Clarendale Ann Arbor Residents Bring Compassion to Life with Avalon Housing Donation Drive
Clarendale Ann Arbor has partnered with Avalon Housing to support individuals and families living in local low-income housing. This donation drive – focused on collecting essential cleaning supplies – goes beyond charity, fostering genuine human connection and community unity.
Avalon Housing is a non-profit supportive housing provider dedicated to ending homelessness in Washtenaw County by developing and managing affordable housing and providing support services to help individuals thrive.
On Wednesday, August 27, Clarendale residents not only delivered and donated items but also visited the neighborhood their contributions support. There, they met Avalon Housing residents face-to-face, sharing conversations, stories, and a sense of solidarity. The gesture underscores Clarendale’s belief that community is built not just through giving, but also through showing up.
Making a Difference in the Community
“One of the reasons we chose to partner with Avalon Housing is because it is a local organization that directly impacts individuals in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County,” said Jessica Priehs, Director of Life Enrichment at Clarendale Ann Arbor. “Its mission deeply resonates with residents in their efforts to give back to the community that they love.”
Avalon Housing, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and managing supportive housing for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, deeply values the partnership.
“Avalon has been around since 1992, and our mission is to build healthy, safe, and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness,” added Shannon Canniff, Advancement Associate at Avalon Housing. “We have 30 properties throughout Washtenaw County, with three more in the pipeline. Clarendale is generously supporting Avalon Housing tenants through a cleaning supplies drive. Cleaning supplies are one of the top requests of Avalon clients and support coordinators, as they cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. We also look forward to leading an outing with Clarendale residents to give them a mission tour of some of our Ann Arbor properties and to discuss affordable housing.”
This year’s initiative continued to address the pressing issue of housing insecurity – with human warmth. It also challenged outdated narratives of aging, showcasing how older adults continue to play an active role in creating positive change.
Clarendale resident Bill Birdsall was happy to be a part of this initiative. “The Avalon House has been in existence for over 30 years. I used to work on the homeless problem in Ann Arbor, and it is a real crisis. Avalon Housing started with two houses and has grown to over 900 units serving the community. They know what they are doing, they use their money wisely, and are making a real difference in our community. They hire Social Workers who address the roots of homelessness, and it works!”
Become Part of Our Giving-Back Community
This is just one of the many partnerships and initiatives Clarendale Ann Arbor takes part in. Learn more about our community, and how your retirement can be filled with gratifying experiences, when you contact our team today.