Purpose Statement: To cultivate equitable resource access by connecting neighbors across class division and fostering relationships rooted in solidarity and community care.

Mission

BuddyUp is a collaborative program between FedUp Ministries and Peace House Ypsi. Our mission is to foster community partnerships, while centering dignity, respect, and solidarity, to cultivate support for equitable resource access.

BuddyUp:

  • Increases access to nutritious food for those experiencing barriers.
  • Establishes sustainable food practices.
  • Cultivates an ongoing community of caring and resource sharing.

Providing Individualized Community Care

How it works:

Community allies are matched with neighbors in need from our community to create a buddy system. Often times, but not always, we pair two allies with one neighbor to ensure adequate support during the 3-month Buddy relationship. Some allies provide only financial support for groceries and beyond, while others can only offer non-financial resources such as rides to a food pantry or grocery store, laundry help, emotional support, etc.

Before matching our Buddies, we check in with every participant to determine their desired level of care. Buddies are matched accordingly to ensure that their goals for involvement in our program align. Individualizing each partnership gives autonomy to the participants, encouraging a wide variety of activities from dropping off food from a food pantry to grocery shopping, running errands, planning weekly meals, and more!

Become an Ally
Get matched with a Neighbor to increase food access in Washtenaw County!

We are always looking for new Allies to increase food access in Washtenaw County! Fill out this quick Google form and you will hear from our team soon. If you would like to donate to sponsor a grocery trip, donate here. For more information about the program, please reach out to Pastor Anna at pastoranna@fedupministries.org or Sheri Wander at peacehouseypsi@gmail.com.

Become an Ally!