In the Spotlight: Friends In Deed

/ Hinton Real Estate Group, Inc./

For our “In the Spotlight” series we’re shining a light on community and housing resources, sharing how to best find support and give support to our friends and neighbors who may need it most. This month’s highlight: Friends in Deed.

Friends In Deed helps our neighbors by filling in the cracks of assistance offered by other organizations and non profits in the community. We spoke with Elisa Guyton, Director of Development and Communications, about these services, how to access, and ways to support.

What should we know about Friends In Deed?1. What should we know about Friends In Deed? 

Friends In Deed is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Washtenaw County facing financial hardship. As a gap service provider, we offer essential resources such as emergency assistance, furniture, transportation aid, and long-term support through our Circles program. Our mission is to foster strength, stability, and self-sufficiency within the community.

What services or programs might people not know you provide?

In addition to our well-known emergency assistance and furniture programs, we also offer:

  • Housing Stabilization Services – Providing financial assistance and essential resources to help individuals remain securely housed and navigate transitions successfully when necessary.

  • Senior Services – Promoting dignity, independence, and well-being through assistance with housing, transportation, safety, and wellness.

  • Circles Program – A long-term initiative that empowers families to break the cycle of poverty through education, relationship-building, and financial growth.

Can you briefly explain the Circles program and how someone can participate?

Circles is a community-driven program that pairs individuals (Circles Leaders) working to overcome poverty with volunteers (Allies) who provide encouragement, networking opportunities, and resources. Over 24 months, participants gain financial knowledge, career development skills, and a strong support system to help them achieve economic stability.

To get involved, call 734-484-4357 or visit our website to learn more and apply.

How can community members seeking support start accessing/requesting your services?

Anyone in need of assistance can call our mainline at 734-484-4357, and we’ll guide them to the appropriate program.

How can community members who want to provide support get involved?

There Are Many Ways to Support Our Work! Friends In Deed thrives because of people like you! Whether you have time, resources, or a passion for advocacy, your support makes a lasting impact. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Volunteer – Help deliver furniture to families in need, assist at an event, join a committee, or provide support by answering calls and guiding community members to resources.

  • Donate – Your contributions help us provide essential services, from financial assistance to transportation support and more.

  • Advocate – Spread the word about Friends In Deed’s mission, connect us with potential supporters, or encourage your network to get involved.

Every action—big or small—helps us strengthen our community. To learn more, reach out to Terance at terance@friendsindeedmi.org.

Can you talk about Over the Edge? 

YES! Over the Edge is BACK for 2025, and we’re ready to take it to new heights!

This heart-pounding, high-energy fundraiser challenges you to rappel 11 stories down Hill Hall at Eastern Michigan University—all to support Friends In Deed’s mission of helping local families in crisis. It’s about making a real impact for our neighbors while having fun!

Save the Date: August 9, 2025
Sign Up & Fundraise: Register as an individual ($1,000 goal) or create/join a team ($5,000 goal for up to 6 members). A registration page is launching in March—stay tuned on our website and social media!

Dare to make a difference? For more details or sponsorship opportunities, contact Elisa at elisa@friendsindeedmi.org. Let’s go Over the Edge together!

What else should we know about Friends In Deed? 

It takes a community to create real, lasting change, and at Friends In Deed, we see that power in action every day. Thanks to the generosity, dedication, and heart of people like you, we’re able to provide essential support to families facing crisis, from preventing evictions and keeping utilities on to furnishing homes and removing transportation barriers.

But we’re more than just direct assistance, we’re about empowerment, connection, and breaking the cycle of poverty. Through our programs, we’re not just meeting needs; we’re creating pathways to economic mobility and long-term stability.

Want to learn more? Let’s talk! If you’re part of a group, organization, or business that wants to better understand what’s happening in our community—who needs help, what challenges they face, and how you can be part of the solution—we’d love to connect.

Call us or send a message! We’re here to educate, engage, and inspire action. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate Washtenaw County! 

We’d like to thank Elisa and Friends In Deed for sharing ways to seek and also provide support, and shining a light on these available resources. Learn more about Friends In Deed: Friendsindeedmi.org.

View the latest spotlights and more of what Ypsilanti has to offer at LiveNypsi.com.