By Dawn Wolfe Gutterman
Members of the LGBT community who want to funnel their aid to hurricane Katrina victims through LGBT-friendly organizations have a chance to do so locally. Below is a list of what a few area organizations are doing, but it is by no means complete. Be sure to call your local LGBT organization, group or church to see what they are doing to help Katrina victims.
NOTE: If you mail a check to an organization that is collecting funds for hurricane victims, be sure to write "Katrina victims" in the memo line of your check so they will know how you want your donation to be spent.
Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center:
Affirmations is collecting donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, feminine products, and other toiletries to take to the about 200 hurricane Katrina refugees who are staying at the Ramada Hotel in Southfield. Drop off donations at 195 West Nine Mile in Ferndale or call Affirmations for more information at 248-398-7105. Those who would like to help in person are welcome to go to the Ramada to volunteer. The Ramada is located at 17017 W. Nine Mile Road in Southfield; call 248-552-7777 for more information.
Kick – The Agency for LGBT African Americans:
Under the direction of Kick's Faith Initiative, the Board of Directors has agreed to immediately send $600 to the Fresh Start Church in Houston, Texas. Kick is still collecting funds to send to the LGBT church.
"It is very clear that those communities throughout the storm-ravaged area will require assistance, support, and understanding for a long time to come," said Executive Director Curtis Lipscomb. "We know there are many ways to offer aid, and many ways to express our solidarity with those in need."
Send donations to KICK, Box 2222, Detroit, MI 48231. For more information call 313-438-2222.
MoveOn.org:
MoveOn.org has organized HurricaneHousing.org to assist with placing survivors in homes across the country. Those considering offering their homes can visit http://www.hurricanehousing.org for more information. Guidelines for offering housing include the following: "Don't discriminate. This is a time to pull together, as a nation. You may not post offers which specify preference for people of a certain race, religion, class, ethnicity, or sexual orientation."
Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit:
MCCD is taking an offering for hurricane victims weekly through Sept. During the first week the church collected $915, and during the next week $1354 was raised. "While our government is being slow to respond, we can't be slow," said Reverend Mark Bidwell. MCCD is located at 2441 Pinecrest in Ferndale. Visit a service to make your donation, or mail it to Rev. Mark Bidwell, P.O. Box 836, Royal Oak, MI 48068. For more information call 248-399-7741.
Praise Fellowship Christian Church is collecting funds through the end of September to send to "one of the area churches to help our gay and lesbian Christian brothers and sisters," said Rev. Rick Green. Praise Fellowship is located at 27617 John R. in Madison Heights. For more information call 586-201-7884.
