Temperatures rose into the 60s on a balmy March 7 afternoon in Detroit, a welcome relief after a particularly harsh winter. But as Michiganians know, spring-like weather can quickly turn to bitter cold again. Thanks to Michigan Area members, and a generous corporate donation, warm clothing continues to be distributed to Detroit’s homeless through the Area’s “Into the Fire” ministry.

Over the winter, numerous donations of warm gloves, coats, socks, and more made their way to people living on the streets of Detroit through “Into the Fire.” Organized by John Juriga, KM, and Sean Shriner, KM, “Into the Fire” volunteers seek the homeless where they live, including alleys and abandoned buildings. With food and clothing donated by Michigan Area members and others, “Into the Fire” volunteers drive the Malta Mobile Ministries Van into Detroit’s poorest and most devastated areas.

A key donation this winter: Warm knit hats provided by the Carhartt Company. Founded in Detroit in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with approximately 3,000 employees worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt.

Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, thanked the company for the clothing donation. “A Michigan winter means bitter cold, and the burden of bad weather falls hardest on those living on the street. Thanks to Carhartt’s kind donation, people living on Detroit’s streets are warmer – and they are reassured that someone cares.”

For the March 7 “Into the Fire,” other clothing, and food, was provided by Order of Malta members, including Rosanne Brugnoni, DM; Louis Grech-Cumbo, KM; Member-in-Formation Denise Greenway; Kerry Maloney, Member in Formation; Auxiliary John Micallef; Chris Rutkowski, KM, and June Rutkowski, DM; and Dr. Catherine Stark, DM. John Juriga, the Rutkowskis, Dr. Stark, and Member-in-Formation Kevin Tabone distributed the supplies to the homeless.

“Into the Fire” operates every first Saturday and on other days when volunteers and supplies are available.

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