Keep the Heat On

Right as winter was ending, our boiler suffered a catastrophic failure and must be replaced. We made it through the final cold weeks with space heaters, layered clothing, and sheer determination—but that cannot be our plan for a Michigan winter. Most of our volunteers are senior citizens, many of the neighbors we serve are especially vulnerable, and without reliable heat, our pipes and food inventory are also at risk. A new HVAC system may not feel as inspiring as full pantry shelves or groceries delivered to a homebound senior, but without a safe, functioning building, none of that work can happen.

A $110,000 project sounds overwhelming—until you realize we already have a powerful head start. The Margaret Dunning Foundation has committed a $45,000 matching grant, and every local pledge strengthens our ability to secure even more foundation support. Your gift won’t simply pay for heating and cooling; it will help unlock additional investment and multiply the impact of every dollar.

For nearly three decades, Redford Interfaith Relief has made a simple promise to our community: when our neighbors need us, we'll be there. That promise has carried families through job loss, illness, fixed incomes, and unexpected crises. It has meant fresh food on the table, warm clothing for children, and a welcoming place where every person is treated with dignity and respect. Today, more than 400 families each month depend on that promise, and we have never wavered in our commitment to be here when they need us most.

With your help, we can ensure that Redford Interfaith Relief remains exactly what it has always been: a place where hope lives, dignity is preserved, and every family knows that when life becomes difficult, someone will be here to open the door. Together, we can protect more than a building—we can protect a promise that has sustained our neighbors for nearly 30 years and will continue to do so for generations to come.