Cass Community Social Services, Inc. (CCSS or Cass) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) community-based organization headquartered in

Detroit, Michigan Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at ...

, serving Southeastern Michigan, Wayne County, under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors. Cass Community Social Services has occasionally engaged In acts of

political activism Activism (or Advocacy) consists of efforts to promote, impede, direct or intervene in social, political, economic or environmental reform with the desire to make changes in society toward a perceived greater good. Forms of activism range fro ...

, usually In protest of city and state budget cuts.

History of Cass Community Social Services

Cass Community Social Services originally began when during the

Great Depression The Great Depression (19291939) was an economic shock that impacted most countries across the world. It was a period of economic depression that became evident after a major fall in stock prices in the United States. The economic contagio ...

when the church opened up a

soup kitchen A soup kitchen, food kitchen, or meal center, is a place where food is offered to the Hunger, hungry usually for free or sometimes at a below-market price (such as via coin donations upon visiting). Frequently located in lower-income neighborhoo ...

. In the 1950s, Reverend Lewis Redmond expanded the church's social services, creating an evening program, a free bible class ("Praise Class") and a senior's program ("Project Scout"). In 1988 the group also started a homeless shelter and "drop in center" for the homeless as well. In 1991 a

tent city A tent city is a temporary housing facility made using tents or other temporary structures. State governments or military organizations set up tent cities to house evacuees, refugees, or soldiers. UNICEF's Supply Division supplies expandable ten ...

was created in a nearby vacant lot to oppose the governor's cuts in social services. The social services of Cass started as part of Cass Community United Methodist Church during the Great Depression. In 2002, they became independent when the Scott building opened and a separate nonprofit/Board of Directors was formed. The mission statement directs the activities of the organization: "Cass is dedicated to making a profound difference in the diverse populations it serves by providing for basic needs, including affordable housing, promoting self reliance and encouraging community inclusion and improvement."

Funding

Cass Community Social Services uses 6 million dollars a year for its programs, of that, 5% comes from the

Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (commonly known as Ford) is an American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. It was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. The company sells automobi ...

, much of the rest comes from donations. On January 20, 2010, ''

USA Today ''USA Today'' (stylized in all uppercase) is an American daily middle-market newspaper and news broadcasting company. Founded by Al Neuharth on September 15, 1982, the newspaper operates from Gannett's corporate headquarters in Tysons, Virgini ...

'' reported on Cass' Green Gym, the nation's first green gym for homeless men, women and children. The gym was constructed through equipment and monetary donations. In May 2017, the organization held a fundraiser called the Cass Community Social Services Tiny Homes Progressive Tour. Ticket-holders ($75/ticket or $100/two tickets) could tour the six tiny homes built by the organization in

Detroit Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at th ...

. At each home, participants could taste a treat prepared by chef Matt Prentice. The homes range in size from 250 to 400 square feet and are rent-to-own properties for qualifying individuals.

References

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External links

Cass Community Social Service Website
Social welfare parachurch organizations Community-building organizations Social welfare charities based in the United States Organizations based in Detroit Organizations established in 2002