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Our Community
With almost 7,000 citizens in southwest Detroit’s 48217 zip code* (our core clients), amazingly this community has no social services, no government offices, no police station, not even a grocery store…
this community is severely underserved.
Historically, this community has had a tradition of stable working families, however, the last few decades have seen steady transitioning with too many undereducated youth (20% with no HS diploma and over 18% unemployment*) and a large senior population in need of services.
This community is in transition, but has not completely changed. It is the old stability we want to maintain, encourage, and build upon.
The Perry Center intends to be a part of this framework by providing resources to individuals, helping them be the change our community needs, but to also provide resources to the community itself to promote a flourishing, stable neighborhood.
Our History
Percy Perry came to southwest Detroit in 1958 and purchased a store. For the next 40 years, he and his wife, Idella, provided a home for their family as well as an economic and moral anchor in the community.
As members of the nearby Saints Andrew & Benedict church, the Perrys’ left the store to the parish in 2013.
In 2010 Sister Eileen Lantzy, started a food pantry for the 48217 community. She built and ran it out of Saints Andrew and Benedict.
In 2013, the parish renovated the store building to create the Perry Outreach Center, a fitting legacy of generous and principled members of the community.
Our Leadership
Staff
Randall Mosley
Executive Director
Partner With Us
We work with businesses and organizations who want to make a meaningful, local impact.
The Perry Outreach Center serves households across Southwest Detroit and neighboring communities with consistent access to fresh food, health services, and programs that support long-term stability.
For companies looking to give back, engage employees, or support the community in a tangible way, we offer clear and flexible ways to partner.
Why organizations partner with us
- Direct, visible impact in a highly underserved community
- Opportunities for employee engagement and volunteerism
- Alignment with food access, health, and community development initiatives
- A trusted, community-based organization with consistent, on-the-ground presence
Ways to get involved
Sponsor a program
Support food distribution, music classes, or computer training
Fund a need
Help cover equipment, supplies, or operational costs
Volunteer as a team
Engage employees in hands-on service opportunities
Provide resources or expertise
Offer services, materials, or professional support
Your support in action
- 300 families served this year
- Nearly 60,000 pounds of food distributed
- Weekly programs and services supporting health and stability
Our partners include
Gleaners Food Bank, Metro Food Rescue, Madonna University School of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit Parks & Recreation, and others.
Let’s work together
We’re always looking to build partnerships that are practical, impactful, and aligned.
👉 Contact us to start a conversation
Email: info@perryoutreach.org
Phone: 313-749-7324