Thanksgiving is more than a day to get together and have a good meal. It’s a day to take a moment and be grateful for all the good things and blessings in our lives. From the love of family to the support of friends and the fortune of meaningful work, we here at Safe & Just Michigan are so very thankful for the bounty of blessings in our lives.

However, we are also mindful that not everyone has it as well as others. We know that many of our friends, associates and Safe & Just Michigan members are thinking of loved ones who won’t be able to gather at the Thanksgiving table this year, and we empathize with your feelings of loss. The empty places at your table are why we are dedicated to the work we do, and we look forward to a time when more Michigan families are reunited and more communities are made whole.

We also know that hunger and homelessness continue to challenge many in our communities. November is #HomesslessAwarenessMonth and #HungerAwarenessMonth, and we understand that our communities will never be as healthy, secure and vibrant as they should be as long as families are struggling to find food and secure housing.

If you are interested in helping others during this season of thankfulness and giving, or if you are looking for resources to make your holidays a little brighter, some links and resources are below.

All of us at Safe & Just Michigan wish you the best of Thanksgiving holidays, and we want you to know that we are thankful for all that you do. We are inspired by your engagement with your community, your willingness to advocate for reforms to your elected officials and your determination to make Michigan a safer, more just state for all who live here. Thank you!

Homeless Resources:

Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness

2-1-1 search for local homeless shelters

Housing and Urban Development (federal government): Michigan homeless resources

Michigan State Housing Development Authority homeless resources

Hunger:

Food Bank Council of Michigan: Find a Food Bank

Focus: Hope (Detroit area)

Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeast Michigan