Community leaders and nonprofits gathered at the Brightmoor Alliance, Baber Memorial Church Friday to distribute masks to Detroiters as part of the broader community efforts to bring relief amid COVID-19. The initiative came as part of the 100,000 Masks for Detroit Families and Children Initiative spearheaded by G1 Impact, and the effort to distribute the PPE at Brightmore, Friday, was funded through a grant from the Max M. & Marjorie Fisher Foundation.
NICOLE FARMER, OF G1 IMPACT AND COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES TATE AT THE EVENT. PHOTO G1 IMPACT
Commenting on the matter, Rev. Larry Simmons, Executive Director, Brightmoor Alliance, shared, “Many residents are purchasing paper masks for $1/each. The masks are not individually wrapped, which is a sanitation and health concern. Others are not wearing any face covering, which to me, indicates a lack of access to masks.”
The masks were cut and sewn by G1 Impact’s approved partner projects and vendors, which were lead by Detroit Sewn, and come as part of G1’s effort to protect the health and safety of Detroit families, reduce waste and provide continued employment. The PPE was distributed to community members by five nonprofit groups that include, Brightmoor Alliance, Brilliant Detroit, Life Remodeled, Forgotten Harvest and The Prayer Truck.
“When COVID-19 hit Detroit, many officials indicated children couldn’t get the virus and African American people were resistant to the virus. I believe this crippled our community and, as a result, resulted in thousands of unnecessary deaths,” shared Nicole Farmer, Community Engagement Director, G1 Impact, when speaking on the matter. “Now, as our community begins to leave their homes, it’s disturbing to see children, seniors and mothers going to grocery stores with no masks or wearing a mask that is visibly tattered. Just because a family faces economic challenges does not mean they should be denied access to lesser-quality health protective equipment.
“The 100,000 Masks for Detroit Families project helps to protect socially disadvantaged families and help them stay healthy. The project also saves jobs, jobs that pay a living wage, and support our local economy,” she continued.
Other community members who took part in the initiative include Detroit City Council Member James Tate and Doug Stewart, Executive Director, Max M. & Marjorie Fisher Foundation.
The goal of the 100,000 Masks for Detroit Families and Children’s fundraising effort is to raise $500,000, with plans to distribute PPE to each district in Detroit through the summer. More information about the donation effort can be found here.
