Judy Harnish, wife of Rotarian Jack Harnish, has been volunteering with Cass Community Social Services (CCSS) for 18 years, and she spoke about CCSS efforts to improve the Cass Corridor of Detroit and the Tiny Homes.
Judy Harnish claims that working with Cass Community Social Services is the best “job” she has ever had because not only does she feel like she is making a contribution, but something touches her heart every day. CCSS is a 503(1)(c) nonprofit that has roots in Cass Community United Methodist Church, right in the center of Detroit's Cass Corridor. The Rev. Faith Fowler is the senior pastor and executive director of CCSS, and the congregation is dedicated to CCSS with working with the homeless and the developmentally disabled. The church has been involved with mission work in Detroit since the Great Depression.
Judy explained that Rev. Fowler conceived the idea to build a village of 25 small homes that the working poor or formerly homeless can rent to own. This project is the foundation for low-income poor to grow and become homeowners in their own neighborhood in Detroit. Each home ranges from 250 to 400 square feet and is built to be efficient with unique exteriors on its individual lot. An individual applies through CCSS for selection of one of the homes in the rent-to-own development. Homes are fully furnished, equipped with everyday needs, and landscaped If the resident makes the monthly rent payments for three years, they will then qualify to make monthly payments on a subsequent four-year land contract, offering them full ownership in a total of seven years. Residents have to be involved in their neighborhood and participate in CCSS. Classes are required regularly to educate the residents on home ownership and financials.
Judy leads a mission team from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (Benzie) to assist with various CCSS projects for Detroit’s homeless needed in the Cass Corridor. Anyone interested in joining her mission can contact her.