At MBC we’re dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities by helping individuals and families in need. We do this through our commitment to help support charities that make a huge impact in the lives of many throughout our Michigan communities. One of the ways we raise money is with Friday Casual Days. Every month MBC employees can pay $20 for the privilege of wearing blue jeans or other casual attire on Fridays.

Our spotlight charity for November is Avalon Housing.

Avalon Housing builds healthy, safe and inclusive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. The people they serve are individuals, families with children, youth and seniors – all of whom have experienced homelessness and face the challenge of a mental or physical disability. In addition to affordable housing, Avalon combines support services that help people achieve housing stability and lead healthier, productive lives.

Avalon Housing was founded in 1992, as a spin off from the City of Ann Arbor’s emergency shelter. Community advocates seized an opportunity to provide long-term, affordable housing for the City’s homeless citizens.  Since their founding, over a thousand individuals have achieved stability and improved their lives with Avalon Housing. In that time Avalon has consistently grown and gained expertise in engaging and housing people with high needs who are experiencing homelessness. Avalon’s model of supportive housing is now recognized as a national best practice.