About MDLR

In February, 2019 during one of the coldest winters in Detroit, MI an elder friend asked for help after losing heat at her apartment complex. People were struggling with furnace issues across the city, especially in housings for senior citizens. A few weeks later, March 8, 2019, her sister was searching for shelter after losing her home in a foreclosure and she joined us.

 

Next came an 18-year-old living in an abusive situation. There were only 2 bedrooms upstairs so I purchased a bed and made space for the youngster in the basement. Barely 3 months had passed when I answered a call from my friend, co-member and owner of the Healing Support Network. She shared the sad tale from another member whose patient was a 65-year-old woman, employed but living in her car. My first response to help this person was I’m sorry I don’t have any more room. Thinking of this poor soul sleeping in her car was over whelming and I soon called back and asked if she might be comfortable on a chaise lounge. A girlfriend and I had planned to share my home when her lease expired, but by the time she arrived the house was full.

 

Everything had progressed so quickly I hadn’t thought to reserve her special spot. My friend graciously moved in and patiently awaited her rotation into her final destination, a bedroom. Nevertheless, all 6 of us were here, made room for one another and managed remarkably well. Although everyone came with some kind of recommendation or referral the only requirement for entry was having a need for shelter. The home has 2-1/2 baths, we were a house full of women, we were all appreciating each other and the living space and everyone was making  financial contributions. I had a strong relationship with the first woman, the second was an acquaintance and the last three were previously unknown. It was really quite miraculous the way we jelled, 5 senior women and an 18-year-old. 

 

Prior to all this I was comfortable in my home. I had pondered and explored getting involved with the bed and breakfast community to fill the empty spaces since my son and family had moved on. In my comfort and insulated living I didn’t know how much my community was suffering. The birth and organic growth of Mama Dee’s Living Rooms has been an absolute blessing to me. It has afforded me opportunities to expand my humanity, reflect on my integrity, humble myself, restrain and temper my behavior, monitor, reflect and evaluate my choices. I am forever grateful to the women who chose to allow me to have a relationship with them and endured my frailties and wobbling in search of my very own center. God entrusted these women, these angels whose presence encouraged the design of this business.  

 

When the weather warmed and the heating issue was resolved, the first angel returned to her apartment, the young adult relocated with family and a year later our car dweller, the fourth angel graduated to her own home.