Author: Eleanore Ablan-Owen

(These are not programs of ICPJ — these are separate organizations, community leaders who we are honoring during the 2024 ICPJ Harvest Dinner.)

In the tradition of the Catholic Worker movement, there are three houses of hospitality in the Ypsi / Ann Arbor area.  Peace House, Hospitality House (often referred to as Solidarity House ), and Mercy House.  Our work overlaps and we each have taken on a bit of niche within that.  

At Peace House we really see our role as filling in the gaps, and gaps change – so our work and our lives are ever evolving. For example, we used to have a lot of “drop in” hours where folks could show up to hang out, shower, do laundry…. but about 2 years ago Solidarity House opened with a much larger space and right downtown behind the bus station (much easier to access ) and then this summer FedUP ministries brought their shower trailer to downtown Ypsi 4 days a week. Now, that there is less of a need for that we don’t have drop in hours but do showers and laundry by appointment.

All of that is a long winded way to say that “here is what we have going on now…. it could change…it will change.

All 3 of the catholic worker houses in the area provide showers and laundry to greater or lesser extents (Mercy House and Solidarity House during drop in hours and Peace House by appointment ).  All 3 hours have a donation area with clothing. Mercy House and Solidarity House a more limited donation area with Peace house having a somewhat larger “free store” with clothing, camping equipment / outdoor gear and a small amount of household goods for when folks get newly housed. 

Also all 3 houses offer overnight shelter on a limited basis: 

* Solidarity House has a few (3 or 4) of “long term” guests (several months at a time) and open space on their couches for folks who need a 1 or 2 night stay to get respite from their tents or cars.

* Peace House offers overnight stays in much the same way.  Usually 2 “Long term guests” from 1-3 months. Most of the time these stays are bridging folks to “something better” whatever that means for them. Maybe they move into housing. Maybe they have a plan to acquire a car, or simply a better tent with some savings for a hotel when the weather is extreme. Peace House also, like Solidarity House, offer couch space for a night or 2 of respite.

* Mercy House in Ann Arbor being the largest and oldest of the houses has several (maybe 8-10??) long term guests. Long term for them could mean years. Many of their long term guests are older or medically frail. They also have more space for short term guests.

All 3 houses provide some time of food support 

* Mercy House has a brunch every Saturday (pancakes, eggs…. ) and often serves close to 100 people.  During drop in hours on Monday and Wednesday they usually also  have meals (maybe 10-20 people ?). 

* Solidarity House almost always provides a simple meal during their open (drop in )hours on Thursday and Sunday 

* Peace House hosts a monthly free brunch called “Around the Kitchen Table” at a local nonprofit called Growing Hope. A buffet style with loads of vegan as well as omni options, each month has a theme that we build on.

We also deliver groceries weekly to those who need and we are looking to transition this to a “food buddy” system more in line with mutual aid and decentralized organizing.  We also keep an outdoor food pantry stocked and available 24-7.

Peace House and Solidarity House  are also involved in Washtenaw Camp Outreach, a local mutual aid effort that seeks to build community among those experiencing homelessness and to distribute survival items to those sleeping outside.  Residents/”Workers” at Solidarity House and Peace House are also involved in the organizing and staffing of a seasonal daytime warming shelter 

In terms of “niche” areas or things that are unique to each house: 

Mercy House – as mentioned has the largest capacity for overnight and tends to host several folks who are older or medically frail. They have hosted several folks as they transitioned from this life.  

Solidarity  House -has a converted garage or “hall” in the back which houses the General Defence Committee (GDC) “offices” and hosts gatherings and meetings for many local mutual aid groups and nonprofits. 

Peace House – We have fallen a bit into the role of midwife for other mutual aid projects. For example we started Pet Pals Mutual Aid (PPMA) and still host the Pet Pals Pantry. PPMA helps those who are struggling to keep their companion animals by helping with food and supplies, vouchers for spay/neuter at the local humane society, and when able to provide hotel rooms to get people and their pets inside in extreme/ dangerous weather.  We also worked with friends to start the Pullover Prevention and Mutual Aid Fairs.  Fixing headlights, brake lights etc to prevent unwanted and potentially dangerous interactions with the police. Along with this local groups gather to distribute info as well as hygiene items, covid supplies, harm reduction supplies, food, pet food etc. The health department frequently joins to give free flu and covid vaccines. Peace house also is an unofficial SSP – providing harm reduction supplies, information, recovery coaching and OD reversal training to those who want/ need. We partner closely and daly work with FedUp ministries and Care Based Safety. 

There is also Hill House (AKA the purple house) which in the winter months hosts a volunteer run program called “weather amnesty” which offers nighttime shelter for about 15 people many of whom have barriers to accessing a traditional shelter Mercy House, located at 805 W. Huron Street, is an oasis of hope for people experiencing homelessness, providing meals, showers, clothing, and personal care items. On Mondays and Wednesdays, volunteers from the community provide dinner for Mercy House residents. I invite you to consider providing a meal for Mercy House if/when you feel you have the time/space/energy.  What does it entail? You can find all of the details (and sign-up!) on this signupgenius. Basically, you sign up for a Monday or Wednesday to provide a meal and/or side dish that could serve 25-30 people, and then on that day, you deliver the food to Mercy House between 5:00 & 5:15pm. Mercy House has a growing number of people who rely on these meals and is greatly appreciative of those who can provide them!

Project 2025 Conversation Guide

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Voting N’ More Workshops

Every Tuesday in October 6-7:30pm

Brown Chapel A.M.E., 1043 W. Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti

Register: https://bit.ly/VotingNmore (This link is case-sensitive)

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Election Resources

Promote the Vote Election Resources

Washtenaw County League of Women Voters Candidate (LWV) Forums for November General Election, with recordings can be found here.

VOTE411.org — the LWV’s site with information on how to register to vote, check your registration & see what’s on your ballot

Washtenaw County Early Voting — in Person (Begins Saturday, October 26th)

Sign up for Absentee Voting in Michigan

Michigan Know Your Rights Voter Guide

Voting Access for All (VAAC) resource page

Michigan Election Calendar (VAAC)

Summary of Changes to Michigan Election Law

Become a Poll Worker in Michigan

Election Protection Resources & Trainings

ACLU Volunteer Like Your Rights Depend on It! Kick-Off: Tuesday, September 24, 6-8pm Online Register here.

Project Over Zero trainings will support leaders in responding to risks for political violence throughout the election season.  

Session #1 – September 27th, 9am PT/11am CT/12pm ET Discuss responses to scenarios that may occur in the lead-up to election day, such as voter intimidation and the scapegoating of communities for political goals. 

Session #2 – October 8th, 9am PT/11am CT/12pm ET Discuss responses to scenarios that may occur on Election Day and through the Inauguration, such as disputed results and related risks for violence.

Faith & Voting

Resources from the Interfaith Power & Light:

Download IPL’s “A Matter of Faith: Message Starters, Prayers, Litanies, and Other Resources for Considering Voting Through the Lens of Faith”

Download IPL’s “Politics in the Pulpit: A Guide to Rules and Regulations on Political Activity by Religious Organizations“

Watch Interfaith Power & Light’s Recording: “Preaching on the Importance of Voting”