Some of the exciting auction items in the 2009 Festive Affair (complete details in the Program above)

A look back at the
2006 Festive Affair:

Download the Salvation Army flyer for details on how much we contributed in 2008.

Thanks a million for helping so many...

The Staples Center is a 35-bed emergengy homeless shelter which is operated by The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County. The shelter operates and has dedicated staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staples Center offers a safe, drug-free and alcohol-free environment. For the guests who stay there it is more than just a shelter, it is “home”. The atmosphere at Staples Center is like that of a caring family. The residents and House Staff work together to keep the house running smoothly by helping each other with meal preparations and daily chores. Together, they work toward “making a difference for life”
in their own lives and those around them.

WHO can stay at the Staples Center?

Staples Center serves a wide cross-section of homeless people including single adults, married couples, and
families with children. The residents also represent a wide range of occupations, education levels and past
work environments. Each resident has a unique, personal story to tell which may include difficult periods and long histories of substance abuse, domestic violence, medical problems and/or other challenges in their lives. Our goal for their stay at Staples Center is to provide them opportunities for physical, spiritual, emotional and social growth, and to create an environment of encouragement  and healing. We seek to minister to the whole person, believing that each of these areas needs to be addressed in order for the person to getbeyond their current situation.

Supported by your participation in

HOW LONG may a homeless person or family stay at Staples Center?

The length of an individual's stay at the Staples Family Center will be determined based on each individual's needs.  Guests may receive free room and board, as well as individualized casework services. During this time they are working toward establishing greater personal self-sufficiency with the goal of being able to move into more permanent housing upon completion of the program. This involves not only establishing a steady income, saving money, and dealing with bad credit histories, but also addressing any other issues that may have sabotaged their efforts to stay in permanent housing in the past.

WHAT SERVICES are provided to those staying at Staples Center?

Each guest is assigned a caseworker who meets with them at least weekly to establish and work through an individual casework at least once a week to plan specific goalsduring their stay. In addition to the casework sessions there are a number of groups during the week that focus on a variety of issues.  The goals include updating their resume; enhance job-seeking skills, completing job applications, work towards establishing greater personal self-awareness, self-confidence and creating a savings plan needed to obtain permanent housing for themselves and their families. The Staples Family Center offers a variety of group meetings such as a "job readiness club", spirituality groups and separate sessions of life skills for both men and women.

Education opportunities, including GED classes, are offered through the area community colleges. Parents are encouraged to attend parenting classes and residents also have the opportunity to discuss and examine issues surrounding substance abuse. Additional meetings are held once or twice a month that focus on various life skills and health issues.  Residents are encouraged to attend church services at The Salvation Army Citadel or the worship service of their choice.

It is only through the support of The Festive Affair and it's generous contributors over the past 18 years
that The Staples Family Center and its residents have been able to thrive.

By supporting the Staples Family Center, you are improving lives and the strength of our community.

Ken Staples' Profile featured in the Ann Arbor Observer  -  Read the article here   Call 734-996-0100 for information or email pnowakowski@bragannarbor.com for assistance with this website.