NEWSPAPERS n o i t i d E l a i c e Sp
JANUARY 31, 2024 candgnews.com
Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers
The Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum’s fleet of vintage military vehicles was moved to secure indoor storage space owned by Koucar Management in January.
LOCAL NONPROFITS AIM TO END HOMELESSNESS BY FURNISHING HOMES BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Humble Design is turning houses into homes with its unique approach to ending the cycle of homelessness. It all began in 2009 when Treger Strasberg, the CEO and founder of Humble Design, was new to the Detroit area. Upon discovering that her new friend, a mother of two, was homeless, she helped the family find a new place but soon realized that it wasn’t enough. The family was sleeping on the floor, and that was a thought that Strasberg could not bear, so she got to work. Strasberg began collecting items for the family by looking to other friends for donations. Through this process, she was able to furnish and decorate the space in a way that reflected the family and instilled confidence. Since 2009, the nonprofit has grown from its Detroit origins to serve Chicago, See HOMES on page 10A
ABOVE: After escaping an abusive relationship and facing homelessness, Humble Design transformed Shaniece’s place into an inspiring space where she can raise her daughter. TOP: Last June, Humble Design decorated Shaniece and her 1-year-old daughter’s home, providing a safe and comfortable environment for the two. Photos provided by Chris Tull
Photo provided by John Lind
Military museum’s vintage vehicles have a new home BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnewsc.com
METRO DETROIT — After the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum lost the ability to store its vintage military vehicles on the city of Warren’s Department of Public Works property, Koucar Management stepped up to provide a large indoor storage space in Detroit. The space includes 10,000 square feet of storage and 12,000 square feet for the museum, according to Thomas Cleaver, the fundraising and media manager for the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum. “At Warren DPW, we had about eight vehicles outside. Now we have all of our vehicles inside with room for another 10 to 12,” Cleaver said. “It is a dream come true for us.” According to Cleaver, the nonprofit has a lease for $1 a year. “We’re looking to help however we can,” said Devin Pacheco, Koucar Management’s digital marketing director. “We fully support the military. We also want to help the community in preserving some of the history of not only the vehicles, but also the military’s efforts. Koucar Management has roots in military equipment production, so this feels like a natural fit in preserving history.” In December 2023, the museum started looking for a new space for its fleet of historic trucks, Jeeps, military cars and armored vehicles, according to Cleaver. “We have a new partner in history,” said John Lind, founder and director of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum. “They believe in our mission. We are overjoyed and grateful for their generous response.” The city of Warren now needs the space that the museum See MUSEUM on page 9A