A nonprofit dedicated to helping people who migrate to the United States recently broke ground on a $6 million expansion project as the White House steps up its efforts to deport immigrants.
Freedom House Detroit, which has operated in Southwest Detroit for 42 years, is adding 4,900 square feet of residential space and is renovating 5,000 square feet of space at their facility to create bigger living quarters, a large community area, more office space and upgraded bathrooms to provide transitional housing for up to 100 people.
More than 80 percent of the people who come to Freedom House for help have fled their home countries due to torture and need a place to stay while they get their residency established, continue their education and/or heal from the abuse they suffered, said CEO Elizabeth Orozco-Vasquez.
“It is so scary,” she said of the deportation efforts. “It is so frightening.
President Donald Trump has made sweeping changes to immigration policies in the United States and made it easier for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct raids and searches.
While campaigning for the presidency he promised to crack down on immigration and quickly signed off on the increased measures once he took office.
Freedom House Detroit helped 600 people last year, which was the most that ever came to it for help, officials said. There usually are about 125 people annually seeking help.
Freedom House is the only full-service provider of services for those fleeing persecution and torture of its kind in the state.
Project funders include the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the City of Detroit, several foundations and other donors. Officials still need to raise $1 million for the project.
In addition to the remainder of the funds needed to complete the renovations, Freedom House is raising $125,000 for its operational costs. The organization held a fundraiser last Friday evening to seek that funding and build awareness.
At the event, a physician from Africa received a standing ovation as he spoke about fleeing the region near Nigeria with nothing. He bounced around Texas before coming to Detroit and receiving help from Freedom House for two years.
He now is working in the medical field at an area hospital. Specific details about former or current clients are not divulged. Photos and videos were not allowed to be recorded at the fundraiser.
“It was not easy,” he said, choking back tears. “But Freedom House gave me everything. I found more than services. I found family. You made a difference in my life and I will never forget it.”
Orozco-Vasquez said the renovations also will make the building look more inviting. She said it currently has a drab exterior, and she would like it to feel warmer and boast colorful murals.
“It is this ugly little building,” she said. “Let’s make it something we can be proud of.”
Detroit City Councilmember Gabriel Santiago-Romero said Freedom House is an important part of the city. Her district includes Southwest Detroit.
“I am incredibly grateful for Freedom House,” she said at the groundbreaking. “It is incredibly needed. Freedom House is the embodiment of what it means to build inclusive communities for everyone.”
The renovation and expansion projects are expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.
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This article was made possible thanks to a generous grant to EL CENTRAL Hispanic News by Press Forward, the national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. Learn more at www.pressforward.news.
