DETROIT (WXYZ) — Some people have received their stimulus money from the federal government, but some have not yet.
So, an organization in metro Detroit has stepped up and stepped in, passing out stimulus money, support, and love right now.
“We’re a faith based organization. We give God the glory for everything that’s been done here in the past 15 years,” proudly says Larry Johnson. He is the Executive Director of LifeBUILDER Detroit.
Larry Johnson and his lovely wife are committed to showing love by their actions. Their team works exclusively in the beautiful Regent Park community. It’s boarded by 7 Mile, 8 Mile, Kelly Road, and Gratiot on Detroit’s east side. It rehabs homes, provides affordable homes for sale and for rent.
LifeBUILDERS offers families structure, youth programs, and senior programs. This gives stability, something all neighborhoods need. And since COVID-19 hit, now more than ever.
“The minute we realized the seriousness of this pandemic, we began to think about what we would be called to do as a ministry. We have a benevolent fund where we could help people out with small things. We thought this need might be far greater. People losing jobs, having to stay home, families coming down with the virus themselves,” he explains.
Plus those still waiting for the stimulus checks to help keep them, somewhat, afloat.
“So we reached out to a number of our supporters, both here locally and around the country, and said hey, would you be willing to help us build up our fund? We were hoping to raise $30,000. Well, as God would have it, we raised $100,000," Johnson says lovingly.
Fifth Third Foundation contributed $25,000 to the fund.
So, Larry and his wife shared the good news with the folks in Regent Park.
"You can imagine the tears of joy and excitement that were expressed as a result of making those calls.”
Yes we can and Sheila's was one of them.
“They bring food put it on the porch. They help with with your utilities as far as your lights, gas, water. Or other issues you have. I am blessed,” says Sheila gratefully.
If you would like to help LifeBUILDERS continues it mission go to LifeBUILDERSdetroit.com.
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