- DAC began in the winter 2008 when organizers started working with persons served by the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit. Homeless persons there told organizers that the beds in a nearby shelter where they stayed were infested with lice. Organizers persuaded the shelter director to attend a meeting with the homeless to hear their complaints. Consequently, the problem was corrected within a day. Encouraged by this successful action, DAC was born.
- Workshops develop leadership capacities among members; and members themselves elect leaders from among their ranks.
- Workshops help individuals obtain government identification, life skills and job training; and also help individuals access job and housing opportuniities.
- DAC members have participated in two major community cleanup projects near the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
- DAC is working with the Detroit Workforce Development Department to help members secure employment.
- DAC is seeking to expand its organization city-wide.
DAC meets every Friday 10 AM - 11 AM at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen located on Detroit's east side at 4390 Conner, Detroit, MI 48215. To learn more, contact Justin Erickson. | |
- DAC has about 900 current members, through the efforts of organizers Justin Erickson, Molly Sweeney, Andrew Reinel and University of Michigan Professor Greg Markus, who is also chair of the Harriet Tubman Center board of directors.
- DAC has helped more than 300 individuals obtain government identification.
- Working with Detroit's Workforce Development Department, 25 jobs were secured for youth and 3 jobs were secured for ex-convicts.
- DAC met with former Mayor Ken Cockrel. See the photos. Read the Detroit News article about the meeting.
- 25 DAC members participated in two separate community cleanups of vacant lots on the east side. See the photos.
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Organizing Overview
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