Oakland County launches Safe Tonight Shelter Fund to provide winter shelter for homeless individuals

Oakland County has launched the Safe Tonight Shelter Fund to provide emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness during the winter months. The initiative, spearheaded by the Oakland County Task Force on Poverty and Homelessness and supported by community partners, aims to ensure that individuals have access to safe and warm sleeping spaces when the nights grow colder.

The program emerged from a pressing need in the community, as many people without homes struggle to find shelter during the coldest months. Bishop Theresa Lee, senior pastor at New Birth International Church in Pontiac, shared how the church responded to a call for assistance. “How can we turn people down like that?” she said, emphasizing the church’s commitment to serving those in need.

New Birth International Church is one of the key partners in the initiative, offering its facilities as an after-hours shelter. Lee described the church as “a church without walls,” highlighting its mission to extend care beyond its physical boundaries. The church’s involvement reflects a broader community effort to address homelessness with compassion and action.

Steve Norris of the Recovery Collective emphasized the importance of the program in preventing tragedies. Last winter, four individuals froze to death due to extreme cold, and Norris said the community is determined to avoid such outcomes. “When there’s a need, you quickly and intuitively understand what needs to be done,” he said.

Khadija Walker-Fobbs, an Oakland County housing officer, noted that the initiative is a collaborative effort involving local churches and community groups. “It’s just a way the community comes together, the village comes together,” she said, underscoring the collective responsibility to support those in need.

At the warming center, the focus is on providing immediate relief while also offering hope for the future. Charlotte Jones, director of the warming center at New Birth International Church, explained that the program includes not only shelter and meals but also opportunities for individuals to discuss their needs and aspirations. “Once they get settled, then we will go into the office and I will speak with them to find out ‘what is it that you want?'” she said.

The after-hours shelter at New Birth International Church is set to open on December 1. Those in need of emergency shelter in Oakland County are encouraged to seek assistance through the program.

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