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'Something Had to be Done'

Published in 2024 Taylor Today Fifth Issue


Downriver supports veterans in big, small ways

By Diane Gale Andreassi

downriver for veterans
Seven years ago Ann Rudisill was working with veterans at the Veteran’s Court in 28th District Court and saw a man in late November wearing flip flops and no coat.

He said he couldn’t afford either and he said there was nowhere Downriver that gave veterans free clothes. Rudisill knew there were a lot of Downriver veterans, like this man, who were in need of a lot of services, and she couldn’t shake a nagging thought that something had to be done.

“I realized there was nothing strictly for veterans,” she said. “I quit my job and started Downriver for Veterans.”


A big push forward

The first major contributor was Mike Rowe, who is known for his work on the Discovery Channel series Dirty Jobs and Somebody's Gotta Do It.

“He gave us $30,000, put the word out there and we’ve been going crazy ever since,” Rudisill said, adding that since then the nonprofit group has given away at least $1.5 million in goods to 8,000-some veterans.

More recently, she convinced the City of Ecorse to donate land to start a tiny home village with 450- to 500-square-foot houses. Veterans would pay $450 to $500 monthly, and the criterium is they can’t use drugs or alcohol.

“I have two homeless veterans right now that I know of,” Rudisill said. “One is a World War II veteran who can’t pay for rent, and we give him $300 a month. Another vet lives in his car. They want to get back on their feet.”

The veterans village Rudisill envisions is a vibrant, safe environment that will provide individualized services including complete physical and medical care, educational and training programs, meaningful work, civic engagement, complete benefit entitlement, financial guidance and temporary and permanent housing.

Initially, the village will address temporary housing, provide a transition from military service and will focus on physical and mental wellbeing.

Over the years, DFV bought a veteran a new mobile home and hosted a baby shower for another vet. The organization also provides a food pantry and free haircuts monthly. During the holidays typically 190 veterans’ families receive gifts and before Thanksgiving they are given entire meals.

Other projects include backpack giveaways as well as winter coats, hats and gloves for school children. They’ve also paid for various living expenses, like auto repairs as well as electric and water bills. One of DFV’s services is to refer veterans to other organizations that may be able to help further.


Ways to give

DFV has a few donors who want to remain anonymous, and others who make PayPal donations. DFV also hosts fundraisers and public forums. Veterans often give back to the community by working programs DFV supports, like informational forums on human trafficking.

“We like to bring awareness to trafficking,” Rudisill said.

In late October DFV will host a program featuring a professional football player who will address some of the shared PTSD symptoms that players and veterans experience. Call Rudisill at (734) 934-0532 for more information and to make a reservation.

Go to downriverforveterans.org to learn more about the organization and upcoming events.
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