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Detroit nonprofit creates $100K 'stimulus package' to support Regent Park families

Posted at 9:34 AM, Apr 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-02 11:37:27-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — A Detroit nonprofit has raised $100,000 to provide rent forgiveness to tenants in its Regent Park neighborhood for the month of May.

The organization, LifeBUILDERS, has also been providing food delivery assistance to these neighbors, along with program participants in surrounding communities.

After LifeBUILDERS put the call out in mid-March, individual supporters, donors and private foundations all came through with contributions.

“Many of our residents work in industries deemed non-essential and have been laid off. It is an uncertain and stressful time for many families. They simply can’t wait for or rely on the arrival of the federal stimulus or unemployment compensation,” said Larry Johnson, co-founder and executive director of LifeBUILDERS. “We’ve built our own ‘stimulus package’ for families who are in need now. The stability, security and well-being of our families while they wait to get called back to work is important to the entire revitalization effort taking place in Regent Park.”

While a portion of the funds will go toward food delivery, the bulk will go toward rent relief, being offered to 50 tenants in LifeBUILDERS-owned properties and others in homes and apartments in Regent Park that LifeBUILDERS manages.

The nonprofit is requesting donations of Kroger or Aldi cards. Anyone interested in making a financial contribution can do so here.

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