On Dec. 22, 100 seniors in need will receive free food and clothing at the Central United Methodist Church, 23 E. Adams Ave., Detroit 48226, from 10:45 to 1 pm. American House Foundation has collaborated with Citizens for Better Care and other local organizations to give food, clothes and grocery coupons to older adults pre-selected because of severe financial need. Seniors will receive a hot soup lunch from the Matt Prentice Restaurant Group, a filled grocery bag from Sun Valley Foods, a $50 food coupon donated by Save-A-Lot, and new boots compliments of American House Foundation.

RESOURCES FOR TODAY, RESEARCH FOR TOMORROW

American House Foundation is one of the few non-profits in Michigan with the dual mission of direct donations to seniors coupled with proportionate donations to research. Of every dollar donated to seniors, 30 cents is sent to Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology to support research, education and prevention programs. Since American House Foundation (AHF) launched late last year, it has raised $90,000, distributed nearly $60,000 to disadvantaged seniors throughout Detroit and granted $26,000 to the Institute of Gerontology. These research dollars have gone toward a variety of studies, including the cognitive neuroscience of brain aging, Seniors Count! to accurately tabulate the demographics of older adults in Southeastern Michigan, and research to prevent health problems among older minorities.

QUICK SOLUTIONS WHEN OPTIONS VANISH

Many older adults helped through American House Foundation were out of options when they learned of the AHF grant program, which prides itself on quick grant reviews and disbursements. A few persons helped recently:

• Daisy Williams, 84, wheelchair bound in her Inkster home until AHF built a 30-foot railed ramp from her front door to her driveway. (Full story available.)
• Evelyn McLeod, 80, was close to eviction from her Detroit home after a 40-foot tree fell on her roof and she didn't have the funds to remove it. AHF sent crews to remove the tree without further damage to her home.
• James Fuller, 61 and a diabetic, punctured his foot on a nail and spent two years trying to get it to heal. The pain took its toll on him mentally and physically. Doctors recommended special diabetic shoes to relieve the pressure on the wound but James was out of work and uninsured. AHF paid the $500 for the new shoes to get James back on his feet. (Full story available.)
• Judith, 64, cares for her husband who has been bed-ridden due to chemotherapy treatments. She needed a knee replacement but couldn't get a ride service to take her to physical therapy sessions after the surgery. AHF provided the shuttle service that allowed Judith to get strong enough to continue caring for her husband in their home.

AHF has also provided numerous wheelchairs, lift-chairs, walkers, home repairs and senior friendly bathroom upgrades. Persons interested in donating to AHF or submitting a grant request, should contact Terri Bailey at 313-875-9048.