Page 16 - Our Hands Fall 2020

Giving Hope Capital Campaign
FREEDOM VILLAGE

Getting New Curb Appeal

in Hamtramck

Program leverages federal funds to provide housing

to immigrants and refugees

andpicked fall décor like pumpkins and but by who they are, and all that they have the
mums were the final touch to make the potential to be.
HSamaritas Freedom Village property
feel like home for some of Michigan’s newest Freedom Village serves as the next step for six
residents. New American families as they transition from
being targeted and terrorized, to being productive
In October, Freedom Village, a resettlement and contributing members of our community.
facility designed to provide refugees and
immigrants with temporary, affordable housing In addition to Samaritas CEO, Sam Beals,
was completed and spruced up with the help of these dignitaries also took part in the ribbon
individuals, sponsors and churches. cutting ceremony: Wayne County Executive,
Warren C. Evans, Assistant County Executive
Helpful organizations like Interior Designers at Wayne County, Khalil Rahal, CEO of Wayne
Coalition for Change, led by Carolyn Dwyer Metro, Louis D. Piszker, Hamtramck Mayor,
and Dwane Adle, gave Wayne Metro a hand Karen Majewski, and representatives from
with decorating the facility’s exterior. A flurry Commissioner, Martha G. Scott’s office. These
of volunteers worked to plant flowers and fine sponsors and donors helped get this project
beautify porches with pots of mums. Many off the ground:
church volunteers even brought their own rakes,
shovels and flowers to make this new home feel • Mr. James and Mrs. Carole Wortley –
in loving memory of William E. Wortley
comfortable and loved.
• Mrs. Pat Thomas
“We love Samaritas and the work they do to help people
in our community,” said James and Carole Wortley, • Holy Cross Lutheran – Livonia
donors and volunteers for the Freedom Village project. • St. Paul American Lutheran Church –
“in loving memory of William E. Wortley. More Dearborn
information about their quote and specifics will be
coming from DeeDee very soon.” • Hope Lutheran – Farmington Hills
• Synod of the Covenant – Southeast Michigan
Freedom Village includes three two-family
homes in Hamtramck that were refurbished and • St. Paul – Grosse Pointe Farms
redesigned for families. This construction project
was made possible by a partnership between • Omega Xi Omega – New Haven
Samaritas, Wayne County, Wayne Metropolitan • Pi Tau Omega – Southfield Chapter
Community Action Agency, the City of
Hamtramck. It is funded with federal housing • Interior Designers Coalition for Change
dollars.

With a history as the largest Refugee Resettlement " Words cannot explain my appreciation and the way I feel right now. Today you guys
instilled dignity back. I’m so happy. I’m blessed and highly favored by God. Thank you
organization in the state, Samaritas welcomes to Samaritas, Wayne County and all parties involved. From the bottom of my heart
refugees as New Americans. The New American
families we serve have experienced unimaginable I’m thankful and appreciative. "
trauma. We work with them to ensure they are no Eva ~ New American moving into Freedom Village
longer defined by what has happened to them,

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