DETROIT, MI - July 27, 2022 - Today, the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (GMAR) is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Humble Design, a Detroit-born non-profit organization that helps families transitioning out of homeless shelters by transforming empty houses into fully-finished and decorated homes for primarily single parents and veterans, which can change the trajectory of their lives, and has furnished over 1,400 homes since 2009. This partnership will directly impact the homelessness crisis currently affecting many Metro Detroit residents.   

Partnering with Humble Design will give GMAR a unique opportunity to serve the housing industry. GMAR chose Humble Design, which is locally based in Pontiac, through a diligent vetting process. Humble Design attended GMAR’s Summer Event in Madison Heights this July with a booth where children could decorate frames, supplied by the association, that will be used when furnishing homes.  

"Each year we look to our members to submit non-profit organizations that could benefit from assistance, whether it be financially or through volunteer resources. Each of these organizations are then vetted through our Member Engagement Task Force,” said Teri Spiro, GMAR 2022 President. “We look for an organization that is truly committed to helping people in our communities and Humble Design couldn’t have been a better match.”  

With a combined vision and goal, the partnership’s goal is to increase awareness of this issue while simultaneously raising $25,000 in donations for the cause. GMAR aims to present the check to Humble Design at the start of November.  

"Humble Design's mission is to transform lives and communities by furnishing and fully decorating the homes of families, veterans, and other individuals emerging from homelessness,” said Chris Till, Director of Humble Design Detroit. “We provide a sense of stability and a foundation on the path to self-sufficiency. Humble has a deep legacy in metro Detroit. This partnership with GMAR enhances and supports our mission on many levels and is vital in continuing our service. GMAR's commitment to Humble this year reflects an alliance of generosity, comfort and purpose in helping our clients in 2022 and beyond."