Dear Neighbors,
In these uncertain times, Community enCompass’ priority is to continue to be neighbor. While “being neighbor” will look different over the coming weeks and months, you can be assured that we are fully operational and working together (while practicing social distancing!) to come up with creative solutions for how to continue to engage our community.
A note about our HOUSING services: We will continue to ensure housing stability for our neighbors, in our neighborhoods. With even the slightest loss of income or increase in expenses, much of our population is at risk of losing their housing. While our Homeless Services staff are scaling back on face to face meetings with neighbors, and our weekly Housing Workshops are on pause, our staff is still available. We are just a phone call away. Phone messages may be left at our main office number: 231-728-3117, which will be checked daily. We will be doubling our efforts to answer phones and return calls within 48 hours. We are here, working hard to respond to incoming requests for assistance.
A note about SACRED SUDS: While the building is closed to public indefinitely, our staff will be connecting with neighbors via phone to check in. The Sacred Suds regulars are among the most vulnerable in our community, and it’s essential that they remain connected. While we won’t be physically seeing each other for a while, we’re going to be in touch. And we are looking at creative options for how our neighbors can have place to do their laundry. Contact me, Sarah if you’d like contribute to a fund that will purchase pre-paid vouchers that families can use at the laundromats.
I think we are about to experience the best human beings have to offer each other. Already, we are witnessing an outpouring of generosity in our community. The reaction to reach out to others in times like these is a very human one, a response social distancing can’t destroy. Let’s all lean into this, our humanity. Visit our social media pages where we will post encouraging stories of neighbors leaning in!
Lastly, we anticipate a SIGNIFICANT INCREASE in demand for services as hourly wage earners face potential changes to their income. We are preparing as best we can for this challenge, and are grateful for the collective response that has already taken place in our county.
Please be sure to visit our website to DONATE and to learn about the services we offer. We need your help to serve our most vulnerable in this critical time.
We are in this together.
Together, seeking SHALOM in the City!
Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga
Community enCompass Executive Director
“Building Neighborhoods from the Inside Out”
