What is The Giving Room?
WE ARE ONCE AGAIN ACCEPTING DONATIONS! PLEASE EMAIL US FOR DETAILS: thegivingroomypsi@gmail.com
Many of you might have seen the 2019 article in Mlive regarding homelessness in the Ypsilanti Community Schools. According to the article, 78 students had been identified as having housing instability as of October, 2019 with projections as high as 500 students by the end of the year.
This donation space was started in November, 2019, following an abundance of community donations after an appeal was made for a recently housed mother and her five children, who were starting from scratch. Many families who have experienced housing instability have had to leave their possessions behind and this space was started in to help support them and replace many needed items.
Families with stable housing are also in need of support with clothing and additional needs. With the loss of subsidized housing in Washtenaw County and the impact that Covid-related job loss has had on our community, supporting our families during this time is crucial.
The Ypsilanti school district provided a space to start "The Giving Room" to house items to support Ypsilanti families. Families are identified by school staff and community partners, and referrals are submitted through this site. We stock clothing, housewares, bedding, personal care items and cleaning supplies.
The Giving Room is not open to the public. Giving Room volunteers and referring sources will determine the best way to get requested donations to families from what is available at the time of the request. Ypsilanti students have been directly involved in facilitating this effort with organizing, inventorying, and facilitating donation drop-off days. Unfortunately due to Covid precautions they cannot presently continue these operations, but we hope to have the continued help of the Community Based Education (CBE) team and the Juvenile Court.
Donation drop-offs are scheduled directly and only occur outside of school hours.
PLEASE DO NOT DROP ITEMS OFF AT THE SCHOOL OUTSIDE OF THESE EVENTS.
Please keep The Giving Room in mind as you clear your houses throughout the year.
How You Can Help
We have helped our middle and high school create resources spaces in their buildings!
We have continued to support our district families during the global pandemic. We make up boxes and leave them on the doorsteps filled with the items our families need to stay safe.
There is a Constant Need for the Following:
Cleaning Supplies: Antibacterial Cleaning Spray, Bleach, etc.
Hand Soap
Toilet Paper, Paper Towel, & Tissue
Personal Care Items: Deodorant, Body Wash, Toothpaste/Toothbrush, Lotion, etc.
Feminine Products
Baby Items & Diapers
Non-Perishable Food Items (please check expiration dates prior to donating)
Clean New or Gently Used Clothing (baby to teen)
Household items: bedding, towels, kitchen items etc.
we only accept donated items and cannot accept monetary donations
Drop Off Times and Location
To prioritize community health and safety, drop-off can be arranged on an individual basis. Please contact us directly at thegivingroomypsi@gmail.com to schedule.
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
