SVdPD’s Journey to Housing Program Receives Grant from Margaret Dunning Foundation

St. Vincent de Paul Detroit’s Journey to Housing program seeks to solve the problem of homelessness in northwestern Wayne County communities. The program supports those in need of shelter by providing them with move-in costs, furniture, household goods and monthly rent subsidy until the family can become financially independent, coordinated with 12-18 months of weekly counseling. SVdPD helps the family work towards self-sufficiency and assist the family with budgeting, household management, parenting skills and more.

Through individualized attention, our Vincentian volunteers help those in need regardless of race, creed or religious affiliation. Mary Lynn Faunda Donovan, CEO Society of St. Vincent de Paul Detroit says, “We are so grateful because this grant will help us provide even greater support and long-term solutions to those who are homeless but want to find a better way for themselves and their families.”

The Journey to Housing program provides housing arrangements based on the nationally recognized Housing First Model. With support of family counseling, our two-year program goal is to move a family/ individual into a self- sufficient independent living arrangement. During that time, our resident support team actively works with government agencies to provide long-term assistance for the families. Mr. Brian Zahn, President of JTH says “we are grateful for the continued support of the Dunning Foundation and look forward to a rewarding partnership to assist our families with their transportation needs.”

About The Margaret Dunning Foundation

Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning in 1997. She was born in 1910 in Redford Township, Michigan, and moved with her mother to Plymouth in the 1920s. During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist and civic booster. She and her mother were early supporters of the Plymouth District Library. In 1947, Bessie Dunning and her daughter, Margaret, purchased a house at the library’s present site to provide the facility with a permanent home. In recognition, the library building was named the Dunning Library. Years later, Ms. Dunning gave the Plymouth Historical Society $1 million to fund a major expansion. She died in 2015 at the age of 104, having lived 90 years in the same house on Penniman Road in Plymouth.