I have been a consistent supporter of the “House By The Side Of The Road” - the only organization in Washtenaw County that provides free clothing and household items to the needy in the area when referred by a social worker. They even help jail clients who are released without adequate clothing in the middle of winter. Their services are the only lifeline for many families in the community.

For over 40 years the “House By The Side Of The Road” has been helping the less fortunate in the community, and now they need our help. Washtenaw County is completing work on their $15 million project at Hogback Road and Washtenaw Avenue, and they have informed the “House” that they are tearing down the building they are in and will not be furnishing the “House” with new space. This, despite the fact that the county signed a covenant with the “House” 40 years ago to provide them with space and maintenance as long as the churches provided staff and support. Now the county claims otherwise.

If this very worthwhile organization does not find new space, many, many of our neighbors will suffer.

My purpose is to bring this situation to the attention of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti residents. Times are hard enough for many people already - without the “House,” it will get even harder.

Won’t someone help them?

Barbara J. Fitzgerald Ann Arbor