Fundraiser Planned for Displaced Leland House Residents Amid Uncertainty Over Building's Future
A fundraising event is set to take place this Friday at the Lager House in downtown Detroit, aimed at supporting the 27 displaced residents of the historic Leland House, which has been plagued by uncertainty over its future since a major electrical failure forced them out last month.
The fundraiser, scheduled for 8 p.m., will see monetary donations collected at the door, with proceeds split evenly among the affected tenants. In addition to donating money, attendees can participate in "dancing for solidarity" and enjoy entertainment provided by a lineup of DJs. The suggested donation is $10 to $20.
Many of the displaced residents are currently staying at the Red Roof Inn in Southfield, where the city of Detroit is footing the bill for their hotel rooms. However, the prolonged stay has put added financial strain on those affected, who need money for basic necessities like travel, groceries, and clothes.
The Leland House's future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that the building may be sold through an online auction. The owner has obtained court approval to auction off the property and parking lot, although it is unclear how this will affect the residents' living situation.
Artist and percussionist Daryl Stewart, who has called the Leland House home since 2012, expressed his concerns about the building's future. "It's expensive out here," he said, describing the difficulties faced by tenants in accessing basic amenities like grocery stores. "Some things are walkable, but not everyone can walk like that. It's like being in another world out here."
Stewart also spoke to the emotional toll of displacement, saying, "Everybody loved that building... It was home. It was our family." The fundraiser is aimed at directly supporting these residents and providing them with a sense of community and solidarity during this challenging time.
The event is separate from a GoFundMe campaign launched earlier in December to support the Leland City Club, a popular goth-and-techno venue within the building. However, questions surrounding the distribution of funds raised through that campaign have led some to criticize its transparency.
As the residents wait for answers about their future, Stewart emphasized the need for community support. "It's been really hard," he said, highlighting the uncertainty and difficulty faced by those affected. The fundraiser at the Lager House aims to provide a beacon of hope and solidarity in the face of this uncertain situation.
A fundraising event is set to take place this Friday at the Lager House in downtown Detroit, aimed at supporting the 27 displaced residents of the historic Leland House, which has been plagued by uncertainty over its future since a major electrical failure forced them out last month.
The fundraiser, scheduled for 8 p.m., will see monetary donations collected at the door, with proceeds split evenly among the affected tenants. In addition to donating money, attendees can participate in "dancing for solidarity" and enjoy entertainment provided by a lineup of DJs. The suggested donation is $10 to $20.
Many of the displaced residents are currently staying at the Red Roof Inn in Southfield, where the city of Detroit is footing the bill for their hotel rooms. However, the prolonged stay has put added financial strain on those affected, who need money for basic necessities like travel, groceries, and clothes.
The Leland House's future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that the building may be sold through an online auction. The owner has obtained court approval to auction off the property and parking lot, although it is unclear how this will affect the residents' living situation.
Artist and percussionist Daryl Stewart, who has called the Leland House home since 2012, expressed his concerns about the building's future. "It's expensive out here," he said, describing the difficulties faced by tenants in accessing basic amenities like grocery stores. "Some things are walkable, but not everyone can walk like that. It's like being in another world out here."
Stewart also spoke to the emotional toll of displacement, saying, "Everybody loved that building... It was home. It was our family." The fundraiser is aimed at directly supporting these residents and providing them with a sense of community and solidarity during this challenging time.
The event is separate from a GoFundMe campaign launched earlier in December to support the Leland City Club, a popular goth-and-techno venue within the building. However, questions surrounding the distribution of funds raised through that campaign have led some to criticize its transparency.
As the residents wait for answers about their future, Stewart emphasized the need for community support. "It's been really hard," he said, highlighting the uncertainty and difficulty faced by those affected. The fundraiser at the Lager House aims to provide a beacon of hope and solidarity in the face of this uncertain situation.