This is such a meaningful question right now. And with so many in our community affected by COVID-19, it’s important to take a moment to ask. We hope your answer is that you and those dear to you are safe and healthy. Please know that if COTS can be of any help, we are here for you.

If you or someone among your family and friends are fighting to regain your health, or if you’ve lost someone, please know that our prayers are with you. Our prayers and gratitude also go out to everyone on the front lines of this fight. Thank you. You are truly a hero and there aren’t enough words to express our gratitude.

While we are all asked to stay apart for the good of everyone, know that you are not alone. We are learning that we live in a city filled with love and generosity. People throughout the community have been reaching out to COTS to ask how they can help. We hope we can count on you too.

Our ability to serve the community while also protecting our resident families, our staff, and all of our partners is being tested. With your help, we will not fail. We’re screening at entry, practicing safe distancing, cleaning around the clock and isolating guests with symptoms. Your gift will support those who are either experiencing or overcoming homelessness at a time when there is increased demand for our services and providing that service is challenged.

1. You’ll be helping Peggy’s Place, our emergency shelter for families stay open. You’ll keep our Guest Service Associates, our maintenance and housekeeping team, and our kitchen staff on site to ensure that our guests are supported, our shelter space is cleaned and sanitized daily, and meals are provided each and every day.
2. Your gifts will help our staff in creative ways during this challenging time as well. Though our child care center has been ordered to close, we are continuing to pay all of our staff amid this crisis. Your support means our staff has access to an Employee Assistance Program that provides counseling and other resources to support their overall health and wellness.
3. You’ll be supporting COTS efforts to provide resources to families in all of our housing programs. From cleaning supplies, to food, to diapers and formula, we have provided a contact number that families can call and an online form where they are able to submit their needs and our team members are able to respond. We need support to ensure that Our Passport to Self Sufficiency™ coaches and housing specialists are equipped to connect with our families virtually to continue necessary coaching and mentorship support during what is a very devastating time for many families we serve.

Whatever the near future holds, we are committed to continuing to serve. We are forever appreciative for friends like you who continue to ensure that these resources are available to families living in poverty.

How can you help?
This is a challenging time for us all and so we don’t take your thoughtfulness or your generosity for granted in any way. A monetary donation would guarantee that services will continue to be available for families – services that will help them to obtain or maintain family stability that will help them to overcome this crisis along with the rest of us. Please give today!

Gifts can be made by visiting us online at https://give.cotsdetroit.org/ge/COVID or by calling us at (313) 576-0206. If you know a family who needs assistance in this crisis, please share our information with them. We will do all we can to support one another. Thank you for standing with us as we fight this battle – together.

We wish you good health, wellness, and peace.

Best,

Cheryl P. Johnson
COTS Chief Executive Officer