Blog Posts

By Andre Vasher Groundcover contributor Re-opening after gaining traction in late 2019, the Recuperative Care program run by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County returns in full force. The Recuperative Care program first opened at the Robert J. Delonis Center to provide immediate shelter and part-time nursing support to homeless persons discharged from hospitals but … Continue reading Shelter Association Recuperative Care reopens in Washtenaw County

By Lindsay Calka Publisher Tenant activist addresses Washtenaw Apartment's Association after occupying the kickball field, preventing the game from happening. On August 12, the Washtenaw Area Apartment Association’s “Kickball Game and Picnic,” a networking event for landlords, had some unexpected attendees: tenants.  A broad coalition of tenants’ rights activists gathered in protest at Frisinger Park … Continue reading Local renters and housing activists say no to landlord games

Pet Pals Mutual Aid raised money in May by selling art work "painted" by Xena, the puppy of co-founder Sheri Wander. Jaz Brennan  Groundcover contributor Many of us know the great benefits that animals can bring to our lives. The connection we make with our furry, scaly or even feathery friends is one of a … Continue reading Pet Pals Mutual Aid: We all deserve happy, healthy pets

Tracy Harris NAMI member NAMI Washtenaw County is a local affiliate of NAMI — the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Mike Dolan and NAMI teammates Sandy Gale, Barb Higman (Leader of Lend … Continue reading Hope from those who know: Lend a Hand, NAMI Washtenaw County

Ben Girodias Groundcover contributor As of June 22, the Michigan state government lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions. Naturally, many Michiganders concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. It isn’t. True, some parts of the United States have vaccination rates approaching herd immunity, but in stark contrast, the vast majority of the globe’s population is still … Continue reading Flawed COVID response reveal’s capitalism’s relationship to imminent climate collapse

By James Rivard Groundcover contributor As April approached, and their existing shelter arrangements came to an end, Jeff and Chris found themselves looking for a place to camp. There was nowhere that they could afford to sleep legally, yet they needed to find a place that would fit their needs while working towards securing housing … Continue reading Kroger evicts the Three Ghosts’ camp

By Jim Clark Groundcover vendor No. 139 Do you remember Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street — the muppet that lived in a trash can outside the apartment from Maria and David? I was once told that Oscar represented the homeless population in the Sesame Street universe. The message I got from that was even … Continue reading Where Oscar sleeps

DAVID WINEY Groundcover contributor (chanting)  It's morning. Still alive somewhere near the Ann Arbor Farmers Market the din of vendors and early morning shoppers’ conversations pulls me from a groggy-headed sleep. They have already had their morning coffee, maybe breakfast, probably crawled from a warm bed.  Only a slight hangover. Need a drink, that will … Continue reading My redemptive journey and visionary that guided me

  In one sentence, who are you? A starving artist seeking to legalize compassion. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News?  The Ann Arbor District Library when it is open. Otherwise I sell in the Main St. area. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor?  I enjoy hanging our with the few … Continue reading Meet Your Vendor: James Manning, #16

by Anna Gersh Groundcover board member In March 2021, one of our board members had the very special opportunity to meet Ms. Marla Baldwin — an afterschool program coordinator at True North Services in Muskegon, Michigan. Ms. Baldwin teaches children, Kindergarten through third grade. She was very interested in the work being done at Groundcover … Continue reading Groundcover online reading project with Joe Woods