Honoring the Community: Highlights from the UCHC 51st Annual Dinner
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
By: UCHC Staff
Published: November 20, 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, over 250 attendees assembled at the historic Marygrove Conservancy to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the United Community Housing Coalition in its mission to keep Detroit residents safely housed. The event united community partners, advocates, elected officials, and long-standing supporters for an evening filled with gratitude, reflection, and optimism for the upcoming year.
A Celebration of Community and Commitment
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Alec Ash, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. Guests enjoyed a social hour amidst displays showcasing UCHC programs, a lively "Tin Can" Raffle featuring a signed Jack Campbell Detroit Lions jersey (graciously donated by the Detroit Lions), and a 50/50 drawing to support housing justice initiatives.
Following a blessing and dinner, Bridget Brown, Chief Operations Officer, began the program with heartfelt remarks honoring the staff, board, and volunteers who make UCHC’s work possible.
“Every family who stays in their home, every neighbor who becomes a homeowner, every Detroiter who finds stability; those victories are made possible because of your compassion and your belief that housing is a human right,” Bridget said.
Reflections on a Year of Impact
Executive Director Ted Phillips presented the UCHC FY2025 Annual Report, expressing gratitude to supporters, staff, and partners for their contributions to advancements in eviction prevention, homeowner support, and community engagement. He acknowledged UCHC’s leadership team, board officers, and significant funders, including the City of Detroit, Gilbert Family Foundation, Rocket Community Fund, McGregor Fund, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and DTE Energy.
Phillips pointed out that representation under the Right to Counsel in Detroit’s 36th District Court has grown to 77 percent of tenants served, a notable increase from a mere 4 percent prior to the pandemic. The organization also mentioned that following the fiscal year's conclusion, they launched a new Detroit Eviction Diversion Pilot Program in collaboration with the Gilbert Family Foundation, supported 167 potential homeowners through the Make It Home initiative, and provided nearly $1 million for critical home repairs for Detroit residents.
“For more than 51 years, UCHC has never waited for perfect conditions before taking action,” Phillips said. “We have always stepped into tough housing problems, because Detroit families deserve someone who will.”
Special guests included Congressmember Rashida Tlaib, who spoke briefly about the importance of protecting tenants’ rights and investing in housing stability for all Detroiters.
Honoring Partners in Housing Justice at the Annual Dinner
The evening’s honorees reflected the depth and diversity of Detroit’s housing movement:
Maryann Mahaffey & Erma Henderson Public Service Award Presented by UCHC Board Chair Robert Shimkoski to Detroit City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero for her leadership and advocacy for equitable housing policies.
James Sheehan / Beverley McDonald Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Pastors Ed Rowe and Paul Perez to Amy Brown, Executive Director of NOAH (Neighborhood Service Organization Affordable Housing), recognizing her lifelong commitment to housing justice and compassionate leadership.
Tenant Community Activist of the Year Introduced by UCHC Staff Attorney Matt Wellington and presented to Helen Stark, for her courage and advocacy on behalf of Detroit renters.
Landlord Partnership of the Year Presented by Bridget Brown to Torrez and Rochelle Greenwood, for exemplifying fairness and collaboration in providing safe, affordable housing.
Looking Ahead
In closing, Phillips invited guests to continue their support at UCHC’s upcoming Christmas Project Party on December 4 at the Gaelic League, a long-standing volunteer initiative that provides gifts and meals to families in need. He shared a story about a mother who, after receiving help one Christmas, shared her children’s gifts and dinner with a neighbor who had none. That simple act of kindness captured the spirit of UCHC’s mission.
“That’s what our work is really about,” Phillips said. “Creating moments of stability, compassion, and community that ripple far beyond a single home.”
As raffle winners were announced and guests lingered over dessert and conversation, the feeling in the room was unmistakable: gratitude for the past, and determination for the future.
Thank You
UCHC extends heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who joined us for this year’s Annual Dinner. Your support makes it possible to continue fighting for housing as a human right and to keep Detroit families safely, permanently housed.
At UCHC, we believe that housing is a human right, and we know you do, too. Your generous support helps us keep our low-income neighbors safe and secure in their homes throughout the year. To help support UCHC, click here. Together, we can Keep Detroit Housed.
