This year, in consideration of the extra challenges experienced by individuals and organizations, CREA turned typical holiday gifting into holiday giving in the form of charitable donations.
One of the donation recipients was MHT Housing, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) developer of affordable housing based in Detroit, MI. While MHT develops, owns, and operates 50 affordable housing communities, they are also active in supporting the communities surrounding their properties through sponsored activities, such as: community clean-ups, clothing and food drives, employee development activities, health initiatives, and safety education programs.
On December 4th, in place of their annual holiday party, MHT put on the Third Annual Miracle on Vernor to benefit the Detroit Cristo Rey High School. MHT’s Foundation helps to sponsor select students by paying for tuition, school supplies and utility bills and Miracle on Vernor focuses on providing students and the surrounding community with winter apparel essentials and nonperishable food. While this year looked a little different due to health precautions and social distancing guidelines, Miracle on Vernor continued its impact with drop offs and pickups, right to the front step or vehicle of community members and student families. In total, 2,150 boxes of food, 2300 bags of clothing, 1,000 Bombas socks, and 6,000 sweatshirts were delivered and / or handed out.
Holiday donations directly benefited residents at Detroit’s Clay Apartments. Having just opened this Fall, the 42-unit permanent supportive housing property for formerly homeless individuals is already fully occupied. On December 18th, MHT employees rolled up their sleeves, making 42 meals and putting together care packages for each resident. Care packages included: a blanket, place mat, peppermint bark chocolates, picture frame, hat, dishcloth, glass Tupperware container, and holiday card, in addition to the homemade meal.
MHT notes the gratitude shared by residents, as well as their appreciation for the financial support needed to provide food and home goods. “As the relationship between CREA and MHT has grown over the last ten years, CREA has witnessed the incredible passion MHT has for its residents lives – from helping provide basic necessities, to bringing in colorful art to brighten up interiors and common spaces,” said Brad Bullock, SVP – Acquisitions at CREA. “MHT is truly an example of an organization with heart and soul.”
