, president of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "In a short time, it's taken 211 to get across 70 percent of Michigan. Let's get the commitment to statewide coverage of 211, so every citizen has the ability to pick up the phone and get help."

When West Bloomfield resident Carol Ann Rowland was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she didn't have health insurance but needed surgery. She tried finding help through a local hospital, the state department of human services and even called Granholm and her state senator. But no one helped her.

Then she called the 211 line, which put her in touch with a human rights lawyer who helped get her get Medicaid coverage so she could get the surgery she needed.

"Now I am better," said Rowland, 46. "They are a God-send. Without them I would have died."

You can reach Kim Kozlowski at (313) 222-2024 or kkozlowski@detnews.com.

Judge Damon Keith: A Giant Amongst Us

There are moments you have in life you realize your in a conversation you will always remember. I had such a moment last week when I met with Judge Damon Keith. Those joining me on the visit were Secretary Rodney Slater -- Chairman of United Way of America, Brian Gallagher--President of United Way of America, and Reggie Turner--Vice Chair of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Judge Damon Keith is someone who has stood for equality, social justice and just plain old decency to one another. He is walking history not only for southeastern Michigan, but for the country.

While in his chambers, he told a story I heard him speak about not to long ago. At the time, I incorporated it into an essay I wrote. I have included below an edited version.

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Judge Damon Keith, United States Court of Appeals Judge for the Sixth Circuit in Detroit, is a giant. He has been bestowed over 35 honorary doctorates by some of the most prominent universities. This country, region and city have been blessed by having the courage, wisdom and presence of Judge Keith.

At a recent community gathering, Judge Keith spoke of his experience when he was appointed by Chief Justice William Rehnquist to serve as the National Chairman of the Judicial Conference Committee on the Bicentennial of the Constitution.

Judge Keith described standing outside of the hotel where the committee was holding a meeting. As he stood there, a man came up to him and said, “Boy, can you park my car?”

An angered committee member wanted to speak out, but Judge Damon Keith said to his colleague, “No, don’t. Understand, there isn’t a day in my life that I am not reminded that I am black.”

While I believe most would say we have made progress on many of our social justice issues, one cannot claim all is well. The divide doesn’t lie just along racial lines.

The 2005 Michigan Women’s Leadership Index came out describing the lost ground that women have made in the private sector, bringing forward one conclusion: “the primary cause of the weakening has been the decline of women among the most important category: top compensated officers.”

Youth have difficulty mounting a voice and participating in issues that affect their future. Our expanding senior populations often are not thought of as essential players for progress.

When we experienced the largest economic expansion in our history through the 1990’s, we didn’t see the same gains on social issues or a closing of the economic gap.
This region does not hold the franchise rights to these gaps. However, closing the gap is possible.

For example, when Madison, Wisconsin eliminated the academic achievement gap among minority students, it took a weakness and made it into a strength. Turning our weaknesses into an emerging strength is an opportunity sometimes leveraged, but often overlooked or ignored.

"Civilization is the process in which one gradually increases the number of people included in the term ‘we’ or ‘us’ and at the same time decreases those labeled ‘you’ or ‘them’ until that category has no one left in it.”
— Howard Winters

There is potency when we widen and include. I once had an associate who always said, “Be careful what you let become normal.” Whether we are focused on the disparity by race, economics, education or gender to name a few, the acceptance of the gap and leaving others behind ought never to be “normal.”

A student failing in Detroit is no less important than a student failing in a suburb. Human need is human need wherever you are. Not only is gender and racial inequity unjust, it doesn’t make economic sense. These issues are a long time in the making so, one can reasonably conclude, a long time in resolving.

Are we a region that wants to be defined by our gaps? Or are we interested in demonstrating that, through intentional efforts, this region can make marked progress over a three, five and 10-year period.

What is the one thing that can help us make progress on these gap issues? Only everyone.

Two words that seem at polar opposites hold a key to progress. It’s creating the seat at the table— ensuring there are bootstraps by which to pull up one’s boots — engaging voices that often are excluded. It requires increasing the number in our “us”.

Judge Keith learned a long time ago, for a region to be great, it must be great for everyone.
All are needed. All are welcome.

Thanks for reading. Pass it on.

The Winning Detroit Lions

For any fan of the Lions, this has been a rough season. As I write this, we have just dropped down two touchdowns to the Vikings. As I see the players running the field, I reflect on another side of the players not always seen by the general public. This side --- the side of service to others---- maybe as important for the youngsters who stood beside them on a cold, windy day outside of Ford Field.

The United Way and the NFL have the longest running partnership between a professional league and a non-profit. The 33 year partnership has connected the players and the community. Just this week, there were many of the current players and some past (thank you Lem Barney) who helped load 30,000 pounds of chicken into trucks, vans and cars. Each vehicle represented an organization who is serving residents in need in the region.

So there was Lem Barney yelling out directions for all, Jason Hanson crawling into the back of a van hauling boxes in, and Dan Orlovsky guiding boxes onto the back end of a truck. Everyone wants a winning team on Sundays. Sometimes that can happen, sometimes it doesn't. But one thing that can be constant is the ability to serve others.

The kids helping out that day saw players in a different way. Games will come and go. By rolling up their sleeves and getting in the game of volunteerism, the players taught school age children that service to your community is important. My guess is each of the kids helping out will forget a particular game or season. I doubt,however, that they will ever forget working with the players in helping those who need help the most.

In my book, the Lions are a winning team ---- in a different way.

Thanks for reading......pass it on.

United Way’s 2-1-1 celebrates first year serving southeastern Michigan

PRESS RELEASE

Media Contacts
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

Call center received nearly 98,000 calls since December 2005

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan celebrated a successful first year of its 2-1-1 call center today, which received 97,959 calls since its launch last December. This represents a 58 percent increase in calls from United Way’s previous Tel-Help Information and Referral Service, which began in 1944 and handled 44,000 calls in 2005.

United Way’s 2-1-1 is an easy access, multi-lingual, comprehensive information and referral service serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties that is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. From child care to adult day care, tax assistance or holiday help, the service connects people to more than 6,600 health and human services, as well as volunteer opportunities. 2-1-1 specialists are trained to handle each call with dignity, making the process of asking for help less painful and the connection to services much easier and effective.

November saw the highest call volume since 2-1-1 launched, receiving 13,757 calls. Top requests included: utility assistance, food pantries, housing and rent assistance, with job assistance being the fastest growing category. More than 90 percent of people 2-1-1 followed up with found the service useful and would recommend 2-1-1 to a friend.

“The sheer volume of people calling 2-1-1 in its first year proves how necessary the service is for this region,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “2-1-1 has made great strides in the past year to streamline access to services and provide a single point of entry into the health and human service system. In this unprecedented time when the request for services is at an all time high, 2-1-1 is a valuable resource for those who need help or those who wish to give help.”

In addition to providing information and referral services, 2-1-1 has been involved in partnerships with the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority to prescreen residents for Medicaid and Prescription Hope and help residents gain access to prescription assistance. Through these partnerships, 2-1-1 screens callers to see if they are eligible for free or low-cost healthcare and prescription programs. United Way’s 2-1-1 also partners with WJBK-TV FOX 2 and Gardner-White Furniture for Holiday Connection, which promotes United Way’s Wish List, a special book that includes agencies in southeastern Michigan and their needs. The books are available at all Gardner-White Furniture Stores and online at www.uwsem.org/wishlist.

Currently, there are 209 active 2-1-1 systems in 41 states, with the first 2-1-1 call center established in 1997. Currently nearly 70 percent of Michigan residents have access to 2-1-1 with more than 40 percent covered by United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s call center, making it one of the largest 2-1-1 call centers in the nation.

“With nearly 100,000 calls received in 2-1-1 during the first year this is really a celebration about the 100,000 lives touched through 2-1-1,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO, United Way of America. “But we have the opportunity to touch so many more lives.”


Gallagher continued: “Our experience tells us at some point 2-1-1 has to be statewide. There are 700 different information and hot lines in state government making the system hard to navigate. 2-1-1 is a way to streamline that and make it easier for people everywhere to access information.”

Carol Ann Rowland, of West Bloomfield, recently received assistance from 2-1-1. She was living with ovarian cancer, but didn’t have medical insurance to cover any treatment she would need.

“I tried calling so many different people and organizations, but wasn’t finding anyone who could help,” she said. “2-1-1 connected me with a disability lawyer who helped tremendously. I was able to have surgery to remove the cancer. The service was so helpful for me.”

United Way’s 2-1-1 service is a collaborative partnership with The Information Center, The Detroit Public Library, Common Ground Sanctuary, Macomb County Crisis Center, Neighborhood Service Organization, and United Way 2-1-1 Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties. This partnership ensures that the 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Several companies and foundations have helped make 2-1-1 a reality by sponsoring a portion of the start-up costs, including: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, Comerica Charitable Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, ConnectMichigan Alliance, DaimlerChrysler Corporation Foundation, DTE Energy Foundation, Hudson-Webber Foundation, The Jewish Fund, The Kresge Foundation, Lear Corporation, McGregor Fund, Metro Health Foundation, Michigan First Credit Union, Ralph & Winifred Polk Foundation, the State of Michigan, and the Whitney Fund.

To give help or get help, call 2-1-1 or 1-800-552-1183.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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Hometown Huddle to distribute thousands of pounds of food

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media Contacts
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

Detroit Lions
Tim Pendell, 313-215-4172

UNITED WAY AND THE DETROIT LIONS PARTNER WITH LIFT UP AMERICA, TYSON FOODS AND GLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK TO FEED METRO DETROIT’S HUNGRY

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Detroit Lions are teaming up with Lift Up America, Tyson Foods, Inc. and Gleaners Community Food Bank for the 8th annual Hometown Huddle Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Ford Field. The purpose of this year’s event is to feed thousands of metro Detroit’s hungry. The distribution of food and product will include 20,000 pounds of frozen chicken, donated by Tyson Foods, Inc.; 1,000 cans of Chunky Soup, donated by Campbell’s® Chunky™; and 3,000 battery packs, donated by Interstate Batteries. United Way volunteers and Detroit Lions’ players will load the product into the vehicles of more than 30 (pre-selected) nonprofit agencies that run food pantries. The distribution of food and product will benefit approximately 2,000 metro Detroit families in time for the holidays.

Hometown Huddle celebrates the 33-year partnership of United Way and the NFL and supports both organizations’ work to make a positive and lasting impact on our region. Lift Up America works with corporations and professional sports teams to provide far-reaching aid to the less fortunate. They are involved in 25 similar events throughout the country. Tyson Foods, Inc. has focused on the issue of hunger in America, donating more than 41 million pounds of much-needed protein to hunger relief efforts across the country. Gleaners Community Food Bank feeds the hungry throughout our region by providing over two million pounds of food per month to more than 400 nonprofit and charitable organizations in southeastern Michigan.

"The NFL and the Lions have had a long and rewarding relationship with United Way nationally and locally,” said Tom Lewand, executive vice president & COO, Detroit Lions. “We are thrilled to be able to use Hometown Huddle to address hunger and feed thousands of people right here at home.”

“We are very grateful to partner with the Detroit Lions, Lift Up America, Tyson Foods and Gleaners Community Food Bank whose compassion for others is evident by their missions and service to those in need,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Partnerships such as this one demonstrate the tremendous impact we can make in the lives of others when we work together.”

WHAT: The Detroit Lions and United Way’s 8th Hometown Huddle – Food for the Hungry With Lift Up America, Tyson Foods and Gleaners Community Food Bank

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 5. 11:30 a.m. brief program and distribution of food (Best time for media 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Agencies will start arriving at 11 a.m. The event will provide several interview opportunities and great visuals.)

WHERE: Ford Field, outside Gate A on Brush St. (Media vehicles should park on Adams St.). Area food pantries will line up their vehicles on Brush St. to receive food.

WHO: Lem Barney, Detroit Lions Alumni and Pro Football Hall of Famer; Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan; Jaan Heinmets, director, National Distribution, Lift Up America; Robert Gillespie, Regional Sales Manager, Tyson Foods, Inc.; and DeWayne Wells, vice president, Program Services, Gleaners Community Foods Bank, will speak during the brief program. More than 25 United Way volunteers and Detroit Lions players will help load the donated product. Detroit Lions players include Aveion Cason, running back; Eddie Drummond, wide receiver; Jason Hanson, kicker; Nick Harris, punter; Casey FitzSimmons, tight end; Frank Davis, Stephen Peterman and Barry Stokes, offensive linemen; Jon McGraw, defensive back; Dan Orlovsky, quarterback, Marcus Pollard, tight end; Corey Smith and Bill Swancutt, defensive linemen. Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary and United Way’s mascot Captain Carin’ will also be on hand, along with The Salvation Army Band.

WHY: This partnership event will help feed the hungry in the metro Detroit, serving approximately 2,000 families through more than 30 area food pantries. Hometown Huddle celebrates the long-standing partnership of the NFL and United Way and continues to provide opportunities to engage residents, nonprofits and businesses to work together to improve lives.

Other key points regarding the hungry in southeast Michigan:

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, among the larger cities nationwide, Detroit has one of the highest proportions of people in poverty with 31.4 percent, many of whom are children.
• There is more than a 26 percent decrease in manufacturing jobs in southeastern Michigan and requests for food assistance have more than doubled since 2000, according to the Michigan League for Human Services.
• A survey conducted by Gleaners Community Food Bank found that approximately 70% of food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters have reported a substantial increase in people requesting food since 2001.
• Gleaners Community Food Bank also found that 39% of food pantries, 21% of soup kitchens and 37% of shelters had to turn people away last year, due to lack of resources.
• United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 2-1-1 call center, serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, received more than 97,400 calls since it launched in December 2005, with food assistance being one of the top services requested.

We have an opportunity to make a difference, right here at home. If you need help or want to help by volunteering your time or resources, call United Way’s 2-1-1 call center by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-552-1183. You can also click on United Way’s Web site at www.uwsem.org or Gleaners Community Food Bank Web site at www.gcfb.org.

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Other People's Reports

My office is at 1212 Griswold---next to Capital Park and the bus terminal----in downtown Detroit. One block from Campus Martius Park and Compuware. Or for long time Detroiters, one block from the old Hudson's on Woodward.

I walk through downtown wondering what it might have been like when the city was at its peak ----- two million strong in 1959. Buses, trains and trolly cars. Shops, businesses and restaurants at each turn. My father, having returned from China after WWII and gone to University of Detroit on the GI Bill, worked two blocks from where I do today at that moment. Many of the buildings are the same, yet, it is a different time and condition.

I think of my relationship to Detroit: to this region. In the past three days, I found myself in downtown Ann Arbor doing an errand, shopping for produce at the Eastern Market, listening to our city's orchestra at the Max, having a coffee in downtown Northville and over to Lansing to meet relatives. My workday can as easily have me in Auburn Hills, Downtown Detroit, Mount Clemens, Northern Oakland County or downriver. This is the geography of my community.

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In Orhan Pamuk's Nobel Prize winning book "Instanbul", he writes about his relationship with his city after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. These insights made me think more about my relationship with my city and region. As I read these, I inserted the word Detroit for Instanbul and Auto Industry for Empire.

"Instanbul's fate is my fate. I am attached to this city because it has made me who I am."

"For me, it has always been a city of ruins and end-of- empire melancholy. I've spent my life either battling with this melancholy or (like all Instanbullus) making it my own."

"I sometimes think myself unlucky to have been born in an aging and impoverished city buried under the ashes of a ruined empire. But a voice inside me always insists this was really a piece of luck"

"Once imprinted in our minds, other people's reports of what we've done end up mattering more than what we ourselves remember. And just as we learn about our lives from others, so too do we let others shape our understanding of the city in which we live."

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At a recent meeting with civic leader's from around Southeastern Michigan, I was struck at how many had found their way here in the past 5 to 12 years. Yet, how much of the conversation trickled to events that took place 40 years ago.

2007 will mark 40 years since the riots of 1967. I was five year's old when the riots took place and I have no recollection of the events. Most of the nearly 5 million residents in Southeastern Michigan either have no recollection of '67, weren't' born, or didn't live here. Yet, I feel the presence of its impact in my work almost daily.

Pamuk says: "...just as we learn about our lives from others, so too do we let others shape our understanding of the city in which we live." I wonder how much of the shaping of our relationship to the city of Detroit has been through other people's reports? Have the historical deficits blinded the present day assets and opportunities?

Since I was a child, I have always witnessed the relationship people have to their birthplace in the region as an 'either/or". Either I am pro- suburb or pro-city. It is rarely an 'And'.

As long as I can remember, the region has struggled economically because of the world moving from an industrial giant to a service economy to a global information age. Even in our self-described boom times of the past decades, there has been a constant shrinking of the industry that built the city and region.

What is the relationship I am shaping for my children to the city and the region? That is why for me the work of the regional alliance One D: Transforming Regional Detroit is so important. One D is working on the new story to this region. It recognizes our history, but it is putting its energy on building a new capability to lift the financial stability and quality of life for all in the region. One D is about the work of today and tomorrow: faith that when we work in the collective we will see progress.

Might this 'new story' be the "other people's reports" that are passed onto our children to shape their understanding of the city and region?

How have 'other people's reports" shaped our relationship to the City of Detroit and the region?
Thanks for reading, pass it on.