Fundraiser Planned to Support Displaced Leland House Tenants as Uncertainty Surrounds Building's Future
A fundraiser is scheduled for this Friday at the Lager House in Detroit, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting 27 displaced residents of the historic Leland House. The event aims to provide financial assistance to those who have been left without a home due to a major electrical failure that forced them out of their building more than a month ago.
The displacement has caused significant distress for many tenants, including 67-year-old artist and percussionist Daryl Stewart, who has lived at the Leland House since 2012. Stewart expressed his concern about the lack of clarity surrounding the future of the building, stating that residents are still unsure if they will ever be able to return.
"The uncertainty has put added financial strain on us," Stewart said. "We need money for basic necessities like travel, groceries, and clothes. It's been really hard."
The fundraiser will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday at the Lager House, with a suggested donation of $10 to $20 per person. Organizers plan to collect monetary donations at the door, raffle off prizes, host information booths, and encourage "dancing for solidarity" with entertainment provided by a lineup of DJs.
Many displaced residents are currently staying at the Red Roof Inn in Southfield, where the city is paying for hotel rooms. The displacement has also had emotional consequences for Stewart, who described the Leland House as his home and family.
"It's expensive out here," Stewart said. "Some things are walkable, but not everyone can walk like that. It's like being in another world out here."
The fundraiser comes after a series of incidents involving the building, including a recent break-in at the vacant diner attached to Leland and the theft of historic artifacts from the property.
While some speculate that the building may be sold through an online auction, with court approval required for the sale, Stewart expressed his concern about the potential structural damage to the building if it remains without electricity.
"We still have no idea what's next," Stewart said. "We worry that the building could suffer damage as it sits without electricity."
The fundraiser is separate from a GoFundMe campaign launched in early December to support the Leland City Club, which has drawn scrutiny over its handling of funds. The new event aims to provide direct support to displaced residents and offers an opportunity for the community to come together and show their solidarity.
The DJ lineup at the fundraiser includes Coffee Black, Nova Blu, Something Blue, Big Joe Hix, and Mizz Chavez, ensuring a lively atmosphere that will help raise vital funds for those in need.
A fundraiser is scheduled for this Friday at the Lager House in Detroit, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting 27 displaced residents of the historic Leland House. The event aims to provide financial assistance to those who have been left without a home due to a major electrical failure that forced them out of their building more than a month ago.
The displacement has caused significant distress for many tenants, including 67-year-old artist and percussionist Daryl Stewart, who has lived at the Leland House since 2012. Stewart expressed his concern about the lack of clarity surrounding the future of the building, stating that residents are still unsure if they will ever be able to return.
"The uncertainty has put added financial strain on us," Stewart said. "We need money for basic necessities like travel, groceries, and clothes. It's been really hard."
The fundraiser will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday at the Lager House, with a suggested donation of $10 to $20 per person. Organizers plan to collect monetary donations at the door, raffle off prizes, host information booths, and encourage "dancing for solidarity" with entertainment provided by a lineup of DJs.
Many displaced residents are currently staying at the Red Roof Inn in Southfield, where the city is paying for hotel rooms. The displacement has also had emotional consequences for Stewart, who described the Leland House as his home and family.
"It's expensive out here," Stewart said. "Some things are walkable, but not everyone can walk like that. It's like being in another world out here."
The fundraiser comes after a series of incidents involving the building, including a recent break-in at the vacant diner attached to Leland and the theft of historic artifacts from the property.
While some speculate that the building may be sold through an online auction, with court approval required for the sale, Stewart expressed his concern about the potential structural damage to the building if it remains without electricity.
"We still have no idea what's next," Stewart said. "We worry that the building could suffer damage as it sits without electricity."
The fundraiser is separate from a GoFundMe campaign launched in early December to support the Leland City Club, which has drawn scrutiny over its handling of funds. The new event aims to provide direct support to displaced residents and offers an opportunity for the community to come together and show their solidarity.
The DJ lineup at the fundraiser includes Coffee Black, Nova Blu, Something Blue, Big Joe Hix, and Mizz Chavez, ensuring a lively atmosphere that will help raise vital funds for those in need.