Value proposition

Bettering the lives of Detroiters in need - at any age

SAY Detroit works to improve the lives of Detroit citizens most in need through initiatives that tackle housing, food, health care without barriers, volunteer efforts, and education. It serves as the umbrella organization for ongoing major projects, such as the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, SAY Detroit Play Center at Lipke Park, and Working Homes / Working Families, servicing a population from infants to senior citizens, and veterans. It also supports dozens of likeminded charities in the Detroit area through funds raised at Albom’s annual December Radiothon, broadcast live on WJR (760 AM) from Somerset Collection in Troy, MI.

"SAY Detroit began with a sentence.

I was spending the night at a Detroit homeless shelter for a newspaper column during the 2006 Super Bowl. While standing in line for a meal, a man in front of me turned and asked, “Aren’t you Mitch Albom?’’ I said I was. He looked me over and said, “So what happened to you?”

I never forgot that. To that man, the sentence made perfect sense. I’m sure he never expected to be there, either.

That spirit has infused the growth of SAY Detroit for more than a decade, from one story idea to a sprawling umbrella organization overseeing a myriad of charitable operations. Whether it be medical care, childhood development, literacy, college scholarships, veterans, seniors or the homeless, SAY Detroit exists to give a hand up to those who stumble, to lift them to a better life. And we pledge that 100% of individual donations go to the needy.

While we have grown into a large operation, the spirit of that 2006 encounter still rings true in our approach. We are all more alike than different. When we help one another, our entire city is better for it.
We welcome you to join us in our efforts."

- Mitch Albom
Founder, SAY Detroit