Latest news with #LaSed
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Southwest Detroit mourns Pope Francis, who was 'very accepting, very loving of all'
For Detroit City Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who represents District 6 in southwest Detroit, which has a sizable Latino and Catholic community, Pope Francis gave her and the community a lot of hope. Santiago-Romero grew up Catholic and recalls visiting Pope Francis years ago in what she described as "a beautiful moment" with her mother. Pope Francis died on Monday. He was 88. "For me and my mom, both being immigrants — not really believing that we'd be able to travel the world — being able to be in Rome and visiting the pope was really meaningful for us," Santiago-Romero said. The council member said she has heard from several members of her community, who said they are saddened by the pontiff's passing. "This pope was more on the left side. Very accepting, very loving of all of us. And I think that gave us a lot of hope, especially when the church can be not as welcoming or inviting, depending on the church, the pastor, the priest that you're in front of," Santiago-Romero said. "We were all very, very grateful to have him as our pope, and just really interested to see who they choose next in leadership, hoping that they are someone that is as sympathetic and vocal around the end of war and the end of genocide. "I'm just really sad that we lost someone that was so, so wonderful and vocal for the things that really matter to us." More: Michigan Catholics mourn death of Pope Francis, recall his 'kindness' Of those issues which matter to her and those she represents, Santiago-Romero said the impact he had on the LGBTQ+ community was and remains important. "Very, very grateful that that he did not deem us as sinners or folks that should be ousted, but more so should be loved and cared for. Could have done a lot more to have us be more visual and participate in the church. I think I will always push for that as well. But just felt as if we did have a pope that recognized and prayed and loved us, despite what the church might say," Santiago-Romero said. Mary Carmen Muñoz, executive director of the social and economic development nonprofit La Sed, said the community has a deep connection to Pope Francis, especially his Latino background. "He was born and raised in Argentina by immigrant parents who immigrated to Argentina from Italy. So he had a special place in his heart, for not only Latinos, for the entire world and people that suffered any type of injustice, but especially immigrants, they had a special place in his heart," Muñoz said. "He had a very special devotion to Mother Mary. Our community shares in so many traditional Catholic beliefs and are practicing Catholics. This was just stunning because yesterday during Easter service, it was so great to see him participating. We could tell he was weak but it brought out a sense of hopefulness to see him participate in the Mass yesterday." More: Who might succeed Pope Francis? Nine possible candidates Shock, sadness and joy, knowing "he is now joining Christ in heaven" are some of the emotions hitting the community, Muñoz added. "It's a heavy time for us because we lost, I believe a good friend. He was a humble man and always kept those that struggled the most in his heart," Muñoz said. "Church is the center of so many Latinos and our faith is what drives us every day. Through these challenging times, I think faith is what propels us to keep going to fight for the American dream and always seek justice for those that are always underserved." 'A symbol of faith and social change': Leaders in Michigan reflect on Pope Francis' death Southwest Detroit resident Rebecca Guizar, 68, walked up to Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit on Monday morning with her grandkids, hoping to baptize them and teach them more about the religion, but the church was closed for Easter Monday. Her main hope is to see less hate in the world as communities mourn and select the next pope. "It's hard waking up when you just watched him on TV yesterday. Watching him go through the crowd and everybody's so happy and waving, and then watching some of the mass and where he was able to be on the balcony, and be able to be there for Easter Sunday," Guizar tearfully said. "And we knew his end days were gonna come. ... I Googled it right away to make sure, you know, you gotta fact-check everything, so I said a little prayer. May God rest his soul. And now I'm going to teach the younger generation a little bit about him, because they're asking. I feel privileged to be able to share that with them." Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@ Follow her: @DanaAfana. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Southwest Detroiters mourn over death of Pope Francis
CBS News
26-02-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Recovery efforts continue after water main break in Southwest Detroit
Community organizations from across Metro Detroit have hosted a food drive for those in Southwest Detroit impacted by last week's massive 54-inch water main break. Residents came to the Latino Americans for Social and Economic Development (La Sed) on Wednesday to grab food, hygiene products heaters and pet supplies. Evelyn Harris was first in line, waiting patiently to get supplies she needed. The 63-year-old's basement was flooded, and she doesn't have working heat. "It's just devastating to lose everything," said Harris. Harris now considers herself homeless. "I'm so grateful for this center," said Harris. "Today is today, and we are not promised tomorrow. But today, look at how God is good." State Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), who represents the area affected by the water main break, helped organize the drive. Several organizations like AmeriCorps, LA Sed, Forgotten Harvest, the Ambassador Bridge and more donated their time and supplies to help. People from around 200 Detroit homes are staying in an extended-stay hotel, and many are dealing with extensive damage. "We really wanted to give back to the community, and since we are in the community and working with the community, we heard the community and asked for what they need," said Iselda Esquivel, who helps run programs for AmeriCorps. The Great Lakes Water Authority and city leaders have vowed to pay for the damaged homes. Even with that in mind, those needing help are trying their hardest to stay positive and move forward. "I'm very happy and proud to say I can come and ask for something, and I can get it," said Harris. "Whatever they got, they said they'll give to me." The organizations say they know Detroiters will need help for weeks to come, so they'll be ready if and when they need to provide for those in need.
CBS News
24-02-2025
- General
- CBS News
Red Cross and Detroit group helping with water main break recovery efforts
The American Red Cross is providing basic health and medical support to families and individuals impacted by the water main break in Southwest Detroit. Its community partner is Latino Americans for Social and Economic Development (La Sed) on Vernor Highway in Detroit. For 60 years, the nonprofit has provided services and resources to Latinos in the area. "It's a very small community, a small-town feel for such a large city, but we do try to take care of each other," Mary Carmen Muñoz, executive director with La Sed said. The water main break is the largest disaster relief effort the community has ever undertaken. "The average size of a home is approximately five people — three-and-a-half children and two adults at least. So that is close to 1,500 people that you're trying to assist," Muñoz said. The Red Cross is assisting families with any medications or medical equipment that was lost in the incident. There's also a nurse and mental health services available at the nonprofit's location. "This is very traumatic for a lot of people to lose everything. The Red Cross provides comfort, care and compassion," Kathryn Jacek, a volunteer with the American Red Cross said. Families can also get personal hygiene products, baby formula and diapers. The most popular items are cleaning supplies to sanitize homes. "We can provide resources, but they must be registered by the city of Detroit so that they then can assess, do they need a new water heater? Do they need a furnace?" Guadalupe Lara, director of the nonprofit's Senior Wellness Program said. Leaders at La Sed say some people have expressed fear of letting the city into their homes because of ongoing immigration raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "I just think people should not be afraid. I think that the mayor has reiterated that they are not looking at any of these things. They're looking at homeowners who own their home and to try to assist them," Lara said. The nonprofit is also partnering with Forgotten Harvest to provide fresh food to families impacted on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Anyone wanting assistance must provide proof they live in the affected neighborhood. Call La Sed at 313-554-2025 for more information.
