The FreedomLives program is one of four main programs offered by Freedom House Detroit (FHD). FHD provides wraparound services for new arrivals to the US seeking humanitarian protection. FreedomLives welcomes new arrivals with shelter services including a bed, three meals per day, toiletries, and clothing. FreedomAids ensures clients have pro-bono legal guidance and representation by FHD’s in-house legal team as they navigate the protection process. FreedomCares provides mental health care with an on-site therapist, and provides access to no- or low-cost medical care, with FHD paying for medical care as necessary. FreedomWorks prepares clients for employment, offering workshops on the US employment landscape, English language classes, and volunteer opportunities with local businesses. These services work together to provide holistic (and awesome!) support for new arrivals who come to the US with no resources, no social connections, and having fled persecution in their home countries.

The FreedomLives Bed Bug Prevention initiative aims to enhance the prevention strategies FHD already has in place. Current bed bug prevention strategies include offering incoming clients the chance to wash and dry their clothes upon arrival and monthly pest control inspections by Orkin. With laundry machines in near constant use, however, they often must wait until they already receive their bed or room assignment before doing their laundry. When an infestation occurs, the affected room(s) as well as all adjacent rooms are fumigated within 5 days. Fumigation costs a minimum of $600 per occurrence. Bed bugs are, unfortunately, an occasional problem for all shelters. This new initiative will enhance prevention with a bag-style bed bug heater. Having a dedicated device will ensure all incoming luggage and belongings are treated. Adding this step to FHD’s intake process will make infestations vanishingly rare.