Only in Detroit

I never know how to start updates, especially after over a month of blogging-dryspell, so i'll just skip to the cheesy good stuff: SOMEONE DONATED A HOUSE TO US. And its right down the street. And it has a huge porch. And I think I'm remembering that God exists.

I feel like I could just stop there, but I will continue. Let me backtrack a bit. I have been incredibly blessed in Detroit with a wonderful peace community that has existed for decades and happens to include my roommate lydia and my landlord (her dad.) This has led to some great support in the form of furniture, food, advice, prayers, etc. Weeding in exchange for lasagna and homemade mac and cheese is hands down better than any other part time job I could possibly imagine.

Recently, two peace community members bought a foreclosed home down the street. Many of these homes end up entirely stripped or in flames soon after they are vacant, which is sad on many levels. So, in order to prevent some of the consequences of foreclosures, they planned to fix up the house a bit and maybe rent or eventually sell it. After going on a retreat and reading some good old Dorothy Day, Ed (a former priest) felt moved to use the house for hospitality. After discussing it with his wife, they decided to talk to a few folks who were looking to start hospitality communities (including us.) Obviously, as a matter of justice, foreclosures are really complex, especially in Detroit. Its hard to walk through the house without wondering where the former owners are and thinking of the thousands of people who have been forced out of homes. I am glad, however, that this house won't end up like so many others in our neighborhood (though vacant lots do eventually make for nice gardens...)

So the short of it is we now have a new house. We are still discerning some of the details, but it seems that the pieces keep falling into place. We have a few people who will likely be joining our community, so we are navigating how that will all work out. It will be a little tricky, but there are definitely worse problems for a community to have. Our plan is to give a home to families on the first floor for somewhat long-term housing (6 months to two years-ish) and we will live on the top floor as well as in the apartment we are currently in.

It has certainly been very exciting but also a bit intense. So many decisions to be made, and Erinn and Hannah haven't even moved in yet! Crazy. But it seems that just as I was questioning my purpose here, I was given an amazing gift. While I have had a few momentary freak-outs ("Oh shit, does this mean I'm really stuck in Detroit?") they have been countered with many times of clarity and peace (things I havent had much of for months.)

I came to Detroit expecting a depressed town, worried that I wouldnt be bright enough or strong enough to respond in a way that countered the oppressive forces that seem so blatant in this city. I was worried that I wouldnt be able to find my way into the heart of a town that seems somewhat inpenetrable. What right did a white girl from the suburbs have to choose to be a part of Detroit's struggle? But it seems that my experience has been quite the opposite. Detroit has found its way into my heart. Its starting to take my own depression and feed it with brightness and strength, drawing me into the struggle while putting me in my place.

Come December, when the the garden is dry and our big porch covered in snow, I may feel a little differently. But for now, I am going to finish my glass of wine and enjoy the fact that I am covered in spackle and primer from working on the new house. Amen Detroit.

View from 2nd floor porch