Plymel 1

Tryston Plymel
Dr. Karen Springsteen
English 3020 Section 002
25 March 2016
Research Report and Project Proposal for Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
Homelessness threatens the health and well-being of thousands of families in the United
States, yet little is known about their specific needs and how current services address them
(Gltekin). This problem is widespread and persistently effects thousands of Americans daily:
In January 2015, 564,708 people were homeless on a given night in the United States
(Snapshot of Homelessness). Homelessness presents a unique obstacle because of its inability to
track the location of these individuals. Without proper statistical data, federal and state programs
often encounter hindrances when organizing policies to relieve stresses experienced by the
homeless. The federal and state levels of government do not offer the personal contact with the
individuals suffering from homelessness to beneficially assist them. In result, community
programs are frequently given the responsibility of carrying out these grants (Detroit to Receive
$4.2 Million for Housing, Homelessness Programs). The aspirations of these endowments often
include promoting the local economy, providing affordable housing and, overall, diminishing
homelessness.
Over one-hundred years ago, a Detroit based organization was formed with aspirations of
local and personal work. Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries held its first chapel service in an old
poultry store on February 14, 1909. Since then, the community based program, has grown to
include sixteen locations in the wider Detroit area. Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries focuses on

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decreasing the rates of homelessness with shelters, kitchens and treatment centers. Additionally,
the Ministry organization accomplishes a considerable amount of work with homeless veterans,
substance addicts and abused women. Furthermore, the establishment prepares individuals for
their future roles in the work force (Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries). Overall, Detroit Rescue
Mission Ministries has accomplished considerable measures through their work with the
homeless population in the last one hundred years.
The organization of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries presents itself on two main media
foundations. These include the Ministries website and its Facebook page. Upon first search of
the establishment, the website appears. The home page that emerges is organized and
professional. Also, multiple religious figures are incorporated, including a large cross in the lefthanded corner. This automatically signifies the organizations association to the Christian
religion. A cross is also displayed behind the name of the establishment in the logo; which is also
exhibited on the main page of the website. Also presented behind the Ministries logo is a sky
line view of the city of Detroit. This shows the community connection to the city, as well as, the
responsibility it feels towards it people. Further analysis of the website illustrates the
predominant use of the color red. As the organization identifies itself as a Christian based
service, this could be a connection to the blood of Jesus Christ. Correspondingly, the site exhibits
numerous pictures of volunteers and success stories. In doing so, the individual is perceiving the
organization based off its accomplishments. Upon examining the volunteer page of the website, a
similar Christian-based, successful impression is presented. A bright picture of joyful volunteers
seizes the majority of the page; bestowing a positive notion for new and returning individuals.
To summarize, the main website of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries presents Christian based
pages with positive images.

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In correspondence with the website is the main social media outlet for the organization.
The Facebook page for Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries also incorporates religious based
themes into its main description. However, this communal page focuses its message on the
personal work that it performs. Through the numerous pictures of assisted men, women and
children, visitors to this Facebook site can clearly understand the boundless work that the
Ministries do. Additionally, the left hand panel of the media outlet displays mutual Facebook
friends that have also volunteered with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. By including this
detail, the organization provides a personal connection to the individual observing their social
media page. Further examination of the Facebook page provides a connection to the
establishments website page. Similar colors and font styles are used in throughout both media
platforms. This parallel gives the organization a level of professionalism and significance that
would not be seen if the sources had been created with a lack of establishment. In summary,
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries presents itself through two main media outlets; its website and
its Facebook page. These social media pages share a similarity of representing a Christian based
establishment with an optimistic impression.
Dating back throughout centuries, has been the basic desire for humans to care for one
another. This need implements itself in the issue of homelessness as federal, state and local
policies continue to form, funding billions of dollars to help those in this state of poverty. The
first ever major federal legislative act was enacted on July 22, 1987. The Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act: marked the federal governments recognition that homelessness is a
national problem requiring a federal response (Baumohl 160). Overall, the summarized
aspirations of the McKinney Act included aiding state, local and nonprofit programs to aid the
homeless population. Originally, the one-billion-dollar plan was only intended to last two years

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but, until the year 1994 it was extended and expanded four times. This Act created fifteen federal
funding programs and initiated the Interagency Council on the Homeless: to oversee federal aid
to the homeless (Baumohl 160). The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act was the
first program to officially recognize this issue as a national crisis. Through, long-term solution
plans this particular act made a significant impact on the perception of homelessness at the
federal level.
Since the foundation of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act in 1987, the
federal budget for homeless assistance programs has correspondingly increased. In was reported
that in 2016 the federal government will grant $2.480 billion for the Homeless Assistance Grants
program. This increase in funds will focus on beneficial programs for homeless veterans, youth
and facilitating organizations whom aid these individuals (Snapshot of Homelessness). These
programs also aim to alter the public perception of homelessness and improve knowledge about
youth homelessness and its solutions (Snapshot of Homelessness). A crucial element of the
federal aid subsists in its policies to: cover the cost of renewing and expanding investments for
permanent supportive housing (Snapshot of Homelessness). This portion of the funds is not
only: a proven, cost-efficient solution to chronic homelessness but, it is also highly beneficial
to the organizations that supply these accommodations (Snapshot of Homelessness). In recent
years, the national budget for homelessness aid programs has increased, with emphasis on
supporting temporary and permanent housing establishments for these individuals.
The city of Detroit, Michigan is chronically effected by the issues of poverty and
homelessness. Poverty rates among child and adults are higher in this city than they are almost
anywhere else in the United of America: The child-poverty rate in Detroit is eight times above
that of FremontThe adult poverty rate is highest in Detroit, six times above that of Overland

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Park, Kan., which has the lowest (Cities Steeped in Poverty, Hunger & Homelessness). These
staggering statistics parallel a necessity for federal and state programs to alleviate the pressures
caused by homelessness. In 2016 Senator Carl Levin announced that Detroit will be the receipt
of 4.2 million dollars: in federal funding to promote affordable housing, fight homelessness and
boost the local economy (Detroit to Receive $4.2 Million for Housing, Homelessness
Programs). Specifically, these grants will assist the state and local governments in improving the
number and quality of emergency housing shelters. They will additionally service the foundation
of affordable housing units for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. (Detroit to Receive
$4.2 Million for Housing, Homelessness Programs). These assistance grants will directly affect
establishments aimed at the housing of homeless individuals, such as, Detroit Rescue Mission
Ministries. In doing so, they will provide support to the organizations who offer relief to the
homeless population.
The critical issue of homelessness in America has captivated attention of many authors
and editors over the last few decades. This includes Jim Baumohl, editor of Homelessness in
America. This previously cited author begins his contextual analysis by defining the word
homeless as perceived by the general American population: most often, it is literal and prosaic:
the absence and domicile (Baumohl 3). His definition is continued with the stigmas that are often
included with this term: Thus, we employ it to describe those sleeping outdoors in any of a
variety of makeshifts, or residing in temporary accommodationsbut we also invoke the word to
indicate something poignant and diffuse: the absence of belonging (Baumohl 3). The editor
continues his research by examining the reported reasons for this issue: homelessness was best
explained by the personal limitations of those who became homelessthey were severely

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mentally ill, for instance, or end-of-the-line substance abusers (Baumohl 25). Baumohl also
assesses the decline low-cost housing as an additional reason for homelessness in the country.
Further along in the book, the editor analyzes the different dimensions of homelessness.
This section incorporates noticed increase in the amount of homeless veterans throughout the
nation. The relationship between age, gender and poverty is also thoroughly observed: homeless
women and homeless men have different survival repertoires, with various forms of
institutionalized assistance being more salient for homeless women, and shadow work figuring
more prominently in the survival of homeless men (Baumohl 94). Correspondingly, Baumohl
also considers the separate efforts that men and women with children in a state of homelessness
must provide. Distinctively, he states that women with children differ more from single women
than homeless men. Arguments for this statement come from factual data surrounding two key
reports: impoverished women with children are more likely to receive support from various
family members and they are less likely to seek a labored position (Baumohl 94). Through the
examination of age, gender and family dynamics Jim Baumohl offers a critical insight into the
varying aspects of homelessness.
The third part of this extensive book assesses the responses to homelessness. This section
begins by describing the Steward B. McKinney Homelessness Assistance Act of 1987. Following
this federal initiative was an increase in statewide collaborations. With an emphasis on programs
to assist and prevent homelessness, these state partnerships organized: various antihomelessness
agencies and services, notably through state councils, task forces and committees (Baumohl
175). The success of these state relationships relied on the fact that their councils included
representatives from the local sectors and nonprofit establishments. The solutions that were
proposed by these collaborations embodied similarities to previous programs discussed. These

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resolutions included: creating decent, affordable housing, linking housing and services to assist
homeless people, and assisting homeless children and youth (Baumohl 175 and 176). The
responses analyzed by Jim Baumohl exhibited the connections between the federal, state and
local government. The associations also showed the importance of the involvement of local and
nonprofit sectors when attaining these solutions.
Through the evaluation of Homelessness in America, a correlation can be perceived
between the local establishment of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries and the surrounding
government. Baumohl reported that to diminish the issue of homelessness a successful program
must be implemented at the communal level. From this statement, it can be understood why
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has continued to grow into the accomplished organization that
it is. The book also discussed the differences between gender and homelessness. Another
association can be made between this report and the establishment. Detroit Rescue Mission
Ministries offers numerous centers, each with a specific focus on gender, marital status and
family dynamic. In doing so, the organizations are more proficient in meeting the needs of the
people on an individual basis. Across the review of this book, a clear connection has been made
between the success of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries and the personal service that they
provide.
After thorough research of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries and the governmental
issues that surround this establishment a transparent conclusion can be reached. The organization
has proven success over one hundred years of historical work but, still aspires daily to improve
their operations. Proceeding volunteer positions with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries center
on Third Street in Detroit, a personal realization of their accomplishments can be felt. There is a
special connection between the administrators at the Third Street Center and the individuals that

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they assist. While this association is familiar and intimate, the Center is deficient in
technologically written format to beneficially aid those in all of their centers. Through
correspondence with the development specialist for the establishment, a concept was formed.
The most valuable way to assist in this problem is to format a newsletter with a direct guide to
the programs accessible through Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. This proposition will be
fulfilled by all-encompassing research of the different centers and the options they offer.
Once this inquiry is complete, a formal newsletter can be completed for the organization.
To parallel their current media pages, a similar font and color style will be used. This will display
a similarity between this work and the Ministries current instruments of broadcasting. The
context of this newsletter will focus on the crucial forms of assistance that the establishment
provides. This includes their substance abuse treatment programs, their all-male and all-female
centers and their domestic abuse programs. By offering a step-by-step guide to these resources,
individuals will have a more knowledge understanding of what Detroit Rescue Mission
Ministries affords. After volunteer experiences with the Third Street Center and correspondence
with the developmental specialist the idea for a newsletter for formed to beneficially aid the
entire organization. This written outlet will give the individuals a clear comprehension of the
various assistance program that the organization offers.
Homelessness is a chronic issue that effects thousands of Americans daily. Programs like
the Steward B. McKinney Homelessness Assistance Act of 1987 allowed the nation the perceive
this problem as a federal issue. This particular policy also resulted in successful statewide
collaborations with an emphasis on local and community representation. This communal
incorporation is critical because of the personal connection that these organizations have. An
example of this a one-hundred-year-old Detroit-based establishment. The success of this

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organization can be related to its relationship to the individuals in the community, as well as, its
specified centers. An analyzation of the book, Homelessness in Detroit, confirms these reports.
The editor, Jim Baumohl, also examines multiple federal and state policies to help aid
homelessness. He also inspects the differences between age, gender and family dynamics in
relation to poverty. Finally, after completion of volunteer work with the Third Street Center and
approval from the administrators a project proposal was formed to benefit the organization on a
broad scale. In doing so, the individuals seeking aid from this establishment will have a clear
understanding of the programs offered by the multiple centers. Homelessness is a chronic issue
that faces the nation but, with proper programs implemented the stresses causes by this problem
can be successfully relieved.

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Bibliography
Baumohl, Jim, ed. Homelessness in America. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx, 1996. Print.
Jim Baumohl is the editor for the book, Homelessness in America. This novel was written
in correlation with the Nation Coalition for the Homeless and examines aspects of this issue at
the federal and local level. The book is extensive and well-reported with statistical figures and
charts. Baumohl begins by analyzing the definition of homelessness as perceived by the majority
of the American population. He attempts to alter this view throughout the book. Reports also
show the programs started at the federal and state level to aid this issue. The editor examines the
success of these policies and their dynamics. Also, the book defines the differences experienced
by men and women. Overall, Homelessness in America examines the different dynamics of
homelessness throughout the levels of government and society.
"Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Providing Hope To The Hopeless, Abused, and
Disadvantaged Of Our Community." Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. N.p., n.d. Web.
24 Mar. 2016. http://drmm.org/.
The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries website includes all of its information pertaining
to its sixteen different centers throughout the greater Detroit area. This site also enables
volunteers to complete a profile and sign up for services. Further, the website includes a timeline
of the establishment and its historical achievements. This outlet is very informative for all
individuals seeking material pertaining to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.
"Detroit to Receive $4.2 Million for Housing, Homelessness Programs." ProQuest 5000
[ProQuest]. Targerted News Service, 30 July 2012. Web. 25 Mar. 2016.

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This article provides statistical evidence for homeless aid programs in regards to Detroit,
Michigan. It describes the focus of where the federal funds will go in the city, as well as, to what
specific programs. The article continues by dividing the grants into the multiple counties that
surround the city of Detroit. An association can be made between the programs described in this
documentation and the previously described items This provides an understanding of important
national and state programs for the reader. This article was imperative for its statistical data and
the association made between the described policies.
Gultekin, Laura, PhD. "Voices from the Street: Exploring the Realities of Family
Homelessness." ABI/INFORM [ProQuest]. N.p., Nov. 2014. Web. 25 Mar. 2016.
Laura Gultekin briefly describes her research in the area of homelessness in the Detroit
area. She specifically examined homeless mothers and children with regards to the services that
are offered to assist them. After, Gultekin explored the reports of their caseworks. From this
research she stated that violence, social isolation and poverty are all critical aspects in the area of
homelessness. The aspiration of this investigation was to connection these women with their case
workers on a more personal level. In doing so, these individuals would have better knowledge
understanding at the point of meeting with their case workers. This article was beneficial to this
paper because of its contextual facts of homeless mothers and children. These reports related
back to the earlier pieces and created an overall base of intelligence.
"Snapshot of Homelessness." National Alliance to End Homelessness:. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar.
2016. <http://www.endhomelessness.org/pages/snapshot_of_homelessness>.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a website dedicated to providing statistical
figures and facts surrounding areas of homelessness. Similarly, it provides information on federal

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policies and state programs to alleviate the pressures of this issue. However, this website is
updated yearly, giving much more recent knowledge. This website also offers its material in an
organized manner, with specified details. These particular details were crucial when forming the
analysis for the government homeless program. In summary, this website provides exclusive
information in regards to the area of homelessness in its entirety.