Detroit Nonprofits Step Up to Make a Difference During the 2024 NFL Draft

Detroit Nonprofits Step Up to Make a Difference During the 2024 NFL Draft

Local Nonprofits are providing Essential Services and Community Support

All eyes are on Detroit this weekend as the motor city gears up for the NFL draft that will draw thousands of people to the city’s downtown. Amidst the excitement, local nonprofits, including MNA members Noah at Central and Detroit PAL, are stepping up to make a significant impact.

MNA MEMBER | Noah at Central:

As thousands of people flock to the D, there are concerns about the local homeless population and how the uptick in people in the area could impact unsheltered people. Noah at Central, a dedicated MNA member, is providing support by handing out bagged lunches this week to those in need.

Referrals for Emergency Housing

The team at Noah at Central is also working with the city of Detroit and other agencies to help get homeless individuals impacted by the draft into housing.

Their street outreach team operates a physical location where homeless individuals can request a referral for an emergency bed (if one is available). This initiative is part of a partnership with Cass Community Social Services, a nonprofit which also provides food, water, clothing, and transportation through its mobile outreach. For assistance, call 313-424-2202 or complete the form at: Homeless Outreach Request (smartsheet.com)

To volunteer with Noah at Central, reach out to Remington at baglunch@noahatcentral.org.

MNA MEMBER | Detroit PAL:

Another esteemed member of MNA is Detroit Pal. They collaborate with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers to empower local youth through sports, academic and leadership development programs. With year-round programs, Detroit PAL is helping thousands of young athletes learn the skills needed to succeed both on and off the field.

NFL DRAFT: Detroit PAL is inviting families to join them at the Corner Ballpark which will serve as a hub for all youth activities at the draft this weekend including screens to watch the draft. Family fun activities include flag football, a DJ and watch party, food trucks and more! All attendees must have an NFL OnePass. To download the pass: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nfl-onepass/id1456010454

For more information: https://bit.ly/3xQaifO

Metro Food Rescue:

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to help collect and distribute food that would otherwise go to waste. Metro Food Rescue is a nonprofit that rescues food from more than 50 locations across the Detroit area and delivers the food to dozens of partner food banks and pantries. They are the official food rescue partner for the draft. The #501c3 nonprofit hopes to collect and rescue enough food this weekend for as many as 30,000 meals. Hence, why it needs many volunteers to help out. “This is an opportunity to be a part of the draft in a way that will have an immediate impact on our neighbors,” said Chad Techner, founder, and CEO of Metro Food Rescue. “We’re looking forward to joining fans to reduce waste and making a difference while the eyes of the nation are on Detroit.”

Those who are interested in helping to load and distribute food to make a difference should go to: https://www.metrofoodrescue.com/nfldraft to sign up. “It’s an amazing opportunity to get a ton of really high quality, delicious food to the neighbors in need,” Techner remarked.

More than a million in grants was handed out to dozens of Detroit nonprofits or “draft picks” by the Detroit Sports Commission in connection with the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.