Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency

Wayne Metro celebrates Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the enactment of the 19th Amendment, giving women the constitutional right to vote! Today, we recognize the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of women everywhere, especially our staff. Wayne Metro's workforce is made up of about 80% women, who are dedicated to making a difference in their communities and an impact on the world! 💜♀️💪

Earlier this week, Wayne Metro’s CEO Louis Piszker participated in BridgeDetroit’s Community Conversation on housing and home repair.

Piszker and the other panelists discussed the home repair crisis, “fragmented” systems for aid, and the lack of a national home repair program.

One of the biggest takeaways from this panel was the importance of people to be advocates for their community and push for legislative change to combat these housing issues.

“You have to keep doing what you are doing and that’s yelling about it,” Piszker said.

To learn more and find housing resources, visit https://www.bridgedetroit.com/detroiters-share-frustrations-over-fragmented-system-for-housing-help/.

Wayne Metro’s Property Tax Assistance Program is here to help and support Detroit homeowners and residents of Wayne County!

Some of our available services include:
💜Guidance and support to ease tax burdens
⬇️Eliminating or lowering current year property taxes through the City of Detroit’s Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program
💲Reducing back taxes owed by homeowners through the Pay As You Stay (PAYS) program

Visit https://www.waynemetro.org/propertytax/ or call (313) 244-0274 to apply today!

WAYNE METRO IN THE NEWS: Wayne Metro's Detroit Residents First Fund (DRFF) was featured in Metromode! 📰🗞️

DRFF recipient George Adams Jr. hosted a block party and surveyed the residents of Detroit's Virginia Park neighborhood to see what the community wanted: a park that acted as a safe space for the younger generation. Along with the non-profit 360 Detroit, Adams was able to make this want a reality for his community and created the 360 Park with the grant he gained from DRFF. 🛝

This fund was launched in collaboration with various non-profits to help Detroit-based organizations transform neighborhoods.

Visit the links to read the story and learn more about DRFF: https://www.secondwavemedia.com/metromode/features/privatelyownedparks08152024.aspx and https://www.waynemetro.org/drff-grant-enables-coalition-to-continue-advocating-for-water-accessibility-in-detroit/!

Detroit's privately owned parks make a big difference for their neighborhoods Private individuals and nonprofits have established parks across the city to help advance equity, build community, provide services, and catalyze investment in underserved neighborhoods.

At the heart of Wayne Metro are the passionate, dedicated individuals who make our work possible. Our staff and volunteers bring commitment, creativity, and compassion to every daily task.

On October 17th at 6:30 PM, we will be hosting our Annual Meeting which will focus on grassroots organizations that impact our community, the heart of community action, and showcase our annual Community Partner Picnic.

We ask that you join us while we celebrate the transformative power of Community Action and reaffirm our pledge to empower, uplift, and support those in need.

To register for our event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/944186636647?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Craving pizza and supporting a great cause? Join Wayne Metro for our “Pizza with a Purpose” campaign! Enjoy some classic Detroit-style pizza while making a difference! 🍕❤️

Throughout September, multiple Buddy's Pizza locations will participate in this fundraiser where 20% of all proceeds will support our mission of eliminating poverty and empowering communities.

To participate, place an order in person or online via Buddy’s app/website. Make sure to use code GIVEBACK when placing your order!

Can’t make it? Donations can be made online without placing an order.

For more information, visit https://www.waynemetro.org/pizza-with-a-purpose/.

Recharge your green thumb in Wayne Metro's newest blog post! 🪴🌱

Urban gardening, also known as urban horticulture or urban agriculture, is the process of tending and cultivating a garden in an urban environment. Learn about the practice and the benefits it can provide your community from one of our 2024 Community Champions, Dr. Shawn Renee Forman.

https://www.waynemetro.org/flourishing-across-wayne-county-a-guide-to-urban-gardens/

It's Wayne Metro's Workshop Week!

Whether you're looking for more information on how to be the best tenant/landlord, or you have to complete your Homebuyer Education course, we've got you covered!

We are offering various workshops throughout the week to meet your needs!

In the Maintaining the Dream Workshop, you will learn how to maintain your investment, how to plan for your home’s expenses, understand tax benefits & who to contact if financial hardship occurs.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J2VTkMETR6G9Tg_TS6wybg

The Renting Right Workshop will provide attendees with a better understanding of fair housing laws, landlord and tenant responsibilities, financial management, security deposit laws, and more.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VFCxFxyvSfO71hBN02QN9Q

The Homebuyer Club covers the basics for first-time homebuyers. It is available to anyone interested in learning more about the entire home-buying and mortgage processes, as well as those already working with a lender. This workshop satisfies lender requirements to secure various homebuyer assistance and mortgage programs.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VTDHLg5VQv-L6R5O2KGS0g

The Keep My Home Workshop will discuss emergency budgets, forbearance, partial claims, modifications, housing counseling, and COVID-19-related material including the moratoriums.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Qbk8jaetQ3WQVKeSFCCHLQ

At Wayne Metro, we know the importance of in-person services and meeting the community where they need us.

On Sunday, August 4th, our dedicated staff offered our wraparound services at the 2nd Community of Hope event alongside other organizations making a difference in the city.

It was an incredible day filled with haircuts, showers, medical services, food, music, resources, and much more!

We are thankful to have partners like Neighborhood Service Organization - NSO who help make these resources available to those in need.

If you are in need of services or are looking to learn more about our programming, please visit waynemetro.org or call 313-388-9799.

Today, we commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which celebrates the culture, heritage, wisdom, traditions, and impact Indigenous people contribute to their communities and the world. This day also raises awareness for the injustices Indigenous people endured and acts as an opportunity to foster solidarity among these communities.

We ask that you join us in respectfully acknowledging the ancestral homelands of the Council of Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. These three Anishinaabe nations resided on the land of our service centers in Wayne County. We pay our respects to the elders both past and present, who stewarded this land throughout generations.

To learn more about the Ojibwe, also known as the Chippewa tribe, visit https://www.saulttribe.com/ .

To learn more about the Ottawa, visit https://lrboi-nsn.gov/ .

To learn more about the Potawatomi, visit https://www.pokagonband-nsn.gov/ .

Lights, camera, action!

Wayne Metro is giving you behind-the-scenes for our Annual Meeting. This segment was filmed at the inspiring NSO Community of Hope event with help from our partners at Mongoose Films.

Our Annual Meeting takes place on October 17th. Make sure to register by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/944186636647?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks, heartwarming moments, and maybe even a few surprises along the way!

Giving our clients peace of mind and a sense of security is a priority here at Wayne Metro.

We recently helped client Gloria Blackman, who was willing to share her experience with our team.

"Your agency's commitment to serving the community is truly commendable. The work not only addresses immediate needs like mine but also contributes to the overall well-being and stability of the community as a whole."

For more information on Wayne Metro and our services, please visit www.waynemetro.org.

Wayne Metro's Weatherization Program is dedicated to helping you enhance your home's energy efficiency, ensuring comfort and reducing utility bills year-round. Our comprehensive services are designed to make a lasting impact on your home and your wallet.

Why Choose Weatherization?
💰 Cost Savings: Lower your energy bills by improving your home's efficiency.
🛋️ Comfort: Enjoy a more comfortable living environment, no matter the season.
🌍 Environmental Impact: Reduce your carbon footprint by using less energy.
🏥 Health and Safety: Improve indoor air quality and ensure your home is safe from potential hazards.

Transform your home with Wayne Metro's Weatherization Program. Contact us today to start your journey to a more efficient home. Visit our website www.waynemetro.org/weatherization or call us at 313-388-9799.

Ensuring Car Seat Safety, a Success Story!

At Wayne Metro, we are dedicated to keeping our community safe, especially our youngest members. Recently, we had the privilege of supporting Councilman Benson's car seat drive, ensuring over 300 children ride safer in their family vehicles!

Why is Car Seat Safety Important?
Proper car seat use is crucial for the safety of children in vehicles. It significantly reduces the risk of injury during accidents. Ensuring that car seats are correctly installed and used can be life-saving.

How to Access Car Seats in Michigan:
•Wayne Metro's Programs: We offer car seat safety checks and provide car seats to eligible families.
•Local Health Departments: Many local health departments provide car seat inspections and distribution programs.
•Community Organizations: Various community organizations and non-profits also offer car seat assistance programs.

Ensuring car seat safety is just one of the many ways Wayne Metro is committed to enhancing the well-being and security of our community. For more information on our services, visit waynemetro.org or call 313-388-9799.

WAYNE METRO IN THE NEWS: Wayne Metro's Neighborhood Beautification Grant Program was featured in Pride Source!

“Through a partnership with the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, Detroit offers grants to neighborhood associations, block clubs, and non-profit organizations that want to create beauty by cleaning up abandoned lots or embarking on projects like community gardens and public space improvements.”

The Neighborhood Beautification Program applications for 2024 are closed, but it’s never too soon to prepare for next year!

To read the article and learn more about our Neighborhood Beautification Program, visit https://pridesource.com/article/detroit-for-life and https://www.waynemetro.org/neighborhood-beautification-grant/ .

Detroit Is Ready to Invest in You Detroit for Life: The City that has your back. Did you know there are funds available for City residents who want to return to school, embark on a new

At Wayne Metro, we're here to help you navigate life's challenges with a range of supportive services. Whether you're seeking assistance or looking to learn more about our programs, we'll meet you where you're at!

🏠 Homeless Supportive Services
💧 Water Utility Assistance
🍲 Food Support
📚 Head Start & Early Head Start Programs

Apply today and take the first step towards a brighter future. Visit www.waynemetro.org/apply or call us at 313-388-9799.

Calling all Detroiters who need assistance with their water bill... Wayne Metro and DWSD are here to help you!

The Lifeline program is designed to help low-income residents in Detroit manage their water and sewer bills. The Lifeline Plan offers assistance such as bill discounts, payment plans, and debt forgiveness for eligible customers. The program aims to ensure that all residents have access to clean water and proper sanitation services without facing financial hardship.

With the DWSD Lifeline Plan, income-eligible clients can pay as low as $18 per month for their water bill!

No One Has to Lose Their Water Service in Detroit!
Call (313) 388-9799 or Scan the code to apply today!

Visit www.WayneMetro.org/DWSDLifeline for more details.

If you are currently experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, please join us this Sunday, August 4th from 1pm-4pm at the 2nd inaugural Day of Hope led by the NSO in collaboration with the City of Detroit and The Right Productions, Inc.

Day of Hope is a free event designed to provide access to wraparound services and resources for unhoused people and families in Metro Detroit, including housing solutions, health screenings, job readiness training, transportation resources, meal voucher case management counseling, and a panel discussion about the current state of the unhoused in Detroit.

To learn more about Day of Hope, please visit nso-mi.org.

Are you seeking funding to support your work with individuals experiencing homelessness? Join presenter Mitch Blum-Alexander next Wednesday, July 31st from 10am-11am to learn more about funding available through the Out-Wayne Continuum of Care.

To register, click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcOmhrj0vHtQu23OVnziBB1qlbfZxu4li #/registration

Today, we celebrate and honor Americans with Disabilities!

Let's continue advocating for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. 💙

Come check out Mission Cafe tomorrow for a sweet treat!

Satisfy your cravings with us ! Join us tomorrow at Mission Cafe (7310 Woodward) from 8:30 am to 11 am, and let's have a blast!

Have you been looking for a workplace with benefits, great culture, and competitive pay? If this sounds like you, join us for our Whole Family Career Fair on Friday, July 26th from 10 AM to 1 PM.

We have two locations accepting appointments!

📍 Locations:
4671 Parker St. Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
138 Cortland, Highland Park, MI 48203

Appointments are preferred! Apply online to be contacted for an appointment by visiting www.waynemetro.org/careers.

Thank you all for coming out and supporting our mission 💜

We are so thankful for our partnerships with local non-profits. Today we presented Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency with their June 2024 Double Your Difference check for $2,416.58. These funds will be used for the Night Center, which provides overnight shelter service for up to 30 individuals per night, year-round.

Thank you for supporting STEP and Wayne Metro!

Earlier this month, Wayne Metro celebrated our graduates from our Growing Green and LEAP to Teach job training programs! 🎓🎉

In these programs, our graduates gained hands-on work experience from experts and learned how to excel in their desired fields.

Congrats on completing this academic milestone, and we can’t wait to see you succeed in your next step!

To learn more about these programs and how to apply, visit https://www.waynemetro.org/growinggreenjobs/ and https://www.waynemetro.org/leaptoteach/.