The Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative is based in Southern California and Metro Detroit.
Become a MuslimARC Member today to get access to members-only events on the ground in these cities and other locations across the country.
Check out the work happening in Detroit at:
detroit.muslimarc.org
ARCHouse
The Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC) just bought a house in Detroit! After nearly 4 years as a virtual organization, we are now taking steps to own our own brick and mortar space. We took this big step while commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit Uprising. We joined efforts with the Dream of Detroit and for just $1,000 purchased a 100 year old abandoned building. The ARChouse will be a space where we can effectively address institutional racism, the marginalization and criminalization of communities of color. MuslimARC’s neighbors include working class families, the Muslim Center, the Dream of Detroit office, the renown Detroit Repertory Theatre,the Huda Clinic and Huda Community Garden, an Artist residence, as well as open lots and abandoned properties.
MuslimARC advisor Hazel Gomez wrote, “Our task, if we’re to remain relevant to society at large, is to create viable, urban, multi-ethnic, Muslim-led, values-based communities.” We support the model of Kenny Luqman Gamble’s Universal Companies which have revitalized South Philadelphia, MacArthur Genius Award winner Dr. Rami Nashashibi of Inner City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), and Mark Crain of Dream of Detroit all contribute to Muslim Urban Justice. Our curriculum draws on their example, as well as our faith values and historical models, such as 7th century Yathrib to African and indigenous Maroon communities, to support freedom and dignity.
The Project
The 1900 square feet house is a duplex with two units (one on the ground floor and one on the second floor), and has a full basement and attic that we will be able to use.
We are working to outfit the house for the following:
- Operational office space: we plan on using at least 2 of the 4 bedrooms as office space for MuslimARC staff, interns, and volunteers (and to rent out to others who might be interested)
- Training and workshop space: we’ll be using main rooms to conduct trainings and workshops for small groups and we’ll be outfitting the space with tech and tools to brainstorm, strategize, and learn
- Event space: we plan to host events like our ARCircles (anti-racism discussion circles) and other large group gatherings in the basement and yard of the house
- Overnight space: we hope to use some space for lodging for overnight retreat guests, out of town speakers or trainees, and others
Donor Levels
This space is a community space, and as such, we want to include people from far and wide in building and creating the MuslimARC House. Through art and community good-will, we hope to have a warm, inviting space for people to create, connect, and cultivate.
The total estimated cost for the rehab is $84,000. Here are the specific funding needs:
| Phase | Amount | Task | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4000 | Tree removal | Cutting down and removing some trees around property |
| 2 | $1000 | Support beams | Lifting up the house from the basement and adding support beams to level the floors and make them safe to walk on |
| 3 | $5000 | Foundation rebuild | Rebuilding walls and adding needed drains in the basement |
| 4 | $10,000 | Roof | Removing and replacing the roof and adding any wood that needs to be replaced |
| 5 | $5000 | Porch | Removing and replacing the upper and lower porch for both units |
| 6 | $5000 | Windows and doors | Installing 30 double hung, 6 glass block (basement) windows and 4 exterior doors |
| 7 | $7500 | Siding | Installing siding, gutters and downspouts |
| 8 | $4500 | Electrical Rough In | Installing new wiring in both units; breaker panels for both units; new service meter boxes for both units; 220 volt wiring for kitchens in both units; 220 volt wiring dryers in both units |
| 9 | $4800 | Ductwork Rough In | Installing lower unit ductwork in basement going up thru lower unit floors. We will also install upper unit ductwork in attic going down thru upper unit ceilings |
| 10 | $5000 | Plumbing Rough In | Replacing all water supply pipes with PEX pipes and all drains with new PVC |
| 11 | $3000 | Drywall | Repair and replace all damaged walls and ceilings |
| 12 | $5700 | Paint | Painting basement walls, ceiling, floor and back upper and lower stairs; painting all interior walls and ceilings. Ceilings will be white with white trim and walls the color of customers choice |
| 13 | $6000 | Kitchen Cabinets & Countertops | Adding new cabinets, countertops and backsplash to both kitchens |
| 14 | $5500 | Ceramic Tile | Installing ceramic tile to lower unit living room floor, dining room floor, kitchen floor and bathroom shower area, and floor |
| 15 | $3200 | Plumbing Finishing | Installing 2 toilets, 2 vanities, 2 bathroom faucets, 2 shower diverters, 2 kitchen sinks, 2 kitchen faucets, 2 laundry tubs, 2 laundry tub faucets, 2 hot water heaters |
| 16 | $1500 | Electrical Finishing | Installing all outlets, switches, light fixtures and GFI’s |
| 17 | $2600 | HVAC Finishing | Installing 2 new 75k BTU furnaces to upper and lower units |
| 18 | $1500 | Wood Floor Refinishing | Sanding, staining and add 2 coats of polyurethane to wood floors and front stairs in upper unit |
To Give
We are so excited to provide trainings to leaders in partner organizations, support collaborative neighborhood development projects, and offer service learning residencies for MuslimARC fellows and interns. Thanks so much to our generous funders, sponsors, and over 200 online donors we’ve passed the campaign’s halfway mark. In this political climate, we need more wins and positive stories about Muslims making a difference. Let’s get the buzz going and make this campaign successful by sharing on social media. Donate and sharing with your social network why you support MuslimARC. Donations to MuslimARC are processed through Allied Media Projects, a 501c3 tax deductible organization. Be sure to make your check out to Allied Media Projects and write “MuslimARC” in the memo line. You may mail checks directly to us at PO Box 577 Southfield, MI 48037. You can donate online from this website below:
Resources
AWESOME PROJECT: MuslimARC is coming home to Detroit
Can This Muslim Community Create a Model for Rebuilding Detroit?