HABITAT FOR HAMTRAMCK
Current News
The Habitual Habitant
2010
After a pretty hectic end to 2009, it's time to get back into the swing of things.
As I last mentioned, official 501 c(3) status has yet to granted. I intended to apply in December, but I have decided to wait until a new software program called the "Cyber Assistant" is available. This new program helps ensure the application is filled out completely and correctly the first time around. It also costs less than the current (and past) fees. I figured it would be a good idea to hold off on applying until this is available, for a few reasons. First, it is fiscally responsible, as waiting to enroll will save several hundred dollars. Second, I would like to be familiar with the new process in order to help others apply for non-profit status. As I have mentioned before, I would like to be able to help others create their own non-profits, and I would rather wait a little longer to know the most up-to-date methods than to do it the old way now. As soon as the Cyber Assistant is up and running I'll be able to send in the application.
As for the the houses, there will be a few changes.
Because of the back taxes on some of the properties, I will be letting them go into foreclosure.
The house on Caldwell has something like $5,000 in back taxes, as well as a few thousand in water bills -- not to mention it is basically a pile of rubble.
The lot (it used to be a house) on Eureka will also be lost. I mentioned before that it was razed, and the result is a vacant lot. With about $5,000 in back taxes, it's pointless to keep this property.
Those two properties face immediate forclosure (this year). Because they are in my name, I will be transferring them to an LLC in order to keep my credit intact. Wayne County will foreclose the properties from the corporation will take the hit. It's an unfortunate situation, because the real loser here is Wayne County. They will essentially assume a vacant lot and a lot that needs to be cleared. While I would like to help, there isn't much that I can do with the limited resources at my disposal.
I am also mulling over the question of whether to continue work on the Mackay house. It was damaged by a fire earlier in the year, and at this point I think that it might be too far from the headquarters to be effective. I may transfer the title of this property to the LLC as well, allowing it to go into foreclosure next year.
With the absence of the old properties, I'd like to focus on a single street, rather than properties that are scattered throughout. I think it will be a better model and will be far more effective.
That's all for now.
As I last mentioned, official 501 c(3) status has yet to granted. I intended to apply in December, but I have decided to wait until a new software program called the "Cyber Assistant" is available. This new program helps ensure the application is filled out completely and correctly the first time around. It also costs less than the current (and past) fees. I figured it would be a good idea to hold off on applying until this is available, for a few reasons. First, it is fiscally responsible, as waiting to enroll will save several hundred dollars. Second, I would like to be familiar with the new process in order to help others apply for non-profit status. As I have mentioned before, I would like to be able to help others create their own non-profits, and I would rather wait a little longer to know the most up-to-date methods than to do it the old way now. As soon as the Cyber Assistant is up and running I'll be able to send in the application.
As for the the houses, there will be a few changes.
Because of the back taxes on some of the properties, I will be letting them go into foreclosure.
The house on Caldwell has something like $5,000 in back taxes, as well as a few thousand in water bills -- not to mention it is basically a pile of rubble.
The lot (it used to be a house) on Eureka will also be lost. I mentioned before that it was razed, and the result is a vacant lot. With about $5,000 in back taxes, it's pointless to keep this property.
Those two properties face immediate forclosure (this year). Because they are in my name, I will be transferring them to an LLC in order to keep my credit intact. Wayne County will foreclose the properties from the corporation will take the hit. It's an unfortunate situation, because the real loser here is Wayne County. They will essentially assume a vacant lot and a lot that needs to be cleared. While I would like to help, there isn't much that I can do with the limited resources at my disposal.
I am also mulling over the question of whether to continue work on the Mackay house. It was damaged by a fire earlier in the year, and at this point I think that it might be too far from the headquarters to be effective. I may transfer the title of this property to the LLC as well, allowing it to go into foreclosure next year.
With the absence of the old properties, I'd like to focus on a single street, rather than properties that are scattered throughout. I think it will be a better model and will be far more effective.
That's all for now.
Approval
A quick update: Articles of Incorporation and Initial Solicitation/Application Registration approved!
Another Update
It's been about a month since I last posted an update so I wanted to post and let everyone know things are still active.
I'm currently in the process of getting the wording for the Articles of Incorporation correct. There were about seven corrections that needed to be made after I sent it in the first time, and only one correction to be made in the revision I sent out last Friday. I should be getting the approved Articles sometime this week. After that I can refile my Initial Solicitation papers with the Secretary of State, and once that gets back to me I will be able to file for 501 (c) 3 status. All-in-all it is a somewhat tedious process but at the same time it is very simple. There are several documents (Articles of Incorporation, Initial Solicitation Application and Registration, Employer Identifaction Number, and Bylaws) that need to be drawn up using the correct language. Once they are filled out correctly there is not much else to do except go after available funding. I would like to use my experience in filing the paperwork for Habitat for Hamtramck to help others who have an idea for an organization and need assistance in getting it off the ground. There area all kinds of programs that can be created-- if you can think of it, it can be done. And I will gladly assist you.
In other news, I continue to write for The Hamtramck Review. I put together a portfolio of the work I have done and in the four months that I have been writing for the paper I have published 35 articles. Not bad considering I thought I was going to be a firefighter when I moved here... but things change, opportunities arise and sometimes you've got to take them when they are there. That being said, I have by no means abandonded any of my original intentions and aspirations, but I have certainly gained a few along the way. So if things seem like they aren't moving along, it's not because they aren't, it is because there are more ideas being tinkered with in order to make the program the best it can be. This involves learning about the day-to-day life of Detroiters, understanding the unique social and economic complexities of the area, and getting an overall feel for what is needed and what kinds of programs have and will have the greatest impact. It may take some time to do this but it will be necessary and worth it.
I mentioned in my last post that I would possibly be getting an intern. I didn't get an intern but I did get a roommate. His name is Paul Mack and he is working on his Master's in Social Work from Wayne State University. He quit his job at a Fortune 500 company to go back to school and help others so he is OK in my book.
In a previous post I mentioned that I was offered a position as chair of the Hamtramck's Weed and Seed's Neighborhood Restoration and Economic Development committee. I haven't accepted it yet but I believe that I will. As I said before it is just a matter of knowing whether I am the right person for the job.
There is not much else to report other than I continue to make improvements to my house. I have put in every window but one downstairs and have a good start upstairs. Other improvements are being made regularly, and it is starting to feel like a normal house.
There is actually one more thing to report. One of my other houses has vanished. One day I was there putting up some more boards and securing it, and about a week later I came back and it had been raized. I believe it was the neighbors, as they said they wanted it torn down. But I am not sure who is responsible. It may seem like I am taking this lightly and the truth is I am. The house was in decent enough condition but if the neighbor would rather have it torn down than that is fine with me, because one of the things I have realized is that it would be better for Habitat for Hamtramck if the houses we work on are in the neighborhood the organization is in. So the loss of the house will only hasten the pace for reconstructing the neighborhood that I am living in. And I'm not really out much money considering the Quit Claim deed was only valued at $100.
That's all for now. I know I said I would be updating the web page in the next few weeks and I haven't yet done it, but it will be coming in due time. Remember, right now I am the only person actively working on getting Habitat for Hamtramck off the ground and running. The organization has already come this far in a short span of time, and it will only get bigger and better.
(If this seemed a little disjointed I apologize; I was watching Jeopardy at The Review office and paid more attention to the TV than computer)
I'm currently in the process of getting the wording for the Articles of Incorporation correct. There were about seven corrections that needed to be made after I sent it in the first time, and only one correction to be made in the revision I sent out last Friday. I should be getting the approved Articles sometime this week. After that I can refile my Initial Solicitation papers with the Secretary of State, and once that gets back to me I will be able to file for 501 (c) 3 status. All-in-all it is a somewhat tedious process but at the same time it is very simple. There are several documents (Articles of Incorporation, Initial Solicitation Application and Registration, Employer Identifaction Number, and Bylaws) that need to be drawn up using the correct language. Once they are filled out correctly there is not much else to do except go after available funding. I would like to use my experience in filing the paperwork for Habitat for Hamtramck to help others who have an idea for an organization and need assistance in getting it off the ground. There area all kinds of programs that can be created-- if you can think of it, it can be done. And I will gladly assist you.
In other news, I continue to write for The Hamtramck Review. I put together a portfolio of the work I have done and in the four months that I have been writing for the paper I have published 35 articles. Not bad considering I thought I was going to be a firefighter when I moved here... but things change, opportunities arise and sometimes you've got to take them when they are there. That being said, I have by no means abandonded any of my original intentions and aspirations, but I have certainly gained a few along the way. So if things seem like they aren't moving along, it's not because they aren't, it is because there are more ideas being tinkered with in order to make the program the best it can be. This involves learning about the day-to-day life of Detroiters, understanding the unique social and economic complexities of the area, and getting an overall feel for what is needed and what kinds of programs have and will have the greatest impact. It may take some time to do this but it will be necessary and worth it.
I mentioned in my last post that I would possibly be getting an intern. I didn't get an intern but I did get a roommate. His name is Paul Mack and he is working on his Master's in Social Work from Wayne State University. He quit his job at a Fortune 500 company to go back to school and help others so he is OK in my book.
In a previous post I mentioned that I was offered a position as chair of the Hamtramck's Weed and Seed's Neighborhood Restoration and Economic Development committee. I haven't accepted it yet but I believe that I will. As I said before it is just a matter of knowing whether I am the right person for the job.
There is not much else to report other than I continue to make improvements to my house. I have put in every window but one downstairs and have a good start upstairs. Other improvements are being made regularly, and it is starting to feel like a normal house.
There is actually one more thing to report. One of my other houses has vanished. One day I was there putting up some more boards and securing it, and about a week later I came back and it had been raized. I believe it was the neighbors, as they said they wanted it torn down. But I am not sure who is responsible. It may seem like I am taking this lightly and the truth is I am. The house was in decent enough condition but if the neighbor would rather have it torn down than that is fine with me, because one of the things I have realized is that it would be better for Habitat for Hamtramck if the houses we work on are in the neighborhood the organization is in. So the loss of the house will only hasten the pace for reconstructing the neighborhood that I am living in. And I'm not really out much money considering the Quit Claim deed was only valued at $100.
That's all for now. I know I said I would be updating the web page in the next few weeks and I haven't yet done it, but it will be coming in due time. Remember, right now I am the only person actively working on getting Habitat for Hamtramck off the ground and running. The organization has already come this far in a short span of time, and it will only get bigger and better.
(If this seemed a little disjointed I apologize; I was watching Jeopardy at The Review office and paid more attention to the TV than computer)
World Habitat Day
I was sent an e-mail from Habitat for Humanity about promoting World Habitat Day on the blog. Despite our *ahem* past differences I will gladly post the information on this blog, to help spread the word.
The United Nations has designated the first Monday each October as World Habitat Day.
This year on Oct. 5 in
According to the United Nations, more than 100 million people in the world today are homeless. Millions more face a severe housing problem living without adequate sanitation, with irregular or no electricity supply and without adequate security.
Worldwide, more than 2 million housing units per year are needed for the next 50 years to solve the present worldwide housing crisis. With our global population expanding, however, at the end of those 50 years, there would still be a need for another 1 billion houses. (UN-HABITAT: 2005)
Raising awareness and advocating for change are the first steps toward transforming systems that perpetuate the global plague of poverty housing. World Habitat Day serves as an important reminder that everyone must unite to ensure that everyone has a safe, decent place to call home.
The U.N. further states that both developed and developing countries, cities and towns are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, resource depletion, food insecurity, population growth and economic instability.
Rapid rates of urbanization cause serious negative consequences - overcrowding, poverty, slums with many poorly equipped to meet the service demands of ever growing urban populations.
With over half of the world’s population currently living in urban areas the U.N. believes there is no doubt that the "urban agenda" will increasingly become a priority for governments, local authorities and their non-governmental partners everywhere.
- About 95 million people, one third of the nation, have housing problems including a high-cost burden, overcrowding, poor quality shelter and homelessness. (National Low Income Housing Coalition: 2004)
- One in three American households spend more than 30 percent of income on housing, and one in seven spends more than 50 percent. (
- The number of low-income families that lack safe and affordable housing is related to the number of children that suffer from asthma, viral infections, anemia, stunted growth and other health problems. About 21,000 children have stunted growth attributable to the lack of stable housing; 10,000 children between the ages of 4 and 9 are hospitalized for asthma attacks each year because of cockroach infestation at home; and more than 180 children die each year in house fires attributable to faulty electrical heating and electrical equipment. (Sandel, et al: 1999)
Global poverty facts
- By the year 2030, an additional 3 billion people, about 40 percent of the world’s population, will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable units every day and 4,000 every hour. (UN-HABITAT: 2005)
- One out of every three city dwellers – nearly a billion people – lives in a slum. (Slum indicators include: lack of water, lack of sanitation, overcrowding, non-durable structures and insecure tenure.) (UN-HABITAT: 2006)
- UN-Habitat has reported that because of poor living conditions, women living in slums are more likely to contract HIV/AIDS than their rural counterparts, and children in slums are more likely to die from water-borne and respiratory illness. (UN-HABITAT: 2006)
- Housing formation generates non-housing related expenditures that help drive the economy. (Kissick, et al: 2006)
- Investing in housing expands the local tax base. (Kissick, et al: 2006)
The theme for World Habitat Day 2009 is "Planning our Urban Future"
Celebrations of World Habitat Day in
Hello to Pitt Alumni
Hello to all the Pitt Alumni who read about Habitat for Hamtramck in the the recent PITT Magazine.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the organization, here is a brief overview. In March my brother Andrew and I realized that the economic situation in Detroit was so bad that it was possible to buy a few houses and create a neighborhood full of friends. As we bounced the idea around we realized we could get a few houses to give away, using money accrued through internet donations. We built this website and launched the organization around April 15. Since then I have moved to East Detroit (just outside of Hamtramck) and began laying the groundwork for the organization.
Since living in Detroit I have been spreading myself around, trying to gain a footing. I've been fixing up my house and writing for The Hamtramck Review, as well as doing normal stuff that people do when they move to a new city (hanging out in bars). Additionally, I have been honing the mission for Habitat for Hamtramck. Some of the original ideas have been altered and some new concepts have been created, but the inherent goal of making Detroit a better place remains.
(You might be wondering why call it 'Habitat for Hamtramck' when the area we are working in is actually Detroit. There are a number of reasons, but probably the most practical is the difference between googling "Detroit" and googling "Hamtramck." Try it for yourself to see what I'm talking about.)
In the coming weeks, I plan on making some changes to the site. I will probably move a few things around and make it more user-friendly. There is a possibility that I may get an intern from WSU, which would be a great help.
Also, I've been offered a position as a chairperson of the Neighborhood Restoration and Economic Development committee (part of Hamtramck's Weed and Seed program, a division of the Hamtramck Community Initative). I haven't accepted it yet because I want to be sure that I am the right person for the job, but it is likely that I will, as it is conducive to my own activities and I think it would be beneficial to all parties involved.
A minor success story: last week I wrote an article for the Hamtramck Review about Danielle 'doxie' Kaltz and how she helps the homeless in her own unique way, and the other day she sent me a text that said St. Lads contacted her and they want to help. So, it looks like a little bit of progress has been made in helping to make Detroit a little more hospitable. It may be just a raindrop on a bonfire, but it still makes a difference.
That's all for now.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the organization, here is a brief overview. In March my brother Andrew and I realized that the economic situation in Detroit was so bad that it was possible to buy a few houses and create a neighborhood full of friends. As we bounced the idea around we realized we could get a few houses to give away, using money accrued through internet donations. We built this website and launched the organization around April 15. Since then I have moved to East Detroit (just outside of Hamtramck) and began laying the groundwork for the organization.
Since living in Detroit I have been spreading myself around, trying to gain a footing. I've been fixing up my house and writing for The Hamtramck Review, as well as doing normal stuff that people do when they move to a new city (hanging out in bars). Additionally, I have been honing the mission for Habitat for Hamtramck. Some of the original ideas have been altered and some new concepts have been created, but the inherent goal of making Detroit a better place remains.
(You might be wondering why call it 'Habitat for Hamtramck' when the area we are working in is actually Detroit. There are a number of reasons, but probably the most practical is the difference between googling "Detroit" and googling "Hamtramck." Try it for yourself to see what I'm talking about.)
In the coming weeks, I plan on making some changes to the site. I will probably move a few things around and make it more user-friendly. There is a possibility that I may get an intern from WSU, which would be a great help.
Also, I've been offered a position as a chairperson of the Neighborhood Restoration and Economic Development committee (part of Hamtramck's Weed and Seed program, a division of the Hamtramck Community Initative). I haven't accepted it yet because I want to be sure that I am the right person for the job, but it is likely that I will, as it is conducive to my own activities and I think it would be beneficial to all parties involved.
A minor success story: last week I wrote an article for the Hamtramck Review about Danielle 'doxie' Kaltz and how she helps the homeless in her own unique way, and the other day she sent me a text that said St. Lads contacted her and they want to help. So, it looks like a little bit of progress has been made in helping to make Detroit a little more hospitable. It may be just a raindrop on a bonfire, but it still makes a difference.
That's all for now.
Updates
It's been a while since I've updated the blog. I feel like I say this every time (probably do) but I've been incredibly busy these past few weeks working on various projects. Andrew came up for the weekend last week and we cleaned up the pile of burnt-roof-rubble that has been impeding the sidewalk outside of my house for the past several months. Today I cleaned up my backyard so my house looks pretty decent from the outside (minus the boards over all of the windows).
I've been doing a lot of work at The Review. In addition to writing for the paper I also serve as the Copy Editor and webmaster. Recently, I've had an advertisement for a business appearing in the paper. Look for the "Mark of a Professional" ad in the PDF version of the paper on the Hamtramck Review website.
It hasn't all been good, though. The house on Mackay recently suffered a fire (not devastating) that will have a serious impact on the timeline. What used to be a project within the range of affordability has become a larger, more expensive project that cannot be completed with the funding we currently have. So, if you haven't donated yet, now is a great time.
The fire started in the bathroom and was caused by a candle. Ironically, I have been letting Tanya stay in the house because I believed it would PREVENT a fire. But things happen. She fell asleep, the fire started, and she was saved by her neighbor Shane. He even went back in after an explosion of some sort to save her cat.
Most of the damage occured in the kitchen/bathroom area. There was some damage to the truss fo the roof but it can be repaired. There were a few holes in the roof from the venting of the fire, but I patched them up.
For anyone wondering about insurance, there was none. It's almost impossible to get insurance on the house you live in, let alone one you're working on. But like I said, things happen. They sell the exact same materials that were damaged by the fiire at most hardware stores. It was built once and now it can be rebuilt.
On a lighter note, this weekend Hamtramck is hosting the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. I haven't been to one but from what I hear it will be an awesome time, so check it out if you can.
The pictures I took of the inside didn't turn out real well, but there should be some posted in the not-too-distant future.
I've been doing a lot of work at The Review. In addition to writing for the paper I also serve as the Copy Editor and webmaster. Recently, I've had an advertisement for a business appearing in the paper. Look for the "Mark of a Professional" ad in the PDF version of the paper on the Hamtramck Review website.
It hasn't all been good, though. The house on Mackay recently suffered a fire (not devastating) that will have a serious impact on the timeline. What used to be a project within the range of affordability has become a larger, more expensive project that cannot be completed with the funding we currently have. So, if you haven't donated yet, now is a great time.
The fire started in the bathroom and was caused by a candle. Ironically, I have been letting Tanya stay in the house because I believed it would PREVENT a fire. But things happen. She fell asleep, the fire started, and she was saved by her neighbor Shane. He even went back in after an explosion of some sort to save her cat.
Most of the damage occured in the kitchen/bathroom area. There was some damage to the truss fo the roof but it can be repaired. There were a few holes in the roof from the venting of the fire, but I patched them up.
For anyone wondering about insurance, there was none. It's almost impossible to get insurance on the house you live in, let alone one you're working on. But like I said, things happen. They sell the exact same materials that were damaged by the fiire at most hardware stores. It was built once and now it can be rebuilt.
On a lighter note, this weekend Hamtramck is hosting the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. I haven't been to one but from what I hear it will be an awesome time, so check it out if you can.
The pictures I took of the inside didn't turn out real well, but there should be some posted in the not-too-distant future.
Habitat for Hamtramck Cleans Up Some Trash: Results
Yesterday Habitat for Hamtramck cleaned up some trash. About 30 cubic yards of it.
I had organized a three-day long event on Facebook where people could come by the house and help us clean it out. It was going to run yesterday until tomorrow, but my brother and I were able to get all of the work accomplished in one day-- mostly a result of not wanting to come back again.
We started at 11 am. We were both reluctant to go into the basement so we started outside and worked our way in. We weren't able to get a pile of trash in the back because of a beehive, but we did get a significant amount of the debris that was left in the backyard.
After the yard was finished we moved inside. The first part of the house we cleaned was the stairwell. It was pretty messy but paled in comparison to the rest of the house. Once that section was completed we moved on to the kitchen and bathroom. Both were full of junk but didn't take too long to clean. Since there was onlyone room left to clean in the upstairs, we took care of that beforetaking a lunch break around 3:00 pm.
For lunch we went to Maria's Comida. If you haven't tried it you should check it out.
Around 4:00 we resumed working. Because sewage was included in the mess we had to establish a fresh air supply. I used the technique of positive-pressure ventiliation that I learned in Proby School. This was done by enlarging the hole in the floor where the bathtub should drain and sticking a box fan facing into the basement. To vent the air Iknocked out a window and placed a large industrial fan capable of circulating 6000 cfm into the window well, facing the outside. This sucked up the air from the basement and blew it outside.
Once the air and lighting supply was established in the basement, it was another 6 hours of running up and down the stairs carrying tubs of junk, as well as couches, tables, car seats, and weights.
When it was all over, the two of us had filled the 30 yard dumpster to the brim.
The dumpster was provided by Capital Waste, Inc. It cost $315 and the deal was brokered through Tom Jankowski (I met him through covering the election for the Hamtramck Review). I'll update the Bank Statement Page when the transaction goes through.
Ian
Dumpster at 11 am
Taking a break around 7 pm
After 10 pm
Part of the ventilation system
Down the stairs
Into the mess...
... a huge mess
All done
From a different angle
I had organized a three-day long event on Facebook where people could come by the house and help us clean it out. It was going to run yesterday until tomorrow, but my brother and I were able to get all of the work accomplished in one day-- mostly a result of not wanting to come back again.
We started at 11 am. We were both reluctant to go into the basement so we started outside and worked our way in. We weren't able to get a pile of trash in the back because of a beehive, but we did get a significant amount of the debris that was left in the backyard.
After the yard was finished we moved inside. The first part of the house we cleaned was the stairwell. It was pretty messy but paled in comparison to the rest of the house. Once that section was completed we moved on to the kitchen and bathroom. Both were full of junk but didn't take too long to clean. Since there was onlyone room left to clean in the upstairs, we took care of that beforetaking a lunch break around 3:00 pm.
For lunch we went to Maria's Comida. If you haven't tried it you should check it out.
Around 4:00 we resumed working. Because sewage was included in the mess we had to establish a fresh air supply. I used the technique of positive-pressure ventiliation that I learned in Proby School. This was done by enlarging the hole in the floor where the bathtub should drain and sticking a box fan facing into the basement. To vent the air Iknocked out a window and placed a large industrial fan capable of circulating 6000 cfm into the window well, facing the outside. This sucked up the air from the basement and blew it outside.
Once the air and lighting supply was established in the basement, it was another 6 hours of running up and down the stairs carrying tubs of junk, as well as couches, tables, car seats, and weights.
When it was all over, the two of us had filled the 30 yard dumpster to the brim.
The dumpster was provided by Capital Waste, Inc. It cost $315 and the deal was brokered through Tom Jankowski (I met him through covering the election for the Hamtramck Review). I'll update the Bank Statement Page when the transaction goes through.
Ian
Dumpster at 11 am
Taking a break around 7 pm
After 10 pm
Part of the ventilation systemDown the stairs
Into the mess...
... a huge mess
All done
From a different angle
Habitat for Hamtramck Cleans Up Some Trash
Some updates:
I went to court today for a blight violation. One of the houses I have had weeds that were too high and the neighbors complained (can't blame them). The hearing was scheduled for 1:30 but didn't start until 2:00. This worked out well for me because the officer that was supposed to bring the charges against me was in another court room and my charges were dropped.
The other day I met with TJ Reid, who will be assuming the leadership role of Hamtramck's REAL Church once the current pastor leaves to start another church in Detroit. He told me that once they completed the work on the new REAL Church they would be glad to assist Habitat for Hamtramck. So, thanks for lunch TJ and I look forward to working with you and your volunteers.
I also met with someone who messaged me after hearing the story on WDET. She introduced me to several people involved in the scene and I was able to make some valuable contacts that will undoubtedly be useful.
August 4-6 Habitat for Hamtramck will be doing some clean-up at the Mackay House. The basement is full of trash and we will be removing it from 11 am to 4pm each day until it is completed. Check out the Facebook page for more info.
That's it for now. Hope to see some of you for the clean-up.
I went to court today for a blight violation. One of the houses I have had weeds that were too high and the neighbors complained (can't blame them). The hearing was scheduled for 1:30 but didn't start until 2:00. This worked out well for me because the officer that was supposed to bring the charges against me was in another court room and my charges were dropped.
The other day I met with TJ Reid, who will be assuming the leadership role of Hamtramck's REAL Church once the current pastor leaves to start another church in Detroit. He told me that once they completed the work on the new REAL Church they would be glad to assist Habitat for Hamtramck. So, thanks for lunch TJ and I look forward to working with you and your volunteers.
I also met with someone who messaged me after hearing the story on WDET. She introduced me to several people involved in the scene and I was able to make some valuable contacts that will undoubtedly be useful.
August 4-6 Habitat for Hamtramck will be doing some clean-up at the Mackay House. The basement is full of trash and we will be removing it from 11 am to 4pm each day until it is completed. Check out the Facebook page for more info.
That's it for now. Hope to see some of you for the clean-up.
Keeping it Fresh
Hi Everyone
It's been about two weeks since my last post so I wanted to provide an update. The past two weeks I have been busy cleaning out my storage unit and bringing everything into the Habitat for Hamtramck headquarters. I've also spent considerable time doing work for the Hamtramck Review, the best paper you're probably not reading.
I also spent more time than I should have watching a bunch of old VHS movies that I found in my basement. There are literally 75+ videos that I have to choose from.
So far: Beverly Hills Cop
Gorky Park
Cobra
The Big Chill
The Next One
Amadeus
I plan on resuming work on the Mackay House soon, possibly this weekend. It is challenging enough moving to a new city and getting adjusted but the added task of getting a house into livable condition has caused me to fall a little behind on that aspect of the project. However, the WDET interview and subsequent commercial was a great help and provided a nice boost in our notoriety. The next volunteer days will probably be much more successful than the first ones.
Worth mentioning: I went to a showing of a documentary on the Burning Man Festival (Dust and Illusions) at a place called the Theatre Bizarre and I have to say it was probably one of the coolest places I have ever been. Imagine 8 or 10 lots side-by-side, surrounded by a high wooden fence, with 4 or 6 houses and a 1920s-style Carnival-of-Horror. Seriously.
Only in Detroit. That's why it's awesome here.
It's been about two weeks since my last post so I wanted to provide an update. The past two weeks I have been busy cleaning out my storage unit and bringing everything into the Habitat for Hamtramck headquarters. I've also spent considerable time doing work for the Hamtramck Review, the best paper you're probably not reading.
I also spent more time than I should have watching a bunch of old VHS movies that I found in my basement. There are literally 75+ videos that I have to choose from.
So far: Beverly Hills Cop
Gorky Park
Cobra
The Big Chill
The Next One
Amadeus
I plan on resuming work on the Mackay House soon, possibly this weekend. It is challenging enough moving to a new city and getting adjusted but the added task of getting a house into livable condition has caused me to fall a little behind on that aspect of the project. However, the WDET interview and subsequent commercial was a great help and provided a nice boost in our notoriety. The next volunteer days will probably be much more successful than the first ones.
Worth mentioning: I went to a showing of a documentary on the Burning Man Festival (Dust and Illusions) at a place called the Theatre Bizarre and I have to say it was probably one of the coolest places I have ever been. Imagine 8 or 10 lots side-by-side, surrounded by a high wooden fence, with 4 or 6 houses and a 1920s-style Carnival-of-Horror. Seriously.
Only in Detroit. That's why it's awesome here.
Hello to WDET Listeners
I just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone who visited the site after hearing the story on WDET.
Thanks to Zak Rosen for getting the story out there.
Since it has been about a week since I last updated, I'll give a brief synopsis of what I have been doing. Mostly I have been at my house getting the utilities up and fully running. I've got a shower and a tub and a toilet now and there is some electricity in my house. When I haven't been busy with the house I've been writing for the Hamtramck Review. I covered a story on GM's proposal to reduce their property tax assessment as well as a 4th of July Customer Appreciation Day Barbecue and Party at Walter's Liquor Store (the guy that owns it--Frank Ayer--is real nice and also does a Thanksgiving every year that feeds 1200 people). Both articles are in tomorrow's Review.
Other than that, I have been doing other day-to-day mundane tasks, as well as trying to complete the process to obtain non-profit status.
Thanks again for stopping by.
Ian
Thanks to Zak Rosen for getting the story out there.
Since it has been about a week since I last updated, I'll give a brief synopsis of what I have been doing. Mostly I have been at my house getting the utilities up and fully running. I've got a shower and a tub and a toilet now and there is some electricity in my house. When I haven't been busy with the house I've been writing for the Hamtramck Review. I covered a story on GM's proposal to reduce their property tax assessment as well as a 4th of July Customer Appreciation Day Barbecue and Party at Walter's Liquor Store (the guy that owns it--Frank Ayer--is real nice and also does a Thanksgiving every year that feeds 1200 people). Both articles are in tomorrow's Review.
Other than that, I have been doing other day-to-day mundane tasks, as well as trying to complete the process to obtain non-profit status.
Thanks again for stopping by.
Ian
