Responding to Urgent Needs in our Region

Hi Friends,

As March gave way to April, a series of major ice and wind storms hit northern Michigan, impacting communities across the tip of the mitten. We’ve been very lucky at the AuSable Inclusion Center that there was minimal damage (RIP to one of our beautiful spruces that snapped in half) at our main location in Mio, and we have had power and internet for some time. While many of our neighbors’ power has been restored, the extra expenses associated with prolonged power outages, property damage associated with ice and wind damage, and disruption to school and work schedules are going to continue to impact our neck of the woods for months to come. Folks with limited income are going to be especially vulnerable.

At the AuSable Inclusion Center, we believe that every human being deserves love, respect, and dignity. Our hygiene closet exists to help our neighbors maintain a sense of dignity and well-being by providing free personal care, cleaning, and laundry products. To respond to the ongoing needs in our community, the AuSable Inclusion Center is excited to announce that we will be offering a “pop up” Hygiene Closet in partnership with churches and businesses in communities across northern lower Michigan. Our goal is to help offset some of the routine expenses associated with keeping a clean body and home so that folks impacted by the storms can focus on recovering with dignity.

We need your help to make this happen:

-Pray for us and for folks affected by the storms.

-Consider hosting a pop-up hygiene closet at your church, business, or community organization.

-Consider donating.

The AuSable Inclusion Center accepts donations to our hygiene closet different ways:

1. You can drop off hygiene closet supplies on-site in Mio. We have a basket inside our front door that is always there, and during this critical time, we also are keeping a box on our front porch for supply donations. Please do not leave cash money in either location.

2. You can order supplies for the closet online via Amazon.com by shopping from this wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1O1MPIS3D5X40?ref_=wl_share When you check out, you have the option to mail the order directly to us.

3. You can make a financial contribution to the AuSable Inclusion Center online by visiting: https://givingtools.com/give/1281

4. Donations by check can be made out and mailed to:
The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes
124 N. Fayette St.
Saginaw, MI, 48602
Please include “AuSable Inclusion Center hygiene closet” in the check memo!

Thank you for your support for this vital ministry!

Cheers,

Deacon Beck Leclaire (he/him)
Ministry Developer
AuSable Inclusion Center