UPDATE: WAVE Project, a critical nonprofit in Macomb County, is desperately seeking $68,000 in donations to continue its vital services for individuals experiencing homelessness this winter. The organization has been a lifeline for those in need since 2018, operating an overnight shelter at the Trinity Christian Community Center in Warren, Michigan.
As temperatures drop, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. WAVE Project has provided over 6,300 stays last winter alone, ensuring that hundreds of individuals have a safe place to sleep and access to hot meals. “There are literally hundreds of people in our communities, not just in Wayne County but also Macomb and Oakland County, experiencing some form of homelessness,” said Todd Gordon, co-founder and executive director of WAVE Project.
The shelter is set to operate seven days a week for 12 weeks starting at the end of December. However, due to reduced contributions from partners, the organization is facing a financial crisis that could jeopardize its operations. “We’re going to be very heartbroken if we can’t be open, along with all the people that need us,” warns Sheila Chauvin, project manager for the Macomb County Winter Shelter.
WAVE Project’s mission extends beyond providing shelter; it offers essential services like mobile showers and clothing distribution. The organization emphasizes the human connection, with staff providing not just food and shelter but also companionship. “A lot of people don’t want to talk to them or be around them, and what they need is somebody to give them a hug, to sit down and have dinner with them,” Chauvin added.
The financial demands of maintaining the shelter are significant. “Our budget consists of having security on site to ensure the safety of everyone involved. We also have to cover utilities for this old building,” Gordon explained. The costs of keeping the shelter operational are daunting. Without the full $68,000, operations could be severely curtailed. “If we have $41,000, we’re going to operate for a month. We’re going to do it as best we can,” he stated.
Every donation counts, whether it’s $10 or thousands. “It is very important to us and all the people in our community that are unhoused that they have somewhere to go,” Chauvin emphasized. The team at WAVE Project is making a passionate appeal to the community for support during this critical time.
As winter rapidly approaches, those wishing to contribute can help ensure that WAVE Project continues to provide warmth and comfort to those in need. Donate today to be part of a solution that directly impacts lives in Macomb County and beyond.
