ANN ARBOUR, Mich. – One million dollars will be used to create support solutions for homeless people in Washtenaw County through the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.
On Thursday, the hospital system announced its financial commitment in honor of health care advocate and Washtenaw Housing Alliance board member Sister Yvonne and Garry C. Faja, the first president and CEO of the direction of St. Joseph Mercy.
The money pledged will be used to address the underlying issues of homelessness, including mental health care, job training and addictions counselling.
The funds, disbursed through the Sr. Yvonne Gellise Endowment Fund for Ongoing Supportive Housing Services (SYG Fund), will go to partner agencies working with the Washtenaw Housing Alliance.
“Like Sister Yvonne and the Sisters of Mercy who founded St. Joe’s, Garry Faja believed very strongly in the core values that guide the healing mission of our health care system, including respect for the sanctity and dignity of every person, and our responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in our community,” St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston President Alonzo Lewis said in a statement.
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“As a tribute to Sister Yvonne, her continued leadership and commitment to those in need, and to Garry’s memory and incredible legacy of service, St. Joe’s is honored to make a significant investment in the Washtenaw County community and build on health and community programs. partnerships that improve and enrich the lives of local residents.
In a statement, SYG Fund Cabinet Chairman Norman Herbert said the investment will allow the fund to support more Washtenaw County households, while SYG Fund Development Coordinator Lauren Wisniewski noted the growing need for ongoing supportive housing services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about the endowment fund and who it supports here.
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