2008-11-19 - Community Housing Network and Recycled Rides Collaborate To Ease One Woman’s Journey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Media Contact
Barbara Garrett
Community Relations Manager
248-928-0111
bgarrett@chninc.net

Community Housing Network and Recycled Rides Collaborate To Ease One Woman's Journey

Sterling Auto Body Center, 31191 Stephenson Hwy, Madison Heights
Monday, November 24, 2008 at 3:00 PM

Lauri's story: Lauri was married to a man who physically abused her. They had two children with disabilities. She divorced him and raised their two children on her own with no child support. Her daughter Amber died in May 2002 and a few months later, her van quit working too. Her son Thomas is grown and lives on his own with his family which includes Lauri's granddaughter, Madison. Lauri is proud to be a "young grandma now!"

All of the struggles eventually took a toll on Lauri's physical and emotional health. Community Housing Network assisted Lauri in finding affordable housing through one of its housing programs. With support from the Oakland Community Mental Health Authority and Community Housing Network, Lauri's health and emotional well-being have returned. She has enrolled in college to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. With no vehicle, it has been hard for Lauri to get hands-on experience including meeting face-to-face with the instructors and going on field trips. In addition, the lack of transportation has made it difficult for her to keep medical appointments.

The vehicle will help Lauri reach her educational goal, a degree in Criminal Justice and it will make it easier for her to get to her medical appointments. "If I had a car again, it would help me enhance my life and get my degree so that I wouldn't have to be on a government program anymore. I would love that...I want to keep myself healthy, strong and be the best I can be in life." It will be so exciting to witness the additional successes in Lauri's life made possible by receiving reliable transportation!

Community Housing Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community economic development organization that assists Oakland and Macomb County residents with low income find and maintain safe, affordable and comfortable housing. We seek creative solutions for ending homelessness, and promoting inclusive communities through affordable housing. "No one should be priced out of having a place to live," stated Marc Craig, President & CEO.

Recycled Rides is a nationwide awareness project whereby members of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) repair and donate recycled vehicles to families in need in their communities. It is a community relations program intended to build good will at the local level, while improving and promoting the image of the collision industry on a national level. Insurance companies; paint and parts vendors donate their resources to assist collision repair facilities in making this project possible. Simultaneous donations of the recycled rides take place throughout the country the Monday immediately preceding Thanksgiving.