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The Good People Fund

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Detroit Phoenix Center

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Courtney Smith’s “aha” moment came when her teenage brother showed up at the house she shared with roommates with all his belongings and homeless – just as she, her sisters, and her parents had all been at similar ages. As Courtney cared for her brother and her basement filled with air mattresses for him and his friends, she knew this was not a long-term solution.  And, other programs to which she connected them did not work. She founded Detroit Phoenix Center, a drop-in model driven by youth voices and where homeless and street-connected youth have autonomy over their lives. Her brother – head of the Center’s youth action board – died by suicide two days before the Center opened, proving to Courtney that this work was the difference between life and death. Almost four years later, DPC provides resources and support – showers, meals, basic need items and clothing, a computer lab, and so much more –  to high-risk and homeless youth.

Our funds are directed to administrative expenses.

Pure Heart Foundation

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As a child of incarcerated parents, Sherelle Hogan faced a childhood of trauma-related challenges and, against all odds, overcame her circumstances to become an advocate for children whose parents are imprisoned.  In 2015 she founded Pure Heart Foundation, which works to break the cycle and create opportunities for children who are often forgotten. Financial, academic and emotional support has been provided to over 2,500 families. To date, NONE of Pure Heart Foundation’s “scholars” have entered the criminal justice system.

Our funds are directed to administrative expenses.

Tribe Talk

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As anti-Semitism grows throughout the world, many campuses have become microcosms of the very same virulence and intolerance – an increase of 86% over the past two years alone, according to the ADL. Together, Jude Sydney, Michelle Black and Robin Friedman have developed a comprehensive internet-based program that aggregates many resources, including partnering with existing organizations, using campus-specific ratings and student views, as well as a strong Israel education component developed by noted experts in the field. As the program grows, the founders hope that when deciding which college to attend, students will “Know Before They Go” to ensure a successful experience. Our funds underwrite start-up expenses including podcast production and website design and management.

Pittsburgh Interfaith Evolution

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On Shabbat morning, October 27, 2018, a deranged murderer walked into a Pittsburgh synagogue and killed eleven people, including Joyce Fienberg, a beloved member of the congregation. In response, Joyce’s daughter-in-law, Marnie Fienberg, vowed to find ways to combat the violence, hatred and anti-Semitism that inspired this tragedy.  Together with her friend, Lauren Kline, they began The Pittsburgh Interfaith Evolution Corporation, to build bridges of understanding between people of different faiths. P.I.E.’s signature program, 2 for Seder, encourages Jews to invite two guests who have never attended a Seder to join them, learn about Judaism and thereby gain greater understanding and mutual respect. The 2019 pilot program included participants from across the US and Canada.

With the arrival of COVID-19, the original 2 for Seder format was no longer possible, but P.I.E. lost no time in developing an ambitious plan to create podcasts and weekly newsletters that address other innovative ways to combat anti-Semitism. Our funds are used to underwrite website and technology costs.

Warehouse NJ

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It is difficult to maintain your dignity when you are homeless and living in a shelter or your car. For Kim Sleeman, founder of The Warehouse NJ, it was that sense of dignity that inspired her to begin collecting furniture, household goods, and decorative accessories for individuals and families receiving vouchers for Section 8 housing and the chance to begin a new life. Volunteers of all ages are indispensable to Kim’s operation as they deliver and put in place an apartment’s worth of furniture. She shares that “…witnessing the joy, amazement and wonder on each of our clients’ faces the day they see their new furnished home has been life changing for me.” Our matching funds provide for modest operating expenses including storage and truck rentals.

For Good PGH

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Braddock was once a thriving community in the heart of Pennsylvania’s steel industry. Today, this Pittsburgh suburb has fewer than 3,000 residents, most living well under federal poverty guidelines. Gisele Fetterman and Kristen Michaels have made it their business to promote “good” throughout their community, proving daily the rewards that can come from this attitude.

Free Store 15104 is an integral part of For Good’s programming. Brightly painted shipping containers provide residents with clothing, food, housewares, diapers and formula, much of it donated directly by manufacturers and local businesses. The sign posted outside the structures indicate exactly what drives the program: (1) Be kind (2) Take only what you need (3) Pay it forward.

The Hollander Project, begun in 2018, is housed in what was once Hollander Pharmacy. Today, the building is a co-working space for local entrepreneurial women, and also the site of community events and wellness initiatives. Additional programs include addressing gun violence and the needs of foster kids, as well as offering coding for girls and creating green spaces.

Our funds underwrite repairs to the Free Store 15104 trailers.