On this episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover a new grant program in Dearborn to help homeowners fund front porch and step repairs; the groundbreaking of Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament’s new Holy Paws Dog Park and more.

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Dearborn offering free front porch repairs

The city of Dearborn is offering free front porch and step replacement to some residents. The program is funded by federal grants through the end of October. To be eligible, the property must be an owner-occupied, single-family home with a valid certificate of occupancy. Applicants must have lived in the home for at least one year. If you do not have a valid certificate of occupancy, you must have lived in the home for at least five years. Applicants must also be up to date on property taxes, utilities, water bills and insurance. For more information, visit Dearborn.gov. 

Public meeting on prescription costs under Michigan Medicaid plans

Michigan residents are invited to take part in a virtual meeting about prescription drugs covered under Michigan’s Medicaid health plans. The meeting will be hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) with the purpose of allowing the public, stakeholders and other interested parties to comment on the list of prescriptions and associated costs. The meeting will take place from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Monday, Oct. 14, via Zoom.  Those unable to attend can submit questions via email to MDHHSCommonFormulary@michigan.gov by Oct. 9, 2024.

State dedicates funds to address teacher shortage

More than 160 school districts in Michigan are receiving $175 million dollars in grants to help address the teacher shortage. The money comes from the Michigan Department of Education and will go toward the state’s Grow Your Own Initiative. The initiative helps increase the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage. Each district receiving an award is partnering with one or more state approved preparation providers such as colleges. Detroit Community Schools, Dearborn City School District and Eastpointe City Schools are among the local districts receiving funds.

Create crocheted creatures at Parker Avenue Knits

Parker Avenue Knits is hosting an Amigurumi Workshop this month. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of creating small knitted or crocheted creatures. The workshop will be held over two days: Oct. 12 and 26. The shop says beginners are welcome. The cost is $30. For more information visit parkeravenueknits.com.

Holy Paws Dog Park breaks ground

The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament has broken ground on their new Holy Paws Dog Park. The park is a collaboration between the church, the City of Detroit Beautification program, and neighbors. The church is hosting a pet blessing at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at the park, located on the corner of John R and Belmont. Blessings and other treats will be passed out as well as St. Francis Holy Cards and a gift card drawing. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

On this episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover a vigil held in Dearborn over the weekend to mourn those killed in Israeli strikes in South Lebanon; recent U.S. EPA funding awarded to four Michigan tribes to implement climate action plans and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

A community in mourning

Over 1,000 people from metro Detroit’s Lebanese community gathered outside the Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn on Sunday for a candlelight vigil mourning civilians killed in recent Israeli strikes in South Lebanon. Dearborn is home to one of the largest Lebanese communities in the U.S. — many from South Lebanon where the conflict has escalated. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began. The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon, and according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, more than 700 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past week.

Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

Tribes receive $38M for energy projects 

Four Michigan tribes have been awarded $38 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement climate action plans. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants will support projects focused on reducing costs, improving infrastructure and cutting air pollution. These initiatives include solar installations, energy efficiency upgrades, electrification improvements, recycling programs and electric vehicle infrastructure — all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  

Neighborhood Wellness Centers get funding boost

The state of Michigan has dedicated $17 million in this fiscal year’s budget to help support preventative health centers in Detroit and Flint.

The Neighborhood Wellness Centers were established in 2020 to offer free COVID testing, as well as free blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol screenings to residents in need.

Of the 22 wellness centers in Michigan, eight are located in Detroit. The Open Door Church of God in Christ on Seven Mile is one of them. Assistant Pastor Michael Dorsey says the centers offer a safe space for residents to seek medical attention. 

“We all have people in our family that have health issues and they may not trust going to the doctor, they may not have the resources or have a primary care physician, but by attending the Wellness Center, you can now receive the proper screening and attention free of charge that can put you in a better position,” Dorsey said.

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley, WDET  

Panel discussion to highlight Asian stigmas 

APIA Vote Michigan is hosting a virtual community conversation on civic engagement at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. The event, titled “Courageous Conversations,” will feature a panel of guests to discuss stigmas within the Asian community and how to break barriers to increase civic participation.  

Hamtramck to host Night Bazaar

The Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority and Discover Hamtramck are hosting a new inaugural event, Hamtramck Night Bazaar, from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Pope Park, featuring a food truck, henna, and local art. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.