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South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless has taken sole possession of the Starr Presbyterian Church building, located on the corner of 13 Mile and Crooks in Royal Oak. This is a considerable step for SOCH and its Welcome Inn Day Center, which is the only low-barrier wintertime day center in South Oakland County.
SOCH is a Nonprofit organization that has provided support, supplies, and services to the homeless for two decades. Along with operating the Welcome Inn Day Center, SOCH works with local churches to offer overnight shelter during cold months and transportation to churches that open their doors. With the recent signing of a 20-year lease with the local Presbytery, SOCH will be able to accelerate its efforts and expand the mission.
SOCH has long occupied a portion of the Starr Presbyterian Church building and used the church as the home of the Welcome Inn program. The organization, overseen by a six-member board and not affiliated with a specific religious organization, has long been recognized by Royal Oak and surrounding cities as a positive force, offering critical transitional support to members of the community. It also offers an opportunity for people who are compelled to devote a portion of their time, finances, and other resources to people in need.
Going forward, SOCH is excited to remain a contributing member of the vibrant and close-knit neighborhood that surrounds the church building, while deepening the mission’s impact on Royal Oak and surrounding cities. The operational team, led by Executive Director Heather Duenas, is committed to transparency, safety, security, stewardship of the property, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.
The entire organization – including guests, volunteers, supporters, staff, partner organizations, and board members – is grateful to the Presbytery for helping SOCH thrive for years to come.
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
contact@SOCHomeless.org, or 248.850.3219
Or click on the Volunteer tab at the top of this page.
