Ypsi schools’ Resiliency Center provides Christmas presents and more for families experiencing homelessness

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

The Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) Resiliency Center hosted its third annual holiday celebration Dec. 17, offering presents and games for about a dozen YCS students and food and community-building for their parents and younger siblings. The center is located on the former Willow Run campus at 1960 Holmes Rd. in Ypsilanti Township.

Cherisa Allen, the homeless liaison at the Resiliency Center and a school social worker, says the Resiliency Center was established in 2020 as a “one-stop shop” serving YCS families who were experiencing homeless or in danger of becoming unhoused. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the center also dispensed free personal protective equipment. Allen has directed the center since 2021. 

On Dec. 17, after the families assembled, Allen made opening remarks to kick off the festivities. She said she grew up in a family that struggled financially, so making sure other families have something for Christmas is an effort that truly comes “from the heart.”

“I had a single mother and was the eldest of eight children, and it was slim some Christmases,” she said to the parents. “I want to make sure that every child wakes up to Christmas with a gift.”

A variety of local businesses and organizations made the party possible, including donations of ice cream from Motor City Sweet Treats, present-wrapping from a local sorority, and other volunteer hours from You Beautiful Black Woman, an Eastern Michigan University student group.

Allen says that, during the first annual event, she let families shop for Christmas presents from the center’s inventory of adults’ and kids’ clothing and outerwear, kids’ books, and a small supply of games and toys.

In the third year, she says she wanted to add more of an interactive, networking component, potentially building community among the parents. That’s where a food buffet provided by Wynia’s Kitchen, music, and games for children came in. Three lucky winners also claimed gift cards taped to the bottom of their chairs. 

The center operates by appointment, and referrals generally come through school social workers or other staff. Families can stop in to browse and get free, new or used clothing for adults and children year round. There’s also a resource board where visitors can find out about other community nonprofits or initiatives that might be useful to these families.

You can learn more about the Resiliency Center and other services for families experiencing homelessness on the YCS website.