June 25, 2025 • 33 mins
LAKESHA HANCOCK, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FOUNDATION FOR POPS TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF HELPING VETS
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Light Up the D, a focus on what's
happening in our community from the people who make it happen.
Here's your host. iHeartMedia Detroit Market President Colleen Grant.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Good morning and welcome to Light Up the D. Thanks
for joining me today. I'm your host, Colleen Grant. I'm
excited because we have a wonderful guest today.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
Her name is Lakisha Hancock.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
She's the executive director of Foundation for Pops, a local
nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness through housing,
workforce development, and supportive services. A Navy veteran and hud
certified Housing counselor, Lakeisha brings over twenty six years of
experience in economic mobility, affordable housing, and nonprofit leadership. She's
(00:51):
deeply committed to building sustainable pathways to stability and opportunities
for vulnerable populations in the metro Detroit area. Please join
me and welcoming from Foundation for Pops. Lakeisha Hancock. Welcome, Lakisha.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Thank you, Colleen. I'm glad to be here.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Thank you for being here. I appreciate it, but first
of all, thank you for serving our country appreciate.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
It was an honor to serve.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
And we'll get into that too. So tell us about
Foundation for Pops. What inspired its creation, what's the mission
at the heart of your work.
Speaker 5 (01:21):
Lloyd Pops Matthews was a Vietnam war vet that had
returned home and struggled with substance abuse and was homeless.
His grandson, the CEO and founder of DQS Staffing and Solutions,
Josh Morris, had a special place for veterans and facing
similar challenges, and Pop's Closet was started where Josh and
(01:46):
his staff would help homeless vets with I nine items
personal items and help them gain access to employment. Foundation
for Pops evolved from Pop's Closet in May of twenty
two three. And as you mentioned, we aim to empower
people experiencing homelessness and veterans through education, resource development, access
(02:09):
to housing and affordable housing.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
And you said it was Lloyd Pops Matthews, Yes, And
how long ago was that that he started helping the community.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
So, Lloyd Pops Matthews is the Vietnam.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
War veg Oh, that's who it helped.
Speaker 5 (02:22):
That was the grandfather god of Josh Moore. Oh okay,
So people ask what does Pops stand for. It's not
an acronym, it's a person.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
Okay, and like his nickname probably right or his middle name.
Speaker 5 (02:32):
His nickname because he used to gather pop cans to
get money to try to sustain himself. And so that's
something we actually do at Foundation for Pops. We keep
the pop cans, we turn them in. When some of
the veterans are homeless folks need money for laundry or
various things, we just go into that money and give
it to them.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
Oh wow, all right, I love that.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
It started in May twenty twenty three, specifically Foundation for
Pops from Pop's Closet. Yes, okay, got it, and it
serves veterans and individuals facing homelessness. Can you share some
of the challenges the populations face in Metro Detroit that
you see and that you have to serve.
Speaker 5 (03:13):
Absolutely, Housing stability is key along with reliable income. Just today,
we have a couple in our office that are sleeping
behind a manufacturing building right now and have been for
a few days. So the housing instability, reliable income familiar circumstances.
(03:35):
So when you're dealing with individuals that have substance abuse
or even physical abuse, they tend to lean toward that
familiar out familiarity and not really being able to come
from out of it. They're constantly in this cycle, so
that's definitely a barrier. Transportation, mental health, and substance abuse.
Speaker 4 (03:59):
These are also.
Speaker 5 (04:00):
Known as what we refer to as our common threats
of our constituents. And then one of the other major
issues we see is the stigma. The stigma. There's this
stigma if they're homeless or they're homeless VET, they're not
good people.
Speaker 4 (04:16):
And that's not true, right, It's just not true.
Speaker 5 (04:19):
And so you know, we strive to help them overcome
these barriers that prevent them from remaining house stably or
access to any type of.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Income, and you provide emergency shelter assistance, including hotel stays.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
Yes, tell us about that. What does that process look like?
Speaker 5 (04:40):
Sure, great question. It starts with intake screening. And the
reason we have to do intake in screening is because, again,
if they are having issues with substance abuse, we're not equipped.
We're not doctors, we are not mental health professionals. So
if they're screened and there is they score high on
(05:04):
substance abuse, we're partnering with multiple organizations to get them treatment.
Many times it's going to be impatient treatment if they're
not struggling with any type of substance abuse, and we
identify how we can assist them through the next step,
which is personal development and identifying an individual action plan.
(05:28):
Then we can house them temporarily at the Red Roof
in which is right next door to our location, and
then we're immediately working on how do we develop them
to get them access to income. Some instances they're able
to work, and DQS Staffing and Solutions is a partner
of ours. I mean sometimes we can get people to
(05:49):
work within forty eight hours and wow, definitely it has happened.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Great because that I mean that helps with food and
security and you know, paying the rent or the water, whatever.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
It might be.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
Absolutely and then if we can't get them working, if
they need SSD or access to VA benefits, we are
equipped in that area. One of our staff is SOURCE certified.
They're a practitioner that can help them do their application
for Social Security Disability and then myself, along with two
partnerships at the Dearborn Bet Center and a VSO officer,
(06:24):
we help them navigate through their VIA benefits to get
them access to via compensation. Then once we're able to
get them compensation in one way or another, we're working
with them to review their credit, establish some type of
a budget, and getting them access to permanent housing. And
so you know, sometimes this can take six weeks to
(06:46):
three months, and that's where our fundraising is so important,
because to house them in the hotel is pretty expensive.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Right, I would think that giving them that stability while
you figure out everything else is so crucial because what
are they going to do, you know, while you're trying
to figure everything out and where can how can people
help with that financial burden that you guys are caring
to try to help, you know, try to alleviate them
(07:15):
while you solve other issues.
Speaker 5 (07:17):
Sure, so of course monetary donations are always welcome, and
they can donate on our website at www. Dot Foundation
for Pops dot org. This fall, well, going into the winter,
our galab we'll talk about that a little more. That's
specifically for veterans. And you know, those donations directly benefit
(07:41):
the people we serve, and so no dollar amount is
too small. If we get five hundred people to donate
five dollars, it's going to make a major impact.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Right, Yeah, And I can tell this is really personal
to you. I mean it's so obvious. Why, I mean,
what is it about this that such as your heart?
Why did you have to be involved in this?
Speaker 4 (08:03):
I am a Navy veteran.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
Yes, although I did not struggle with substance abuse, I
was at risk and displaced with children, almost moving into
a shelter, and there were no programs.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
Per se to assist me.
Speaker 5 (08:19):
So I had to go a different way of selling
dinners and seeking ways to offset costs to ensure that
my children and I were not displaced on the street.
And navigating the Department of Veteran Affairs is very challenging.
There's a lot of red tape, and if you don't
(08:40):
have the support or any direction, you can easily be.
Speaker 4 (08:46):
Discouraged and just give up.
Speaker 5 (08:48):
I personally didn't even have any dealings with the VA
until twenty years.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
After i'd got out the military. Wow.
Speaker 5 (08:56):
Really absolutely, And some people I speak with veterans now
that say.
Speaker 4 (09:00):
You know what, if I deal with the VA, it's
going to cause me to relax. It's a trigger.
Speaker 5 (09:05):
So our goal is always to provide a warm handoff,
you know. With the various VA locations and you know,
we'll talk about how we partner with them to make
sure that if we're working with the veteran, they're not
going in with their eyes closed or with no help.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Are there a lot of organizations that act as an
intermediary between vets and the VA.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
There are It sounds like there aren't enough.
Speaker 5 (09:29):
They're not enough that for the amount of veterans. And
you know, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is hoping to create
Michigan to be a more veteran friendly state because we're
not to be able to provide these necessary resources for veterans.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
You were recently awarded for Master Leasing Shelter Pilot. First
all congratulations, thank you, and tell us more about what
that is and how it'll help the Foundation for POPS
community you're serving.
Speaker 4 (10:00):
So, the master Leasing Family.
Speaker 5 (10:03):
Shelter Pilot is a program that will allow us to
temporarily house family units for four months at a time. Wow,
not in a hotel, okay, but in a home an
apartment setting.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
And while and.
Speaker 5 (10:22):
We're so, we're able to pay their rent, the security, deposit, furnishings,
linens while we help them navigate the various barriers that
they experience and the ultimate goal is for them to
overcome those barriers and then turn them over into where
(10:43):
they are independently housed. Credit is a huge barrier, you know,
making sure that we help them rebuild their credit, build
a savings, you know, they have the income that they
can qualify for an apartment or even a home. And
so this will allow us to help multiple families, because
homeless families deal with a different issue that a homeless
(11:07):
individual deals with. Shelters don't typically take families, so they
have to make the decision to separate. And in this case,
we will be able to shelter these families together and
work with all of them.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
We're even going to work with the children.
Speaker 5 (11:24):
While we're working with the mother father with financial capability,
we're going to be working with the children as well.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
So for like the how did you end up getting
awarded that the pilot, the shelter pilot.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
I applied good for years and then I had to
advocate because we were not two years old yet and
that was one of the requirements. And so I set
up a special meeting and said, hey, we're going to
be two years old before you actually fund it. We
should be able to apply. And I was able to apply.
We scored really, really high and we're going to be
able to house a minimum of seven families.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
Wow, I think we're gonna rename you the Unstoppable Lakeisha Hancock.
You got it done. Great job, Thank you. I love that.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Hey, you had mentioned financial like helping with their finances,
helping them understand saving some training. Are there any other
things that you do to ensure participants receive at the
receive at your emergency shelter to help them stay on
path towards stability and self sufficiency anything else that's involved in.
Speaker 5 (12:25):
That absolutely, so supportive housing services is a wrap around service.
Speaker 4 (12:33):
Nothing's off limit.
Speaker 5 (12:34):
For example, we had a person that we're working with
that is going back into the workforce.
Speaker 4 (12:41):
Their driver's license was no longer valid.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
They needed to pay a fee for reinstatement and the
fee to get their driver's license.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
We cut the check.
Speaker 5 (12:53):
They got their driver's license, they're in the process of
being employed. That's a barrier that was removed. So there
are no anything within reason. That's why raising unrestricted funds
is so important because when we receive grants, grants are
particular about what you can fund. But if we raise
one hundred and fifty thousand and say seventy five thousand
(13:15):
is going towards these barriers that a grant doesn't cover. Okay,
that's how we're able to provide these services that they
may not go and get at another organization if they
haven't raised the money. We have a very strong backing
that ensures that we can provide these important services that
are a gap, right, because.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
I bet there are some surprise gaps that come up,
so you'll be like, wow, I never thought that, you know,
somebody would need that and they actually have to have
it to be able to move forward, and it's not
part of the plan and the grant that you were given,
so you're.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
Able to, like you said, fulfill that gap.
Speaker 4 (13:52):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
You have some vision for your affordable housing development development.
Tell us about your future plans for building affordable housing
units in Detroit and Detroit. I've heard it's called Pop's Village,
but I love that you're you know, you're you've already
helping the families get a place to stay.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Tell us about Pop's Village.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Yep, so Pop's Village particularly, So we have two visions,
one which is for affordable housing units because there is
a gap, you know, in the state of Michigan. Twenty
twenty four, the Michigan State the Michigan State Development Housing
Authority said that Michigan was short about one hundred and
(14:32):
ninety thousand units.
Speaker 4 (14:34):
And then fast forward to twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Affordable housing units. Yes, okay, I'm a frankly surprised it's
not larger than that.
Speaker 5 (14:40):
Well, you know, it was larger than that, but there
were so many initiatives for development. Fast forward to twenty
twenty five, it's about one hundred and forty one thousand,
But all of the changes that we see in the
economy have changed, and we'll see those numbers go up
over the next year or two. And so our goal
(15:01):
is a to build a development of between fourteen and
fifty units in one area that provides permanent support of
housing on the ground level. Pop's village is going to
be a village that is specific for veterans, a community
of veterans with amenities and resources that would have enabled
(15:25):
Pops to have a quality of life.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
And what that looks like is a place to shop.
Speaker 5 (15:32):
In the military, it's called a commissary or an exchange,
a place to eat, childcare, and the beautiful thing about
Pops Village. Not only will the veterans be able to
live in that community, but those that can be employed
will actually run the various commercial settings there childcare center,
(15:53):
grocery store, restaurant. So not all of them will be
able to work, but those that can, we plan to
provide a place that they can live, work, sleep and play.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
Is it permanent or temporary?
Speaker 4 (16:05):
Permanent?
Speaker 5 (16:06):
Both of these will be permanent opportunity wow. And so
with the affordable units, the goal is to close the gap.
We're for the thirty percent area median income. You know,
people talk about affordable housing. Affordable housing, Well, people that
are making one thousand dollars a month on Social Security disability,
they can't pay eight hundred dollars, so you know, being
(16:30):
able to provide them with subsidized housing or low income
housing that allows them to pay say two hundred. You
shouldn't be paying more than thirty percent of your girls
monthly income.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
They make a thousand.
Speaker 5 (16:42):
Dollars, the rent should be one hundred, no more than
three hundred dollars.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
And so that's.
Speaker 5 (16:46):
Why we're going to build those affordable units to meet
that close that gap. And then we're also planning to
close the gap with pops of village for the veterans.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
And then they have employment opportunities there too.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
Those that can work, we'll have it.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
They can work. Wow, Oh that's great.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
So in addition to housing, you offer permanent supportive housing services. Yes,
tell me more about those.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
So the permanent supportive housing services deal with as we
talked about, if they're if whatever the barriers are that
prevent them from remaining housed. Some of it can be
issues with their landlords. Some of it can be they've
had any emergency. For example, just recently we assisted a
veteran with their dt E bail. They had an emergency.
(17:32):
They receive limited income and that was how we could
help them remain stable in their housing with lights. It
can be providing them with access to mental health. Their
permanent supportive housing is really just meeting the various needs
to ensure that those that are housed remain housed.
Speaker 4 (17:55):
And the game is so big, and.
Speaker 5 (17:57):
So that our caseworker are peer support recovery specialists, make
sure that we understand what the particular needs are and
that we're meeting them.
Speaker 4 (18:07):
And I'll say, we don't fill every gap.
Speaker 5 (18:09):
So we have a strong network of partnerships that allow
us to point these people in the right direction if
we can't meet that need.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
Yeah, I think it's interesting that you've talked about, you know,
helping people stay in their permanent housing, because permanent implies
they're staying, but that there are actual barriers.
Speaker 4 (18:28):
To staying absolutely, you know.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
And I think we think a lot about getting people
housing and how we can help people get housing, and
then you know that kind of you know, and then
you hear about food and security or their jobs, but
you don't think about like how to keep somebody in
their house after you've provided them housing.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Talk more about that.
Speaker 4 (18:48):
Well, you know, life can happen.
Speaker 5 (18:50):
You know, if someone's working and then they become disabled.
You know, you go from making say three thousand a
month to fifteen hundred dollars a month. So how do
we keep them house? Well, it could be applying for
a housing choice voucher.
Speaker 4 (19:06):
To where their rent can.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
Be subsidized, or say that you know, you've got a
two family, a two parent household with children and one
of the parents becomes disabled.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
You know, we're looking at what are.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
The potential causes for Sometimes it can be disagreement with
the landlord and we serve to be a liaison and
to provide mediation to make sure we're doing that with
multiple clients right now, to make sure that you know,
the landlord and the tenant are able to squash the
issues that they have so they can stay and the
(19:44):
landlord can continue to receive those funds. When life happens,
you need to have the right support, the right resources
to help you remain housed.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Right, And then you'd said forty to fifty units in
the one you know, and what are you thinking about
for a pop's.
Speaker 5 (19:59):
Village about twenty five to thirty single family houses?
Speaker 3 (20:03):
Wow?
Speaker 5 (20:04):
And you know this is a great undertaking. It's not
gonna it's not gonna happen next year. We are actively,
you know, working towards a making sure we have the
staff in place to provide permanent support of housing. And
then of course there are multiple opportunities for development that
we've seen in our climate be some drawback and we're
(20:27):
hoping that the drawbacks don't remain. But then I'm confident
there are enough people that want to support housing, want
to support people not being displaced, and we are definitely
campaigning to raise these funds and making sure that we
have access to gap funding to identify and secure the
(20:48):
land that we need or the property we can take
an old school and redevelop it, you know, so it
doesn't have to start from scratch.
Speaker 4 (20:57):
But our eyes are open.
Speaker 5 (20:59):
Our ears are to the ground where we are campaigning
for the money. And you know, those of you that
want to support and join us, we say, please.
Speaker 3 (21:08):
Do and how will they? Yep, welcome?
Speaker 4 (21:10):
So how do they?
Speaker 5 (21:12):
Well, first go to our website www.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
Dot Foundation for Pops dot org.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
You know, there is an information form you can complete
if you want to volunteer. There's a link for you
to donate. Any way that you want to get involved.
We welcome it and we are looking forward to more
people joining us on this journey.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
If you're just joining us right now. Our guest is
Lakeisha Hancock. She's the executive director of Foundation for Pops. Lekisha,
you're not just helping people find housing, you're also helping
them change their lives. And you've mentioned multiple ways that
you're trying to help them find that path forward. But
workforce development and financial coaching is also part of what
you do.
Speaker 5 (21:54):
Talk about that, yes, so our resume writing workforce development class.
There are three key components to that class, there's the
resume writing itself, the mock interviewing important, and then the
assessment test. Okay, so we do those things in person,
and then in addition to that, we provide them with
(22:16):
access to professional.
Speaker 4 (22:18):
Attire in Pop's closet.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
That's great.
Speaker 5 (22:21):
And then the financial capability piece, we take them through
a series of modules that deal with earned income versus
unearned income, you know, calculating growth income, understanding the difference
between your needs and your versus your wants. If there's
not enough money left at the end of the month,
what do you do? Uh? And then that leads into
(22:42):
credit and savings. And the other piece that we also
are doing is our entrepreneurship one on one and Entrepreneurship
one on two classes, because some people aspire to be
entrepreneurs and so we're making sure that they have the
right information to get to start their business. What's the
right structure, what do you need as far as the
(23:05):
EI in branding, profit and laws, statements, how to separate,
you know, between your personal money, and we work with
partners various banks that actually can come in and share
with them how they can gain access to funding from
them as well.
Speaker 2 (23:19):
So you just brought up banks right. What other organizations
do you work with, like the VA or local nonprofits
or other organizations to deliver those wrap around services.
Speaker 5 (23:28):
We partner closely with VA John Dingo Hospital. Every month
we do Warriors to work with them where you know,
various organizations are set up and veterans can come and
visit our tables to understand what we do. And then
we work with the VA Dearborn along with VA Canton and.
Speaker 4 (23:49):
Some of the social workers.
Speaker 5 (23:50):
I was just on the phone with a VA social
worker who has a homeless VET that needs our assistance,
and so we're we definitely you know, that's a priority
for us, working hostly with anyone that's dealing with veterans
or have a need to support veterans. And so we
are a part of multiple memberships related to VA and
(24:10):
homeless So if it's dealing with homelessness or veterans directly,
we are a member and we are doing outreach with
them regularly.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
That's great.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Hey, let's talk about your events you mentioned earlier. You
have something coming up in the fall. It's a gala.
Let's let's hear what it's all about.
Speaker 5 (24:29):
Our annual Swing for Change, Wing for Change supporting, you know,
Foundation for Pops and so just be on the lookout.
We'll be planning it immediately, you know, by the time
this heirs will be working on next year. And so,
but our Gay Law is November the eighth. It is
a night honoring the brave, and so this evening, first
(24:53):
and foremost, the goal is to raise a minimum of
one hundred and twenty five thousand. We're doing that while
the honor local organizations that support veterans.
Speaker 4 (25:04):
So we'll be honoring some organizations.
Speaker 5 (25:07):
We'll also be honoring local veterans who are serving their
fellow veterans. And we will award the very first Lloyd
Pops Matthews Award to a veteran who struggled with substance
abuse and homelessness and has overcome and are doing a
great work. And so every year we'll be opening up
(25:31):
nominations for that award. In addition to the organizations that
we'll be honoring and the various vets, we're going to
have auction, raffles, dancing, comedy. It's going to be a
night filled with fun and honoring and most importantly, raising
money for a great cause that will specifically support the
(25:55):
veterans that we serve.
Speaker 2 (25:57):
I love that it's honoring local vet organizations too. You know,
it's not just about like what you're doing, it's about
how you acknowledge the work everybody.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
Else is doing too. Absolutely, it's fantastic.
Speaker 2 (26:07):
And if somebody's interested in being involved in that, maybe
they're interested in being a sponsor, or maybe they want
to nominate somebody for the Lloyd Pops Matthews awardes.
Speaker 3 (26:15):
How would they go about doing that? Yep?
Speaker 5 (26:17):
They can go to our website www. Dot Foundation for
Pops dot org and on the events page the gala
is there, and there is a intake or a contact form,
and then of course they can give us a call
at eight three three seven sixty seven seven one one one.
(26:37):
And we are excited to partner with anyone that's interested
in having any partake in any of the things that
we're working on.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
And let's let's be clear, like He'sha's going to get
that one hundred and twenty five cab.
Speaker 4 (26:49):
Absolutely, I can tell you are.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Let's help her out?
Speaker 4 (26:55):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (26:55):
So, uh And I can tell because you're so passionate
about it and you're a Navy vet yourself. And again
I just I can't thank you enough for serving our country.
It's just dear to my heart when I hear that
somebody has done that for us.
Speaker 3 (27:08):
All.
Speaker 2 (27:08):
How has your personal experience it has to have really
moved you to want to help other servicemen and women.
Give us how that's shaped your vision for Foundation for Pops.
Speaker 5 (27:24):
Yeah, so I'll say that I come from a family
of people who've served. A sister or brother, no National Guard,
Coast Guard. My son, my oldest son, is active duty
Navy right now, stationed where I had him when I
was in the Navy in San Diego, right full circle.
(27:45):
And I'll just say this, when on active duty, you know,
there are a lot of things that we endure that
people have no idea we endure. We are programmed in
boot camp, and when we leave active duty, we have
to reacclimate, and that reacclimation is not seamless. And so
(28:10):
my goal is for us at Foundation for Pops, some
of our staff are veterans as well, and our goal
is to make sure that when we're working with veterans,
they feel empowered to reacclimate as civilians and not necessarily
(28:30):
always identify as a veteran. Because we were people before
we became the property of the United States of America,
and so we want to help them re enter a
place that they are someone not just a veteran, but
they have a place in the world outside of the military.
(28:51):
And you know, it's not easy, and so our goal
is in any way that we can assist in making
that easy and making life a little bit better and
adding some value.
Speaker 4 (29:05):
That's what we want to do.
Speaker 2 (29:06):
It is really provided a great insight, you know that
the you know who the person was before they became
a veteran, and how do you empower them to be
the powerful person just as their individual And then you
use the word that it's not seamless. We're all so different,
so reacclimating you know, for each individual it's probably so different,
(29:29):
you know, just based on their own personal experiences.
Speaker 3 (29:32):
And how you navigate that. It's just really really quite dynamic.
Speaker 4 (29:37):
You know, I'll say this, Colleen.
Speaker 5 (29:40):
We when we're at the duty, we are following very
strict orders. You know, they're sometimes we're on call twenty
four hours. The regimen is so different than when you
return to civilian lifestyle. And that is something that many
veterans struggle with, just the shift the mindset, and we
(30:05):
go into the workplace and everyone's different and they can
come in at six point thirty versus zero six am,
and you know, and so it is harder than people
would imagine. I would just say, unless you have served,
is very challenging to understand that.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
Thank goodness you're doing that because you do have that
insight that is necessary to help somebody navigate that. Absolutely,
thank you for what you're doing. There are people who
are probably listening who are inspired by your work. How
can they get involved, what can they do to support
volunteering or donating or where do they get in touch
with you?
Speaker 4 (30:39):
So all of the above, volunteer, donate.
Speaker 5 (30:41):
I will say this our Master Leasing Shelter Pilot program,
we need Betting Linen household goods and they can be donated,
whether it's something that you already have that you want
to give, or we do have an Amazon registry that
(31:04):
will be available for folks if they just want to
go in and click and buy an item.
Speaker 4 (31:09):
It will go directly to those families.
Speaker 5 (31:12):
That's important because we're going to be housing multiple families.
So if you can't do money, but you want to
donate those items, great, If you want to volunteer, because
we still are accepting volunteers.
Speaker 4 (31:24):
To help us with the gala.
Speaker 5 (31:26):
You definitely want to reach out to us at eight
three three seven six seven seven one one one, and
you want to ask for our executive assistant, Joe Darga.
And you know we're always Our closet is open to anyone.
We have personal items, so restocking personal items for people
that are coming off the street. Deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, socks, blankets.
(31:53):
We just gave away all the blankets we had today
and so you know you can donate by mailing if
you want to mail them or drop them off. Our
address is one seven five zero zero Dix Road in Melvindale, Michigan.
And again, always visit our website because any events that
we're having are going to be on our events page.
(32:14):
And we just say thank you in advance for your
monetary support, your donation, and your time for volunteering with us.
Speaker 3 (32:22):
That's awesome. Thank you so much for that extra information.
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (32:26):
Our guest today has been Lakeisha Hancock. She's the executive
director of Foundation for Pops. For more information, check out
Foundation for Pops dot org and you'll find what you
need to be able to help or donate. It sounds
like there's great things going on, So thank you for
all the work you're doing.
Speaker 3 (32:43):
Lakeisha really appreciate that.
Speaker 5 (32:44):
Thank you for having us, and thank you for lifting
Foundation for Pops and helping us raise awareness.
Speaker 3 (32:50):
You know it. Absolutely Thanks again.
Speaker 1 (32:53):
This has been Light Up the D, a community affairs
program from iHeartMedia Detroit. If your organization and would like
to get on the program, email Colleen Grant at iHeartMedia
dot com. Here are all episodes on this station's podcast page.
Welcome to Light Up the D, a focus on what's
happening in our community from the people who make it happen.
Here's your host. iHeartMedia Detroit Market President Colleen Grant.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Good morning and welcome to Light Up the D. Thanks
for joining me today. I'm your host, Colleen Grant. I'm
excited because we have a wonderful guest today.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
Her name is Lakisha Hancock.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
She's the executive director of Foundation for Pops, a local
nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness through housing,
workforce development, and supportive services. A Navy veteran and hud
certified Housing counselor, Lakeisha brings over twenty six years of
experience in economic mobility, affordable housing, and nonprofit leadership. She's
(00:51):
deeply committed to building sustainable pathways to stability and opportunities
for vulnerable populations in the metro Detroit area. Please join
me and welcoming from Foundation for Pops. Lakeisha Hancock. Welcome, Lakisha.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Thank you, Colleen. I'm glad to be here.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Thank you for being here. I appreciate it, but first
of all, thank you for serving our country appreciate.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
It was an honor to serve.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
And we'll get into that too. So tell us about
Foundation for Pops. What inspired its creation, what's the mission
at the heart of your work.
Speaker 5 (01:21):
Lloyd Pops Matthews was a Vietnam war vet that had
returned home and struggled with substance abuse and was homeless.
His grandson, the CEO and founder of DQS Staffing and Solutions,
Josh Morris, had a special place for veterans and facing
similar challenges, and Pop's Closet was started where Josh and
(01:46):
his staff would help homeless vets with I nine items
personal items and help them gain access to employment. Foundation
for Pops evolved from Pop's Closet in May of twenty
two three. And as you mentioned, we aim to empower
people experiencing homelessness and veterans through education, resource development, access
(02:09):
to housing and affordable housing.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
And you said it was Lloyd Pops Matthews, Yes, And
how long ago was that that he started helping the community.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
So, Lloyd Pops Matthews is the Vietnam.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
War veg Oh, that's who it helped.
Speaker 5 (02:22):
That was the grandfather god of Josh Moore. Oh okay,
So people ask what does Pops stand for. It's not
an acronym, it's a person.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
Okay, and like his nickname probably right or his middle name.
Speaker 5 (02:32):
His nickname because he used to gather pop cans to
get money to try to sustain himself. And so that's
something we actually do at Foundation for Pops. We keep
the pop cans, we turn them in. When some of
the veterans are homeless folks need money for laundry or
various things, we just go into that money and give
it to them.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
Oh wow, all right, I love that.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
It started in May twenty twenty three, specifically Foundation for
Pops from Pop's Closet. Yes, okay, got it, and it
serves veterans and individuals facing homelessness. Can you share some
of the challenges the populations face in Metro Detroit that
you see and that you have to serve.
Speaker 5 (03:13):
Absolutely, Housing stability is key along with reliable income. Just today,
we have a couple in our office that are sleeping
behind a manufacturing building right now and have been for
a few days. So the housing instability, reliable income familiar circumstances.
(03:35):
So when you're dealing with individuals that have substance abuse
or even physical abuse, they tend to lean toward that
familiar out familiarity and not really being able to come
from out of it. They're constantly in this cycle, so
that's definitely a barrier. Transportation, mental health, and substance abuse.
Speaker 4 (03:59):
These are also.
Speaker 5 (04:00):
Known as what we refer to as our common threats
of our constituents. And then one of the other major
issues we see is the stigma. The stigma. There's this
stigma if they're homeless or they're homeless VET, they're not
good people.
Speaker 4 (04:16):
And that's not true, right, It's just not true.
Speaker 5 (04:19):
And so you know, we strive to help them overcome
these barriers that prevent them from remaining house stably or
access to any type of.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Income, and you provide emergency shelter assistance, including hotel stays.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
Yes, tell us about that. What does that process look like?
Speaker 5 (04:40):
Sure, great question. It starts with intake screening. And the
reason we have to do intake in screening is because, again,
if they are having issues with substance abuse, we're not equipped.
We're not doctors, we are not mental health professionals. So
if they're screened and there is they score high on
(05:04):
substance abuse, we're partnering with multiple organizations to get them treatment.
Many times it's going to be impatient treatment if they're
not struggling with any type of substance abuse, and we
identify how we can assist them through the next step,
which is personal development and identifying an individual action plan.
(05:28):
Then we can house them temporarily at the Red Roof
in which is right next door to our location, and
then we're immediately working on how do we develop them
to get them access to income. Some instances they're able
to work, and DQS Staffing and Solutions is a partner
of ours. I mean sometimes we can get people to
(05:49):
work within forty eight hours and wow, definitely it has happened.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Great because that I mean that helps with food and
security and you know, paying the rent or the water, whatever.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
It might be.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
Absolutely and then if we can't get them working, if
they need SSD or access to VA benefits, we are
equipped in that area. One of our staff is SOURCE certified.
They're a practitioner that can help them do their application
for Social Security Disability and then myself, along with two
partnerships at the Dearborn Bet Center and a VSO officer,
(06:24):
we help them navigate through their VIA benefits to get
them access to via compensation. Then once we're able to
get them compensation in one way or another, we're working
with them to review their credit, establish some type of
a budget, and getting them access to permanent housing. And
so you know, sometimes this can take six weeks to
(06:46):
three months, and that's where our fundraising is so important,
because to house them in the hotel is pretty expensive.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Right, I would think that giving them that stability while
you figure out everything else is so crucial because what
are they going to do, you know, while you're trying
to figure everything out and where can how can people
help with that financial burden that you guys are caring
to try to help, you know, try to alleviate them
(07:15):
while you solve other issues.
Speaker 5 (07:17):
Sure, so of course monetary donations are always welcome, and
they can donate on our website at www. Dot Foundation
for Pops dot org. This fall, well, going into the winter,
our galab we'll talk about that a little more. That's
specifically for veterans. And you know, those donations directly benefit
(07:41):
the people we serve, and so no dollar amount is
too small. If we get five hundred people to donate
five dollars, it's going to make a major impact.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Right, Yeah, And I can tell this is really personal
to you. I mean it's so obvious. Why, I mean,
what is it about this that such as your heart?
Why did you have to be involved in this?
Speaker 4 (08:03):
I am a Navy veteran.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
Yes, although I did not struggle with substance abuse, I
was at risk and displaced with children, almost moving into
a shelter, and there were no programs.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
Per se to assist me.
Speaker 5 (08:19):
So I had to go a different way of selling
dinners and seeking ways to offset costs to ensure that
my children and I were not displaced on the street.
And navigating the Department of Veteran Affairs is very challenging.
There's a lot of red tape, and if you don't
(08:40):
have the support or any direction, you can easily be.
Speaker 4 (08:46):
Discouraged and just give up.
Speaker 5 (08:48):
I personally didn't even have any dealings with the VA
until twenty years.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
After i'd got out the military. Wow.
Speaker 5 (08:56):
Really absolutely, And some people I speak with veterans now
that say.
Speaker 4 (09:00):
You know what, if I deal with the VA, it's
going to cause me to relax. It's a trigger.
Speaker 5 (09:05):
So our goal is always to provide a warm handoff,
you know. With the various VA locations and you know,
we'll talk about how we partner with them to make
sure that if we're working with the veteran, they're not
going in with their eyes closed or with no help.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Are there a lot of organizations that act as an
intermediary between vets and the VA.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
There are It sounds like there aren't enough.
Speaker 5 (09:29):
They're not enough that for the amount of veterans. And
you know, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is hoping to create
Michigan to be a more veteran friendly state because we're
not to be able to provide these necessary resources for veterans.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
You were recently awarded for Master Leasing Shelter Pilot. First
all congratulations, thank you, and tell us more about what
that is and how it'll help the Foundation for POPS
community you're serving.
Speaker 4 (10:00):
So, the master Leasing Family.
Speaker 5 (10:03):
Shelter Pilot is a program that will allow us to
temporarily house family units for four months at a time. Wow,
not in a hotel, okay, but in a home an
apartment setting.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
And while and.
Speaker 5 (10:22):
We're so, we're able to pay their rent, the security, deposit, furnishings,
linens while we help them navigate the various barriers that
they experience and the ultimate goal is for them to
overcome those barriers and then turn them over into where
(10:43):
they are independently housed. Credit is a huge barrier, you know,
making sure that we help them rebuild their credit, build
a savings, you know, they have the income that they
can qualify for an apartment or even a home. And
so this will allow us to help multiple families, because
homeless families deal with a different issue that a homeless
(11:07):
individual deals with. Shelters don't typically take families, so they
have to make the decision to separate. And in this case,
we will be able to shelter these families together and
work with all of them.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
We're even going to work with the children.
Speaker 5 (11:24):
While we're working with the mother father with financial capability,
we're going to be working with the children as well.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
So for like the how did you end up getting
awarded that the pilot, the shelter pilot.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
I applied good for years and then I had to
advocate because we were not two years old yet and
that was one of the requirements. And so I set
up a special meeting and said, hey, we're going to
be two years old before you actually fund it. We
should be able to apply. And I was able to apply.
We scored really, really high and we're going to be
able to house a minimum of seven families.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
Wow, I think we're gonna rename you the Unstoppable Lakeisha Hancock.
You got it done. Great job, Thank you. I love that.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Hey, you had mentioned financial like helping with their finances,
helping them understand saving some training. Are there any other
things that you do to ensure participants receive at the
receive at your emergency shelter to help them stay on
path towards stability and self sufficiency anything else that's involved in.
Speaker 5 (12:25):
That absolutely, so supportive housing services is a wrap around service.
Speaker 4 (12:33):
Nothing's off limit.
Speaker 5 (12:34):
For example, we had a person that we're working with
that is going back into the workforce.
Speaker 4 (12:41):
Their driver's license was no longer valid.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
They needed to pay a fee for reinstatement and the
fee to get their driver's license.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
We cut the check.
Speaker 5 (12:53):
They got their driver's license, they're in the process of
being employed. That's a barrier that was removed. So there
are no anything within reason. That's why raising unrestricted funds
is so important because when we receive grants, grants are
particular about what you can fund. But if we raise
one hundred and fifty thousand and say seventy five thousand
(13:15):
is going towards these barriers that a grant doesn't cover. Okay,
that's how we're able to provide these services that they
may not go and get at another organization if they
haven't raised the money. We have a very strong backing
that ensures that we can provide these important services that
are a gap, right, because.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
I bet there are some surprise gaps that come up,
so you'll be like, wow, I never thought that, you know,
somebody would need that and they actually have to have
it to be able to move forward, and it's not
part of the plan and the grant that you were given,
so you're.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
Able to, like you said, fulfill that gap.
Speaker 4 (13:52):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
You have some vision for your affordable housing development development.
Tell us about your future plans for building affordable housing
units in Detroit and Detroit. I've heard it's called Pop's Village,
but I love that you're you know, you're you've already
helping the families get a place to stay.
Speaker 3 (14:10):
Tell us about Pop's Village.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Yep, so Pop's Village particularly, So we have two visions,
one which is for affordable housing units because there is
a gap, you know, in the state of Michigan. Twenty
twenty four, the Michigan State the Michigan State Development Housing
Authority said that Michigan was short about one hundred and
(14:32):
ninety thousand units.
Speaker 4 (14:34):
And then fast forward to twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Affordable housing units. Yes, okay, I'm a frankly surprised it's
not larger than that.
Speaker 5 (14:40):
Well, you know, it was larger than that, but there
were so many initiatives for development. Fast forward to twenty
twenty five, it's about one hundred and forty one thousand,
But all of the changes that we see in the
economy have changed, and we'll see those numbers go up
over the next year or two. And so our goal
(15:01):
is a to build a development of between fourteen and
fifty units in one area that provides permanent support of
housing on the ground level. Pop's village is going to
be a village that is specific for veterans, a community
of veterans with amenities and resources that would have enabled
(15:25):
Pops to have a quality of life.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
And what that looks like is a place to shop.
Speaker 5 (15:32):
In the military, it's called a commissary or an exchange,
a place to eat, childcare, and the beautiful thing about
Pops Village. Not only will the veterans be able to
live in that community, but those that can be employed
will actually run the various commercial settings there childcare center,
(15:53):
grocery store, restaurant. So not all of them will be
able to work, but those that can, we plan to
provide a place that they can live, work, sleep and play.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
Is it permanent or temporary?
Speaker 4 (16:05):
Permanent?
Speaker 5 (16:06):
Both of these will be permanent opportunity wow. And so
with the affordable units, the goal is to close the gap.
We're for the thirty percent area median income. You know,
people talk about affordable housing. Affordable housing, Well, people that
are making one thousand dollars a month on Social Security disability,
they can't pay eight hundred dollars, so you know, being
(16:30):
able to provide them with subsidized housing or low income
housing that allows them to pay say two hundred. You
shouldn't be paying more than thirty percent of your girls
monthly income.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
They make a thousand.
Speaker 5 (16:42):
Dollars, the rent should be one hundred, no more than
three hundred dollars.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
And so that's.
Speaker 5 (16:46):
Why we're going to build those affordable units to meet
that close that gap. And then we're also planning to
close the gap with pops of village for the veterans.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
And then they have employment opportunities there too.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
Those that can work, we'll have it.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
They can work. Wow, Oh that's great.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
So in addition to housing, you offer permanent supportive housing services. Yes,
tell me more about those.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
So the permanent supportive housing services deal with as we
talked about, if they're if whatever the barriers are that
prevent them from remaining housed. Some of it can be
issues with their landlords. Some of it can be they've
had any emergency. For example, just recently we assisted a
veteran with their dt E bail. They had an emergency.
(17:32):
They receive limited income and that was how we could
help them remain stable in their housing with lights. It
can be providing them with access to mental health. Their
permanent supportive housing is really just meeting the various needs
to ensure that those that are housed remain housed.
Speaker 4 (17:55):
And the game is so big, and.
Speaker 5 (17:57):
So that our caseworker are peer support recovery specialists, make
sure that we understand what the particular needs are and
that we're meeting them.
Speaker 4 (18:07):
And I'll say, we don't fill every gap.
Speaker 5 (18:09):
So we have a strong network of partnerships that allow
us to point these people in the right direction if
we can't meet that need.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
Yeah, I think it's interesting that you've talked about, you know,
helping people stay in their permanent housing, because permanent implies
they're staying, but that there are actual barriers.
Speaker 4 (18:28):
To staying absolutely, you know.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
And I think we think a lot about getting people
housing and how we can help people get housing, and
then you know that kind of you know, and then
you hear about food and security or their jobs, but
you don't think about like how to keep somebody in
their house after you've provided them housing.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Talk more about that.
Speaker 4 (18:48):
Well, you know, life can happen.
Speaker 5 (18:50):
You know, if someone's working and then they become disabled.
You know, you go from making say three thousand a
month to fifteen hundred dollars a month. So how do
we keep them house? Well, it could be applying for
a housing choice voucher.
Speaker 4 (19:06):
To where their rent can.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
Be subsidized, or say that you know, you've got a
two family, a two parent household with children and one
of the parents becomes disabled.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
You know, we're looking at what are.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
The potential causes for Sometimes it can be disagreement with
the landlord and we serve to be a liaison and
to provide mediation to make sure we're doing that with
multiple clients right now, to make sure that you know,
the landlord and the tenant are able to squash the
issues that they have so they can stay and the
(19:44):
landlord can continue to receive those funds. When life happens,
you need to have the right support, the right resources
to help you remain housed.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Right, And then you'd said forty to fifty units in
the one you know, and what are you thinking about
for a pop's.
Speaker 5 (19:59):
Village about twenty five to thirty single family houses?
Speaker 3 (20:03):
Wow?
Speaker 5 (20:04):
And you know this is a great undertaking. It's not
gonna it's not gonna happen next year. We are actively,
you know, working towards a making sure we have the
staff in place to provide permanent support of housing. And
then of course there are multiple opportunities for development that
we've seen in our climate be some drawback and we're
(20:27):
hoping that the drawbacks don't remain. But then I'm confident
there are enough people that want to support housing, want
to support people not being displaced, and we are definitely
campaigning to raise these funds and making sure that we
have access to gap funding to identify and secure the
(20:48):
land that we need or the property we can take
an old school and redevelop it, you know, so it
doesn't have to start from scratch.
Speaker 4 (20:57):
But our eyes are open.
Speaker 5 (20:59):
Our ears are to the ground where we are campaigning
for the money. And you know, those of you that
want to support and join us, we say, please.
Speaker 3 (21:08):
Do and how will they? Yep, welcome?
Speaker 4 (21:10):
So how do they?
Speaker 5 (21:12):
Well, first go to our website www.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
Dot Foundation for Pops dot org.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
You know, there is an information form you can complete
if you want to volunteer. There's a link for you
to donate. Any way that you want to get involved.
We welcome it and we are looking forward to more
people joining us on this journey.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
If you're just joining us right now. Our guest is
Lakeisha Hancock. She's the executive director of Foundation for Pops. Lekisha,
you're not just helping people find housing, you're also helping
them change their lives. And you've mentioned multiple ways that
you're trying to help them find that path forward. But
workforce development and financial coaching is also part of what
you do.
Speaker 5 (21:54):
Talk about that, yes, so our resume writing workforce development class.
There are three key components to that class, there's the
resume writing itself, the mock interviewing important, and then the
assessment test. Okay, so we do those things in person,
and then in addition to that, we provide them with
(22:16):
access to professional.
Speaker 4 (22:18):
Attire in Pop's closet.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
That's great.
Speaker 5 (22:21):
And then the financial capability piece, we take them through
a series of modules that deal with earned income versus
unearned income, you know, calculating growth income, understanding the difference
between your needs and your versus your wants. If there's
not enough money left at the end of the month,
what do you do? Uh? And then that leads into
(22:42):
credit and savings. And the other piece that we also
are doing is our entrepreneurship one on one and Entrepreneurship
one on two classes, because some people aspire to be
entrepreneurs and so we're making sure that they have the
right information to get to start their business. What's the
right structure, what do you need as far as the
(23:05):
EI in branding, profit and laws, statements, how to separate,
you know, between your personal money, and we work with
partners various banks that actually can come in and share
with them how they can gain access to funding from
them as well.
Speaker 2 (23:19):
So you just brought up banks right. What other organizations
do you work with, like the VA or local nonprofits
or other organizations to deliver those wrap around services.
Speaker 5 (23:28):
We partner closely with VA John Dingo Hospital. Every month
we do Warriors to work with them where you know,
various organizations are set up and veterans can come and
visit our tables to understand what we do. And then
we work with the VA Dearborn along with VA Canton and.
Speaker 4 (23:49):
Some of the social workers.
Speaker 5 (23:50):
I was just on the phone with a VA social
worker who has a homeless VET that needs our assistance,
and so we're we definitely you know, that's a priority
for us, working hostly with anyone that's dealing with veterans
or have a need to support veterans. And so we
are a part of multiple memberships related to VA and
(24:10):
homeless So if it's dealing with homelessness or veterans directly,
we are a member and we are doing outreach with
them regularly.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
That's great.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Hey, let's talk about your events you mentioned earlier. You
have something coming up in the fall. It's a gala.
Let's let's hear what it's all about.
Speaker 5 (24:29):
Our annual Swing for Change, Wing for Change supporting, you know,
Foundation for Pops and so just be on the lookout.
We'll be planning it immediately, you know, by the time
this heirs will be working on next year. And so,
but our Gay Law is November the eighth. It is
a night honoring the brave, and so this evening, first
(24:53):
and foremost, the goal is to raise a minimum of
one hundred and twenty five thousand. We're doing that while
the honor local organizations that support veterans.
Speaker 4 (25:04):
So we'll be honoring some organizations.
Speaker 5 (25:07):
We'll also be honoring local veterans who are serving their
fellow veterans. And we will award the very first Lloyd
Pops Matthews Award to a veteran who struggled with substance
abuse and homelessness and has overcome and are doing a
great work. And so every year we'll be opening up
(25:31):
nominations for that award. In addition to the organizations that
we'll be honoring and the various vets, we're going to
have auction, raffles, dancing, comedy. It's going to be a
night filled with fun and honoring and most importantly, raising
money for a great cause that will specifically support the
(25:55):
veterans that we serve.
Speaker 2 (25:57):
I love that it's honoring local vet organizations too. You know,
it's not just about like what you're doing, it's about
how you acknowledge the work everybody.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
Else is doing too. Absolutely, it's fantastic.
Speaker 2 (26:07):
And if somebody's interested in being involved in that, maybe
they're interested in being a sponsor, or maybe they want
to nominate somebody for the Lloyd Pops Matthews awardes.
Speaker 3 (26:15):
How would they go about doing that? Yep?
Speaker 5 (26:17):
They can go to our website www. Dot Foundation for
Pops dot org and on the events page the gala
is there, and there is a intake or a contact form,
and then of course they can give us a call
at eight three three seven sixty seven seven one one one.
(26:37):
And we are excited to partner with anyone that's interested
in having any partake in any of the things that
we're working on.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
And let's let's be clear, like He'sha's going to get
that one hundred and twenty five cab.
Speaker 4 (26:49):
Absolutely, I can tell you are.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Let's help her out?
Speaker 4 (26:55):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (26:55):
So, uh And I can tell because you're so passionate
about it and you're a Navy vet yourself. And again
I just I can't thank you enough for serving our country.
It's just dear to my heart when I hear that
somebody has done that for us.
Speaker 3 (27:08):
All.
Speaker 2 (27:08):
How has your personal experience it has to have really
moved you to want to help other servicemen and women.
Give us how that's shaped your vision for Foundation for Pops.
Speaker 5 (27:24):
Yeah, so I'll say that I come from a family
of people who've served. A sister or brother, no National Guard,
Coast Guard. My son, my oldest son, is active duty
Navy right now, stationed where I had him when I
was in the Navy in San Diego, right full circle.
(27:45):
And I'll just say this, when on active duty, you know,
there are a lot of things that we endure that
people have no idea we endure. We are programmed in
boot camp, and when we leave active duty, we have
to reacclimate, and that reacclimation is not seamless. And so
(28:10):
my goal is for us at Foundation for Pops, some
of our staff are veterans as well, and our goal
is to make sure that when we're working with veterans,
they feel empowered to reacclimate as civilians and not necessarily
(28:30):
always identify as a veteran. Because we were people before
we became the property of the United States of America,
and so we want to help them re enter a
place that they are someone not just a veteran, but
they have a place in the world outside of the military.
(28:51):
And you know, it's not easy, and so our goal
is in any way that we can assist in making
that easy and making life a little bit better and
adding some value.
Speaker 4 (29:05):
That's what we want to do.
Speaker 2 (29:06):
It is really provided a great insight, you know that
the you know who the person was before they became
a veteran, and how do you empower them to be
the powerful person just as their individual And then you
use the word that it's not seamless. We're all so different,
so reacclimating you know, for each individual it's probably so different,
(29:29):
you know, just based on their own personal experiences.
Speaker 3 (29:32):
And how you navigate that. It's just really really quite dynamic.
Speaker 4 (29:37):
You know, I'll say this, Colleen.
Speaker 5 (29:40):
We when we're at the duty, we are following very
strict orders. You know, they're sometimes we're on call twenty
four hours. The regimen is so different than when you
return to civilian lifestyle. And that is something that many
veterans struggle with, just the shift the mindset, and we
(30:05):
go into the workplace and everyone's different and they can
come in at six point thirty versus zero six am,
and you know, and so it is harder than people
would imagine. I would just say, unless you have served,
is very challenging to understand that.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
Thank goodness you're doing that because you do have that
insight that is necessary to help somebody navigate that. Absolutely,
thank you for what you're doing. There are people who
are probably listening who are inspired by your work. How
can they get involved, what can they do to support
volunteering or donating or where do they get in touch
with you?
Speaker 4 (30:39):
So all of the above, volunteer, donate.
Speaker 5 (30:41):
I will say this our Master Leasing Shelter Pilot program,
we need Betting Linen household goods and they can be donated,
whether it's something that you already have that you want
to give, or we do have an Amazon registry that
(31:04):
will be available for folks if they just want to
go in and click and buy an item.
Speaker 4 (31:09):
It will go directly to those families.
Speaker 5 (31:12):
That's important because we're going to be housing multiple families.
So if you can't do money, but you want to
donate those items, great, If you want to volunteer, because
we still are accepting volunteers.
Speaker 4 (31:24):
To help us with the gala.
Speaker 5 (31:26):
You definitely want to reach out to us at eight
three three seven six seven seven one one one, and
you want to ask for our executive assistant, Joe Darga.
And you know we're always Our closet is open to anyone.
We have personal items, so restocking personal items for people
that are coming off the street. Deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, socks, blankets.
(31:53):
We just gave away all the blankets we had today
and so you know you can donate by mailing if
you want to mail them or drop them off. Our
address is one seven five zero zero Dix Road in Melvindale, Michigan.
And again, always visit our website because any events that
we're having are going to be on our events page.
(32:14):
And we just say thank you in advance for your
monetary support, your donation, and your time for volunteering with us.
Speaker 3 (32:22):
That's awesome. Thank you so much for that extra information.
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (32:26):
Our guest today has been Lakeisha Hancock. She's the executive
director of Foundation for Pops. For more information, check out
Foundation for Pops dot org and you'll find what you
need to be able to help or donate. It sounds
like there's great things going on, So thank you for
all the work you're doing.
Speaker 3 (32:43):
Lakeisha really appreciate that.
Speaker 5 (32:44):
Thank you for having us, and thank you for lifting
Foundation for Pops and helping us raise awareness.
Speaker 3 (32:50):
You know it. Absolutely Thanks again.
Speaker 1 (32:53):
This has been Light Up the D, a community affairs
program from iHeartMedia Detroit. If your organization and would like
to get on the program, email Colleen Grant at iHeartMedia
dot com. Here are all episodes on this station's podcast page.
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