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2 $ AUGUST 7, 2026 | VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 17 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. How I beat homelessness ... for a time. page 3 MEET YOUR VENDOR: STEPHANIE DUNCAN PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Exploring the Mackinac Triangle of History. page 10 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER AUGUST 7, 2026 PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Vendors are the main contributors to the paper, and are compensated to write and report. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF June Miller Anabel Sicko Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Emeri Jade Bey Lucy Butters Erick Brown Jim Clark Jay Cooper Mike Jones Marie Kelli Lee Mitchell Ken Parks David Putman Will Shakespeare Haniyah Siddiqui Steven Felicia Wilbert PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Talbot Hack VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Libby Chambers Stephanie Dong Jacob Fallman Ben Foster Glenn Gates Robert Klingler Aklesia Maereg Margaret Patston Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof BOARD of DIRECTORS Anna Gersh Greg Hoffman Jessi Averill Jacob Fallman Jack Edelstein Glenn Gates Mike Jones Hailu Shitaye Shelley DeNeve Steve Borgsdorf CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org WAYS TO SUPPORT 1. Buy the paper, read the paper. 2. Get the word out — We rely on grassroots marketing. Talk to people about Groundcover and share us with your network. 3. Volunteer — You'll learn a lot about our vendors, the newspaper and your community. Interested in volunteering regularly? Fill out the form on our website. 4. Advertise your company, organization, event or resource — see rates below. 5. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram — promote our posts and share your favorite articles and vendor interactions. 6. Donate items — A seasonally appropriate list of items most needed at our office and on the street is available on our website. Drop off anytime we're open.

AUGUST 7, 2026 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Stephanie Duncan, Groundcover vendor No. 66 In one sentence, who are you? I’m a 55-year-old woman with a great attitude. Where do you usually sell Groundcover? 5th and Liberty. When and why did you start selling Groundcover? When I became homeless in 2010. What is one place in Ann Arbor that feels like your own personal sanctuary? Every footstep in Ann Arbor. I love it here! What’s your life motto? Live life to the fullest. What advice would you give your younger self? Stay positive and smile. What is your comfort food? Chocolate. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be? Food, phone, and a good book. If there was a theme song for your life, what would it be? “Imagine” by John Lennon. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Hawaii; I love the skirts and flowers! Most people are aware that homelessness is a serious problem. It affects many people, from the unhoused to the everyday man or woman who sees a homeless person suffering on the streets and feels compelled to help, even if they don’t know how or can’t afford an extra dollar themselves. People become homeless for many reasons. I personally became homeless the first time due to addiction. I beat the addiction with the help of Jesus Christ, but how I got off the streets was a bit of a struggle. You don’t always have control over who you meet when you're facing being unhoused. Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a conversation with someone wise facing economic hardship, other times you could be chatted up by someone who is unfortunately barely lucid, suffering from mental illness and ranting, unaware that their words are illogical. I was lucky the first time I was homeless to meet a kind person who was intelligent and interested in sharing. Between the two of us we could afford a room in a hotel and suddenly instead of sleeping on the streets there was a bed and four walls to GROUNDCOVER NEWS I beat homelessness ... for a time whole thing is a misunderstanding or miscommunication based on having my mail sent through the homeless shelter, and hope to have my Social Security reinstated soon. In the meantime, things DAVID PUTMAN Groundcover vendor No. 679 keep us out of the elements. Between the two of us, we were able to acquire just enough Social Security income to pay for an apartment in Ypsilanti. What’s more, shortly after setting that up, I was able to temporarily patch things up with the person I’d been living with previously, and my apartment mate and I both got off the streets. It’s strange the way that certain government programs that people depend on can be unreliable when you need them most. In an effort to fill my time with productive activity, I acquired a job at a local restaurant, only to have my Social Security completely revoked. It had been my understanding that I was allowed to earn a certain amount of money before my benefits would be forfeited. I still believe that the became unlivable with the person whose house I was staying at after I was unable to provide any money until my benefit situation is remedied. I found myself back on the streets again. It’s unclear to me if the shorter path to being off the streets once more will be to acquire another job, or have my benefits returned. But I almost certainly won’t be able to do both. Whichever solution, hopefully I won’t be unhoused for very much longer. All it takes to overcome economic hardship is perseverance. I hope all the people I see holding cardboard signs and sleeping outdoors like me find a way to change their situation for the better. Thank you for listening to my story, and if you ever find yourself in a situation like mine, I wish you luck, and all the best. God bless. 3 Introducing the She Team The She Team is a women’s empowerment group focused on today’s and tomorrow's community solutions. In her research to find opporSUCCESSFUL HELPING ELEVATING TRANSFORMING EMPOWERED AND MOTIVATED tunities for Groundcover, Anna Gersh, Ph.D. discovered some important facts about women in poverty: “In America, women are 20-35% more likely to live in poverty than men. Part of this is women's disproportionately high caregiving responsibilities and the vulnerabilities associated with becoming pregnant. According to the National Institutes of Health, poor women are more likely to live in life-threatening situations, such as highcrime areas, and are disproportionately vulnerable to violent victimization, including assault, sexual violence and intimate partner violence.” Gersh has been the Groundcover News board president since 2023 and has been a board member for six years. She, along FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 with Groundcover vendor and board member Shelley DeNeve, are the founders who came up with the brilliant idea for a women's group at Groundcover — a community of strong, supportive women who are committed to empowering all women — called the She Team (see graphic to the left). With each meeting we support, mentor, encourage and uplift one another. Together we celebrate each other’s successes while working on challenges. Our goals as a collective are leadership development, personal growth, mentorship, community service and networking. This creates stronger bonds throughout the community and elevates every woman. As a way of introducing some of the members, I asked the She Team women the following question: "What do you like about the She Team?" Gersh, President of the team, stated, “My favorite thing about our new She Team meeting is that Groundcover now has a place for women to discuss issues that affect them in particular. Another reason I love this meeting is because I get to meet new and old vendors and writers all the time.” DeNeve, an Ann Arbor native and Vice President of the group, stated, “I think Groundcover She Team is important. It gives me a see SHE TEAM page 9 

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Local Independent Journalism Summit! On July 15, 2026, Groundcover News along with El Central Hispanic News hosted a nonprofit local independent journalism summit in Mexicantown in Southwest Detroit. Groundcover Board President Anna Gersh gets the credit for arranging the event. Bridge Detroit, Planet Detroit and Eastern Michigan University's Journalism & Media Studies Program also attended. Groundcover News rented a bus for vendors and writers — shout out to Rock Star Transportation for a comfortable and safe ride from the Groundcover office and back. The first stop was to El Central Hispanic News’ main office at 4200 W. Vernor Hwy, where they explained their production process and how they deliver the best news product to their community. Like Groundcover News, El Central uses print format (newspapers); it serves the southwest Detroit area. El Central Hispanic News is Michigan's oldest, largest and only bilingual Hispanic newspaper. “El Central is a very well-regarded publication. There was a presentation from freelance journalist Martina Guzmán, who knows the recent history and has a long background in the news business. It was very informative, though I was disappointed she couldn’t stay for the rest of the summit,” said Cynthia Price, Groundcover editor. The second destination was a healthy eatery and creative space called Vamonos (“Lets Go!” in English) at 4444 W. Vernor Hwy, where members from two additional Detroit community-serving news publications met up for lunch to discuss local independent journalism. Thanks to Vamonos for being a great host with excellent authentic Mexican food. Bridge Detroit, affiliated with the Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 AUGUST 7, 2026 well-known nonprofit news source Bridge Michigan, is an online news publication that was founded on a belief that Detroit’s 700,000 residents deserve a transparent, innovative and diversely staffed news organization. Bridge Detroit is laser-focused on lifting up the issues that Detroiters themselves identify as important to their lives. Planet Detroit is also an online publication that is rooted in Detroit. It is an independent nonprofit local news organization designed to inform readers about the environment and public health. Their mission is to drive informed action through community-centered independent environmental and climate journalism by amplifying local voices, holding power accountable, and spotlighting solutions to inspire hope and action across Michigan and the Great Lakes. On July 16, 2026, those of us who live in the midwest or eastern part of the United States experienced something we have rarely experienced before in this part of America. The Canadian wildfires left a blanket of smoke that forced millions to shelter in place for 48 hours or more. On that very day, I was reflecting on the journalism summit the day before, to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling an issue more than 4 weeks old. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially The first stop on Groundcover's field trip to Southwest Detroit was El Central Hispanic News. and what I got out of it and what I learned. As I looked out of the window to see the hazy sky and the smell of smoke from the wildfires, environmental journalism came to mind. When one thinks of news, one might not think environmental news is as important as regular news we see, hear and read everyday. As we came to find out, environmental news is something we ought to pay more attention to. At Vamonos we were seated at different tables with news reporters from the different publications at each table, where we discussed local independent journalism. Then we engaged in an open discussion, starting off with a representative from each table explaining what they discussed at their table about being a news reporter and the communities they serve and impact. At the table where I sat we talked about an array of topics, but mainly we talked about our personal experiences as journalists in our respective areas. Groundcover News vendor and vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from writer Felicia Wilbert attended the summit and will be representing Groundover News at the International Street Papers conference in Scotland this September 2026. She commented, “It was a very interesting event and I’m glad to see nonprofit publications come together to discuss and collaborate on ideas concerning keeping nonprofit independent publications thriving in order to serve their communities.” Christine Ferretti is the managing editor for Bridge Detroit and an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of reporting experience. “It's really impactful to come together and discuss ways we can better address shared challenges and serve our audiences. Nonprofit news outlets do and should continue to find ways to collaborate and cross-publish content to give readers more of the engagement opportunities and stories that they need, want and deserve,” said Ferretti. selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code or leave positive review of a Vendor experience please email contact@ groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website.

AUGUST 7, 2026 COMMUNITY Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Aug. 5 recap LINDSAY CALKA Publisher For the first time since summer recess, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, Aug. 5, for a working session and full meeting. They tabled the final reading of the Healthcare Access Millage Resolution, which would have added a millage proposal to the November 3, 2026 ballot — after amending the initially proposed rates. The millage would have raised funds at a rate of 0.25 mill for a period of three years for the purpose providing activities or services to improve healthcare access within Washtenaw County, raising an estimated $6.3M in the first year. The millage was intended to address changes to Medicaid eligibility from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025, which will cause thousands of county residents to lose coverage. 40% of millage proceeds would have been distributed to the Washtenaw Health Project, 40% to the Washtenaw County Health Department for public health services and community health workers, and 20% would have been distributed to one or more organizations to provide reproductive healthcare and sexual health services. The room was packed with both pro-life and reproductive access advocates during public comment. Commissioners debated the inegrity of a rushed millage and discussed other potential funding sources for covering this gap community EVENTS FIRST FRIDAYS YPSI Friday, August 7, 5-11p.m. Downtown, Depot Town, and in the West Cross Street districts of Ypsilanti. A self guided art and culture walk around the city of Ypsilanti! Art, shopping, food, music and fun! August theme: Food Fest. JOHN E. LAWRENCE SUMMER JAZZ SERIES Fridays, July 31-August 28, 7-9 p.m. Ford Lake Park, 9075 S. Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti. Free smooth jazz concerts; bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and head on down. Free entry, $20 parking fee. August 7: Pieces Of A Dream. August 14: Kirk Whalum. August 21: John E. Lawrence. FOOD SAFETY: ANN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET COOKING DEMONSTRATION Wednesday, August 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Farmers Market Pavillion, Ann Arbor. Market vendors demonstrate how to prepare various foods safely. With recipes and samples. CUBA AFTER CASTRO FILM SCREENING Friday, August 14, 6 p.m. Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot, Detroit. In the first and only American interview with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba After Castro explores the island’s revolutionary history and turbulent present, while revealing a portrait of the man tasked with steering its future. YPSILANTI FOOD FESTIVAL Saturday, August 15, 12-7 p.m., University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W Michigan Ave, downtown Ypsilanti. This event strives to showcase local food entrepreneurs. The Ypsilanti Food Festival hopes to spotlight local businesses and introduce folks to the wonderful, inspired, tasty food in our community. There will be mouthwatering food from local vendors and various food trucks — including vegan and vegetarian options; live music and entertainment; family-friendly games and activities for all ages; special appearances from Ypsilanti’s Fire Department and more! SOUTH SIDE STROLL Saturday, August 15, 11a.m.-6 p.m. Catherine St. alley from Hamilton to Huron St. Ypsi. Art and music festival in the alley and backyards of Ypsilanti's historic South Side neighborhood. Rain date: Aug 16. FOOD TRUCK RALLY Wednesday, August 19, 5-8 p.m. Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Over 12 Southeast Michigan vendors bringing you food from across the globe, live music and community groups tabling. Every third Wednesday — also Sept. 16, Oct. 21. PARKRIDGE SUMMERFEST Saturday, August 22, 12.m.-6 p.m. Parkridge Park, Ypsilanti. Joe Dulin Day is a partnership between the Parkridge SummerFest Committee and Washtenaw County and is hosted annually to bring community together, celebrate Ypsilanti’s long history, and provide information about resources and services that are available to Washtenaw County residents. STREET STORIES: INSPIRATION FOR RECOVERING Saturday, September 12, 6-7:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Pittsfield branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor. Local documentary by Christina Morales Hemenway. Free screening for organizations wanting to help get people from the streets into long term recovery, as well as participants in the film and general public. There are only 100 seats available. Feel to bring people, just make sure they reserve their seats, too. RSVP at www. dancingstarproductions.com/ Submit an event to be featured in the next edition: submissions@groundcovernews. com including the closure of the Scio Township DDDA, tax funds from the data center in Saline, other preexisiting millages or the general fund. Ultimately, they tabled the millage resolution and instead directed the County Administrator to fund projected budget shortfalls from OBBBA changes for FY2027. In a different resolution, the BOC also allocated $100,000 to MISSION for the purposes of the Daytime Warming Center. During the work session, the Continuum of Care Winter Sheltering Task Force presented their 2026-2027 sheltering plan. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County will not be partnering directly with the DWC this year, resulting in a funding gap which the BOC filled. Read more about this change in our next edition. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Visit any of our five locations across town to browse books, magazines, newspapers, and more. Check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, or even home tools—you name it! Enjoy fast and free WiFi, study and meeting rooms, and plenty of comfortable spaces to relax or hang out. Byte Club An exclusive club for AADL SUPER FANS and library people like you! Byte Club will help you connect deeper with the Library you know and love, and share special sneak peeks of new things coming soon. The first rule of Byte Club is that you tell everyone about Byte Club! Ready to join? Visit aadl.org/ byteclub to get started. Book Clubs To Go Book Clubs To Go is a service available at each AADL location that provides the convenience of complete kits for book discussions. Inside, you’ll find 10 copies of the featured book, one movie DVD, and a resource folder. Request a kit today through the online catalog or by calling (734) 327-4200. FEATURED EVENT 5 Anime Arbor • Saturday, August 15 • Downtown Library Join us for a one-day celebration of all things anime and manga! Enter the Cosplay Contest, snap pics at our photo-op, or pick up some merch from Artists Alley! Learn more at aadl.org/animearbor.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS DEMOCRACY A new way to speak up HANIYAH SIDDIQUI U-M student contributor For a lot of Ann Arbor residents, it can be hard to keep up with what the city is doing. Updates about construction, development or policy changes are sometimes scattered across different websites or discussed in meetings that many people cannot attend. Acknowledging this, the City of Ann Arbor launched a website called Engage Ann Arbor, which is meant to help residents stay more informed about what is happening in the city. Engage Ann Arbor launched in January 2025 and acts as an online hub where people can see updates about city projects, programs and community initiatives. Instead of searching through several different pages on the city’s website, residents can go to one platform to see project updates, participate in surveys and read information about different developments happening around Ann Arbor. These projects mainly include city-led efforts like road construction, transportation planning and public programs, but the site can also include private developments that require city approval or community input, such as new housing or commercial buildings. The goal of the website was to combine several communication tools the city was already using into one place. The platform includes features like surveys, discussion sections and project updates that are intended to make it easier for residents to understand what the city is working on. One feature on the site allows residents to submit questions or feedback about certain projects. These questions can then be directed to city staff members, which may help residents get responses faster. The site also includes interactive maps that show where projects are taking place around Ann Arbor. This could help residents see how construction or new developments might affect their neighborhoods or daily commutes. Because the site can include both city projects and private developments, it can also become more complicated. Some private developments, especially larger housing or commercial projects, can be controversial in Ann Arbor. When these are presented on a city-run website, it raises questions about how neutral the information is. Even if the goal is just to inform residents, the way projects are described could influence how people view them. Because of this, it is important that the city present information clearly and without bias so residents can form their own opinions. For students and newer residents, the platform can be useful for understanding what is happening locally. Some people have said the website is fairly clear and easy to navigate compared to other government websites. Having updates in one place may make it easier for residents to quickly check on projects that might affect them. At the same time, some longtime residents feel that the site mostly reorganizes information that was already available on the city’s previous websites. From their perspective, the platform might just present the same information in a new format rather than offering completely new resources. The impact of Engage Ann Arbor will likely depend on how people use it. The website clearly makes information easier to access, but its success as a tool for civic engagement depends on whether residents actually choose to participate, respond to surveys, or stay involved through the platform. Ann Arbor already has a reputation for having an active and engaged population, especially when it comes to issues like housing, transportation and development. A platform like this could give residents another way to follow those issues and share their opinions in a more accessible way. If it is used regularly and the city continues to present information in a clear and balanced way, Engage Ann Arbor could become a more effective way for the city and its residents to communicate. KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 We think that freedom of speech is an inalienable right guaranteed in the Constitution. If you actually exercise it, as I pointed out in “The War In Gaza Comes to Ann Arbor,” you can be in legal trouble as we see in the case of the Palestinian solidarity camp on the Diag. The latest changes in the Department of Justice mean that anyone who criticizes injustice can be prosecuted as a terrorist. The authoritarian nature of capitalism and the supremacism of the chain of command top to bottom gives lip service to freedom of speech and then fills the jails with many who speak freely. If you look at the case of Mumia Abu Jamal you will get an education on how a Black Panther journalist, known as the Voice of the Voiceless, can be framed and land on death row. His book “Live From Death Row” is a great example of free speech. Song can be the best form of free speech. Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Buffy St. Marie are some of the best free speech musicians. Speaking truth to power is increasingly important if we view freedom from injustice as the central struggle in late stage capitalism. “Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow” was the hit song of the Pointer Sisters. Data on speech interruption show that by the age of four, boys interrupt girls at a much higher rate and that pattern follows into public meetings and boardrooms. Our socialization process teaches us to respect authority and get in compliance with terms and conditions. How do we free our minds so as to practice free speech? Study is important if it helps you find the context to make sense of all the data. History is often rewritten as we dig deeper into source material and see the prevalence of human bias. When I was a seminary student I Engage Ann Arbor dashboard on July 31, 2026 learned in Hebrew class that each sentence in a paragraph of scripture may have the language of different centuries. When everything was written by hand, the scribes would write in the language of their day as they wrote and compiled what came before them. Some verses may remain intact but it is easy to edit based on what you think was the intent and could be better said in the language of the day. Language changes with every AUGUST 7, 2026 Freedom of speech generation. Chaucer was incomprehensible to me. Shakespeare needs study and scholarship to understand. We learned that all the world is a stage and the play goes on. Your part is written in your heart. Since we are programmed in different ways by the standard narrative, we tend to think that mastering technology is the key to success. However, the data shows that young people are having increasing rates of anxiety and other mental health issues. What kind of mind training will help us and young people in particular? One path is through Joya d’Cruz, a focusing-oriented therapist (referred to in previous articles). She was personally mentored by Eugene Gendlin who wrote the landmark book “Focusing.” Tuning in to the wisdom of the body and a felt sense of your experience will empower you to speak the truth of your experience and connect with others in more authentic ways. We will then work together for the common good. Peter Block can help us with his book “Community: The Structure of Belonging.” There is a Common Good community which evolved from his work. The world is ripe for the work that matters. Look around and dig in. Find your voice and use it to make the connections that create the world we want to live in. There are two Tibetan Buddhist centers in Ann Arbor that have helped me with mind training. I am the oldest beginner around. (Alan Haber, in his 90th year, may challenge me on that.) We are never too old to learn and you can make a new start at any age. Look at your intention, is it a helpful one? What are the basics that we need to get right? A good teacher is a precious resource. Whenever we see a baby we feel this precious human birth and its possibilities. How wonderful! Many of us know that a natural breath is a good goal and the key to discovering the natural mind. It is good to start the day with “offerings down and prayers up,” as it is said in indigenous communities. If you want to get practical with your life, I invite you to visit Karuna Buddhist Center in the Upper Room of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (the same place where Groundcover’s office is), most Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. I hope to see you as we awaken to what needs to be done and the beauty of being present.

AUGUST 7, 2026 DEMOCRACY GROUNDCOVER NEWS Listening with cultural intelligence: the power skill we need in divided times LUCY BUTTERS International Network of Street Papers As societies become more divided and polarized, we need people who can disagree without dismissing, challenge without alienating and build relationships across difference. Whether we are talking about global leadership, intercultural competence or inclusion, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is the capability that sits at the heart of all of it. And one of the most overlooked ways that cultural intelligence transforms us is by making us better listeners. As the mother of triplet boys, I noticed that at primary school, my sons regularly brought home work on reading, writing and presenting. There were no homework tasks about listening. Listening only seemed important if learning another language. That observation raises an important question. If listening is one of the most important skills for leadership, teamwork and inclusion, why do we spend so little time intentionally developing it? We often assume listening simply happens. It doesn’t. Listening is a learned behavior. Culture shapes who we listen to, how we listen, what we listen for, how we interpret words and silence and even how quickly we expect people to respond. Like every aspect of Cultural Intelligence, listening can be intentionally developed. The pioneering work on cultural intelligence was started by Professor Soon Ang, at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, over two decades ago. She was driven to explore what the difference was between individuals and organizations who could relate and work well across differences and those that struggled. She found there were four capabilities that sit at the heart of working well across all cultural differences (be they about gender, race, nationality, profession, religion or politics). I discovered that work in 2013 and am now one of 10 cultural intelligence master facilitators in the world. For my book, Cultural Intelligence in Practice, I interviewed experts around the world to share insights into how we develop cultural intelligence in ourselves and others. Listening is key to my thinking on developing cultural intelligence, yet it is a word missing from the Cultural Intelligence assessment and development language. Listening is not a passive skill. It is a cultural one; one that we can intentionally enhance through developing each of the cultural intelligence capabilities. CQ Drive: choosing curiosity Listening begins with motivation. As interviewee Andrej Juriga said, “I listen carefully because they are telling me who they are, what matters to them ... That helps me to build knowledge about a person so I can start planning for bridging the difference.” That captures CQ Drive perfectly. We choose to listen because we genuinely want to understand another person’s reality. In polarized societies, this can be transformative. We move from listening to win towards listening to learn. CQ Knowledge: recognizing that listening is cultural There is no universal way of listening. Culture influences: • who asks questions • who is expected to answer • what silence means • how quickly people respond • what people pay attention to. A pause after a question might signal uncertainty, or careful respect. Without cultural knowledge, we easily misinterpret what we hear, or indeed what we don’t hear. CQ Strategy: asking questions that open minds Listening and questioning are inseparable. All questions are useful sometimes. Repeatedly asking ‘why’ questions can be a good way of getting below the surface and understanding the root cause of a problem, particularly when that problem is mechanical or to do with systems, such as the systems in the body, for example. But it is not so great for understanding what is impacting our work relationships and group dynamics. Repeated ‘why’ questions often make people feel that they are having to justify themselves. Once people begin defending their position, they are less likely to be open to exploring the situation and curiosity quickly disappears. Instead start questions beginning with: Lucy Butters • What... • When … • How... • Tell me about... • Describe... These questions invite exploration rather than defence. A memorable framework for crafting better questions is: ART. Aim: Why are you asking this question? Relationship: How will your relationship influence how it is heard? Timing: Is now the right moment? These three simple considerations help to create conversations where people feel heard rather than judged. CQ Action: listening that builds trust Ultimately, Cultural Intelligence is demonstrated through behaviour. CQ Action means adapting how we listen, when we listen and who we listen to. It may mean becoming comfortable with silence. It may mean asking one clear question instead of running two or three together. It may mean resisting 7 the temptation to solve someone else’s problem before fully understanding it. Nancy Kline’s work on creating thinking environments offers a powerful reminder that rushing to provide solutions can unintentionally "infantilize" others. Deep listening and thoughtful questioning, by contrast, empower people to think, contribute and take ownership. Listening is not doing less. It is enabling others to do more. Listening may be the leadership skill of our time. If you want practical tools rather than theory, Cultural Intelligence in Practice offers dozens of immediately usable ideas for developing cultural intelligence in yourself and others. It was written particularly for trainers, facilitators, educators, OD & HR professionals. Cultural Intelligence in Practice by Lucy Butters (Right Book Press, £18.99) is out now. Courtesy of INSP.ngo

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOUSING Policy Brief: 2026 bipartisan national bill “21st Century ROAD to Housing” WILL SHAKESEPARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 Housing is a crisis all over the world. Affordable housing has been a crisis since the founding of the United States of America in the 18th century. National efforts to address affordable housing and livable housing gained momentum in the 20th century. World War I and World War II led to the influx of refugees and immigrants from Europe. Millions of “guest workers” from Central and South America were invited to help power the manufacturing industries and provide much-needed help in the agricultural sector. Also, during the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, America experienced a nation-wide phenomena which was described by journalists, sociologists, economists, anthropologists and historians as “The Great Black Migration.” Award-Wining journalist Nicholas Lehman wrote a highly informative book titled, “The Great Black Migration and How it Changed America.” Most of the south to north migrants settled in the major industrial and urban areas such as Detroit, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Boston, Cincinnati and Milwaukee. Demographers have said that in the 1970s and 1980s, many regions in America experienced what is described as a “rural renaissance." Suburban and exurban growth meant that industries and businesses became "footloose” and moved away from city centers of large cities. Urbanization and migration have become a major factor in our national housing crisis. The other key factor is the lack of federal leadership in the development, maintenance and provision of affordable housing. Recently, Congress, with overwhelming majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate, passed the “21st Century ROAD to Housing” legislation."ROAD" stands for Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream. President Trump did not sign it into law; however, it became law after 21 days because it was veto-proof. Why? The house passed the Bill by more than 300 votes. The Senate passed the Bill 85-5. Overview of the 21st Century Road to Housing On June 30th, the Urban Institute published a report titled, “Congress Has Finally Passed Major Housing Reform: The Real Work Starts Now.” The report said that the law "is a major bipartisan achievement that could represent a turning point for how the federal government approaches the national housing crisis. If implemented intentionally, this law could lay the foundation for a broader national housing affordability strategy.” The Urban Institute identified a few strategic steps which would “help shape how much of this legislation improves housing affordability for everyday America.” Those strategic steps include how the ROAD to Housing will (1) enable the market to expand housing supply; (2) recognize that increasing housing affordability depends on federal capacity; and (3) add dozens of items to HUD’s to-do list, likely beyond its current capacity. On July 26, New York Times Washington D.C. Bureau reporter Ronda Kaysen wrote an article titled, “How a Housing Bill Trump Spurned Became Law.” It mentioned that in 2025, when Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts “went to her fellow Democrats during their weekly lunch to suggest working with Republicans on a major new housing bill, she was met with trepidation and doubt.” It continued, “Members of her party had long wanted to tackle the housing crisis, but most assumed that there was no way they could overcome deep divisions with Republicans to agree on the kind of landmark legislation Ms. Warren envisioned.” How did the Democrats and Warren overcome the skepticism and fear of Champions of HR 6644: Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-D), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA-D), Rep. Tim Scott (SC-R) and Rep. French Hill (AR-R). deep division? They enlisted the leadership of Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and other Republican and Independent members of Congress who care about affordability, especially this election year, 2026. Most members wanted to let people in their states and congressional districts know that they are associated with a major bill which would help improve affordability. Rep. Maxine Waters, the ranking member of the House Banking and Financial Services Committee, worked with Sen. Warren and other congressional delegates to get the bill passed. Below is a list of the key titles and provisions of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing legislation: Title 1–Improving Financial Literacy. Sec. 101-Reforms to housing counseling and financial literacy programs. Title 2–Building More in America. Sec. 202. Whole-Home Repairs Act. Sec. 203. Community Investment and Prosperity Act. Sec. 204. Addition of affordable housing construction as an eligible activity. Sec. 205. Better Use of Intergovernmental and Local Development (BUILD) Housing Act. Sec. 206. POLICY HIGHLIGHTS Section 107-Housing Supply Frameworks HUD will publish best-practice guidelines (“frameworks”) to help local governments modernize zoning and land-use codes in service of building more housing. Of note, communities are explicitly encouraged to consider land banks as key partners. Section 204-CDBG Affordable Housing Construction adds new construction of affordable housing as an eligible CDBG activity, capped at 20% of a recipient’s allocation. This gives communities a new way to use future CDBG funds for infill and affordable housing development. Section 210-RESIDE: This 5-year pilot program provides $1 million-$10 million awards to convert vacant commercial or industrial buildings into attainable housing. It prioritizes economically distressed areas and Opportunity Zones and can serve up to 120% area median income (AMI) if the majority of units are at 60% AMI or below. Section 501-Additional HOME Program Reforms reauthorizes HOME and strengthens pathways for shared-equity ownership, community land trusts, limited-equity cooperatives, and community development corporations to preserve long-term affordability of HOME-assisted homes. It also waives repayment if a property becomes financially distressed due to market circumstances beyond individual control. Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act. Sec. 207. Grants for planning and implementation associated with affordable housing. Sec. 208. Innovation Fund. Sec. 209. Accelerating Home Building Act. Sec. 210. Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act. Sec. 211. Housing Affordability Act. Sec. 212. Rental Assistance Demonstration Program. Sec. 213. Build Now Act. Title 3–Manufactured Housing for America. Title 4–Accessing the American Dream. Title 5–Program Reform. Title 6–Veterans and Housing Title 7–Oversight and Accountability Title 8–Accountability, Coordination, Studies and Reporting see HOUSING page 11  AUGUST 7, 2026

AUGUST 7, 2026 GROUNDCOVER  SHE TEAM from page 3 voice; that I feel comfortable sharing with everyone. I'm also given the chance to lead a group of people.” Stephanie Dent is from Detroit and a Team member. Stephanie said, “I like that we come to gather and talk about important everyday issues. Every woman is valued for who she is and inspired to become the best version of herself. I would like to take my training and help battered women, encouraging them to understand that there is a way out!” I am an author, journalist and member of the She Team. My answer is, “I appreciate the She Team’s commitment in reaching out to the community. I also appreciate that the She Team builds confidence, develops leadership skills and makes a positive impact in our community. It is more than a group — it's a sisterhood that encourages women to dream bigger, serve others and create opportunities for future generations.” Other members include: Bridget Gotham, Groundcover vendor; Hannah Henderson, Groundcover writer and entrepeneur. Her business is Delta Dust Busters. Cisse Love, community activist and Groundcover writer; Jen Zhu Scott, entrepreneur and investor, community service with Kip the lovable service dog; and Marie, Groundcover contributor. Thank you ladies for being outstanding members of our team! We’ve had some amazing community members visit the group as special guests. Thanks to everyone who visited us in support of the She Team: Felicia Brabec, who served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. Brabec said, “I had the pleasure of spending time with the incredible She Team. This group of talented women support and listen intently to one another as experiences are shared, and challenge each other to learn and grow. I was so grateful to be included in their meeting and I appreciate the perspective that each member brings to the group and to our community. Pay attention to this formidable group!! great things in and for our community!” Constance Pearson-Ramirez, GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 They’re doing a Community Engagement Officer from the Bank of Ann Arbor where they help everyone by offering solutions to home ownership, and classes on financial literacy. Pearson-Ramirez said, "What a valuable, creative group to be affiliated with. I have always believed in community involvement, especially the programs that give back to the community.” Barbara Tucker, a retired journalist who is also from Detroit, said, “I stayed [at the She Team meeting] because it was such an accepting place, with opportunities for all.” Others who have visited our community meeting include Yousef Rahbi, Ann Arbor Mayoral candidate, Washtenaw County Commissioner and former Michigan State Representative; Michael from Michigan Mobilization; Alex Thomas from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and Tracy Metry, retired administrative assistant. Being part of the SHE Team means belonging to a community that believes every woman has a voice, a purpose and the power to make a difference. That spirit of unity and empowerment is what I admire the most. If you have any important community service news, please contact The She Team through Groundcover News. Thank you Groundcover for hosting our meetings. WE WELCOME ALL WOMEN! She Team meets every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Groundcover News office. Starting left, moving clockwise around the table: Felicia Wilbert, Cisse Love, Anna Gersh, Shelley DeNeve, Terri Demar, Jen Zhu Scott and Marie are pictured above.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS TRAVEL Exploring the Mackinac Triangle of History MARIE Groundcover contributor Friday July 10th: Left for the Straits of Mackinaw shortly after midnight to visit what is known by some as the Mackinac Triangle of History. The triangle refers to the three forts established in the Straits of Mackinac and their significance to the colonization and founding of the United States. I had a huge smile on my face pulling out of the parking lot, because I was excited to be visiting one of the most iconic places in American history, in the year of the USA's 250th birthday. I made it to the Michigan Welcome Center in Mackinaw City before dawn. When I finally rolled out of bed around 1 p.m., the helpful ladies I was hoping to see behind the literature desk were in the same spots they have occupied now for years. With smiles and suggestions they helped me fill a bag with maps, brochures and a highlighted Mackinaw City route just for me. When I found my way to the boardwalk and ferry, I was relieved that nothing had fallen out of the back of the car, because I had left the rear door open during the drive downtown. One of the fudge shops on the main drag had a mouthwatering pyramid of brightly colored caramel corn that rose halfway to a mirrored ceiling. The young person working the caramel corn startled me a bit when they stepped out from behind the towering bags to offer a sample from a metal scoop. I found my way to the free Mackinac Bridge History Museum, located above a timeless pizza joint. Before the bridge was opened to traffic on Nov 1, 1957, the only way to access the Upper Peninsula was via ferry. The museum is filled with artifacts and personal stories about the ironworkers who proudly helped build the iconic bridge. The bridge spans a total of five miles, and cost me $4 to cross in a personal vehicle. The Lower Peninsula end of the bridge stretches from the banks of historic Fort Michilimackinac, which was built around 1715 by the French, and the bridge extends from the banks of what is now part of the Michigan state park system. Saturday July 11: I sleepily stumbled out of bed around noon, and found my way into the St. Ignace MI Welcome Center, located on the hill which rises from toll-gates on the UP side of the bridge. This time, I didn’t recognize the faces hidden behind the decades-old taxidermied owls, cougar, and timber wolf. Nevertheless, they also helped me fill a bag of UP brochures, maps and a list of upcoming local festivities. I found my way to the boardwalk in St. Ignace and bought a $26 roundtrip-ticket on Arnold’s “classic” ferry to Mackinac Island. By the time I left the ticket office, my card had been charged $43. Apparently, there was a hidden $2 booking fee, and the ticket agent was kind enough to use her personal cellphone to help me pay the $15 fee to park for the day. It appears “classic” really just means the slower less expensive boat, because all of the ferries appear to use the same route. I felt like I was standing at the bow of the Titanic, with the breeze on my beading skin, and the realization there weren’t enough emergency boats or flotation devices on deck for the number of passengers. I felt somewhat relieved knowing we weren’t the only ferry traveling the same route, and the horn was clearly operational. Once off the ferry, I passed under the Mackinac Island Welcome sign, and instead of being welcomed by the frontier facades of my childhood, I felt as though I had missed a turn and stepped into Victoria’s Secret. Fortunately, the horses pulling the taxies and moving people's bags weren’t all pink. Just as I was reading menus and coming to the realization I was about to spend more than the maximum I might earn for this article, I discovered Doud’s Irish Pub, my best option for an allergen-friendly lunch. (I was trying to avoid nightshades and cow cheese.) According to a March 18, 1993, article in the St. Ignace News, many islanders are descendants of immigrants who felt the island reminded them of their native Ireland, which they left during the potato famine of the 1830s. Steven Doud was a cooper (a traditional artisan who shapes wood into barrels). Many immigrants were able to find work in familiar trades such as fur, agriculture and fishing. AUGUST 7, 2026 Over a goat cheese, beet and salmon salad while chatting with a native baker, I enjoyed a drink called a“Dark and Stormy." The baker shared current challenges related to their work, as they are allergic to corn. The bartender pulled a bottle and shared that they were still trying to figure out which of the three ingredients inside might be contributing to an allergic rash. I wish I could have taken a picture of when our heads collided as we leaned in at the same time to ponder the possible source of the bartender’s allergic reaction. After exploring the main drag some more, including a less than impressive island library history book collection, I found my way to the marina and State Park Visitor’s Center. Here I discovered a hallway illustrated on both sides, with a historical timeline of the area and a basic map outlining tourist travel path options. A few important highlights of Mackinac Island’s history include that Congress designated it the United States' second National Park in 1875. However, in 1895, the U.S. government “gifted” the island to the State of Michigan, thus it became Michigan’s first state park. With less than an hour left to catch the last ferry back to the mainland, I sought refuge in the shade of a properly trimmed cedar and freshly painted buildings. I quickly found myself engrossed in deep conversation with a few young shop people from one of the trendy boutiques. As I sipped cool water from the refill station, they gave me their inside scoop on the island over upside down ice cream cones, which were melting in wax paper bowls. We giggled through our salted-tears, as we all admitted our months’ earnings were being eaten by board and sweet treats. We waved as I departed with tomorrow’s plan in hand. Sunday July 12th: I returned to what the St. Ignace Ojibwa Museum plaque says is often believed to mean “The Great Turtle.” According to the museum plaque, “A very important Ojibwa legend tells the story of a great flood which covered the whole earth. Afterwards, in the middle of the expanse of water, the ground was re-created on the back of a great turtle, forming what is now known as Mackinac Island.” Following the suggestions of current and former island employees, for $17.50 I purchased access to a handful of historical landmark buildings see TRIANGLE next page 

AUGUST 7, 2026 TRAVEL  TRIANGLE from last page including Fort Mackinac, built in 1780; Mackinac Art Museum, which once served several purposes including the Indian Boarding House and Indian School, currently housing a mixture of historical art examples, as well as a summer island art competition; Biddle House, which was cited as once belonging to a prominent married couple with blood ties to both the area’s Native and European trade culture. I also viewed the quaint McGilpin House, Blacksmith Shop and the American Fur Co. Store. After traversing the steep, challenging terrain using a free highlighted map courtesy of the visitor’s bureau (thanks to a friendly former island employee, not the state park employees in uniform) I made the mistake of rinsing my face with fountain water to ease the pain from unexpected food poisoning. By the time I boarded the ferry back to the mainland, I was sure the water was too contaminated from efforts to unclog pipes and jerk seasoning (which I'm also allergic to) from restaurants for me to feel well enough to backpack the island. According to the trail maps and employees, the water and food opportunities on the island were too high-risk. Plus, when I awoke that morning I realized I had forgotten the gear downstate to manage the weight of supplies necessary for a solo trek of the island, especially in July. Monday July 13th: I visited the St. Ignace Library, looking for a comfortable table to write. Instead, I found a former Fort Mackinac manager who introduced me to the library’s non-circulating historical collection, which includes the book “Historic Mackinac” by Edwin O. Wood, a two volume set which is over 100 years old. According to the former island Fort manager, the book is the primary reference source for the island’s historical exhibits. After the library, I made my way back to the Ojibwa Museum, which is down the street. The museum overlooks the water and is surrounded by a fountain, longhouse, a medicine circle and a garden walk. I spent the remainder of the afternoon reading about the history of the no-longer standing Fort de Buade built in 1683 by the French, as well as the museum’s ties to the Huron and founder of the Jesuit Mission, Father Marquette. The museum is very close to the site of the old mission, which was burned. With my head swirling with the oral stories from my childhood, and filled with the written reminders of my family's connections with the illustrated timelines, I opted to steady myself inside the circle. My face was feeling fierce when I opened my eyes to another local, who introduced themself as an island gardener. We didn’t say much, yet it was clear, regardless of our actions, that everyone I had encountered over the past few days shared the same love and appreciation of the island, Michigan, and everyone who has sacrificed to make experiencing the history of the Mackinac Triangle possible.  HOUSING from page 8 Title 9–Strengthening Community Banks' Role in Housing. Title 10–Homeownership for Main Street America. Title 11-Central Bank Digital Currency. Title 12-Miscellaneous. Conclusion One major factor for the successful bipartisan outcome of the 21st Century Road to Housing is the strategy of “Targeting within universalism.” This is a public policy design strategy which had been suggested by Sociology and Social Policy professor William Julius Wilson of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government It sets overarching goals for housing but employs specific strategies designed for unique populations and regions. Targeting within universalism has been a “moderate” strategy embraced by Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. There seems to be something for every congressional district and every State. Rural, exurban and suburban housing needs are addressed in the legislation as well the housing crisis of large cities and urban counties. The housing needs of the homeless and veterans are also addressed. It is certainly the most comprehensive housing legislation since the 1990 Housing legislation. We urge our readers to do a perusal of the 1990 Housing Bill. Groundcover News has published several articles on the housing crisis and issues of affordable housing including an important one in the Dec. 15, 2022, issue titled, “Understanding affordable housing crises in Metro Ann Arbor and across the United States.” This lamented the fact that there has not been a major comprehensive affordable housing legislation since the Housing Policy Act of 1990. The 2026 Road to Housing Act is an important contribution to alleviating our national, state and local housing needs. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PEOPLE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD The Bell-Kramer neighborhood on the south side of Ypsilanti is the location of a homeless encampment on top of a former city landfill. Ypsilanti city council recently passed a resolution to evict the members of the encampment. The encampment is now a pressure point between the neighborhood, the city, the community in solidarity with the survivors and the survivors themselves living in the encampment. Among several people seeking shelter there is a 48-year-old man named Buddy. He, like the rest of the encampment, is doing what anyone else would do in his situation — surviving. Anyone who has been homeless may find themselves chuckling at that last statement. Self-sufficiency without the means for self-care is one of the most difficult things to manage and at the same time one of the most taken-for-granted facets of being human in America. You don’t see how privileged you are until you’ve had to live outside the system. Culturally, we expect to go from childhood to adulthood with support and with a head start on housing. As a youth, I moved in and out of my parents’ house until I could live on my own without interruption. Unfortunately for many, myself included, disaster strikes and we find ourselves ruined. Returning from that ruin is a challenge that can only be understood from the ground up. For Buddy, that disaster came in the form of a broken marriage due to mental illness. I asked him how he became homeless. “My wife and I got married when I was 18. We had a falling out after 27 years,” he said. “I took it hard.” “What were the events that led up to the falling out?” “Well, she cheated on me, I took it hard. I tried to commit suicide,” he replied. “So you fell into depression. Did the falling out have to do with drugs?” I asked. The substance he was using was methamphetamine. “Yes,” he replied. “Was your wife using it as well?” “No, she tried to get me to stop.” “So it was like, you won't quit, so get out?” “Yeah, that's pretty much how it was.” “And that started destabilizing your mental health?” I asked. “Yes.” “Did you seek any help, like substance abuse counseling?” “So what I did, man, I like, I cut back. I tried not to use as much but then it just got worse. I’ve used drugs, man, you know, for a long time. I AUGUST 7, 2026 People in the Bell-Kramer neighborhood: Buddy JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 wasn't using it every day. It was just every now and then.” “How did that happen? How did you get into that?” I asked. “My dad was a meth cook, so I grew up around it,” he answered. “I didn't start using that till I was in my 20s.” “How did you go from living in the marital home to living in the tent behind a warehouse?” “When I lost my job, I didn't know what else to do. So I just grabbed a couple of tarps and started camping.” “I'm guessing you lost your job either because of the meth use or mental health issues, right?” “Oh, yeah, because I was using way too much,” Buddy said. "Now you have no means to keep yourself housed. You lost your home. You weren't expecting any of this to happen. So you went through the shock of it all, and now you're stuck sleeping outside." "Yeah. But now it's like, you know, I'm working through it and just trying to get ready to go back to work." “Do you see yourself ever quitting completely?" "Yes. Because I want to be in my kids' lives." Buddy has five children. His oldest is 17. He continued, “So to quit, that way I can be in their lives. My daughter called me, and told me that I can't be around my grandbabies, man, if I'm using. My son hasn't talked to me for several years now. He's had a couple of ladies I've yet to meet. And I’d like to meet them, you know. So I'm working on quitting. Actually, I went to rehab this past year. "But I didn't go to rehab to stop using drugs, you know, I went to rehab to find myself, because I was using way too much." "How is that search going, the search for yourself?" "Oh, man, I tell you what, finding me is a journey. And I like who I am. Now I'm on the search to find a job." I asked Buddy what he wanted to do for work; without hesitating he said, “I really love driving a tow truck. It’s almost always about helping people, which I take pride in, and I’m somewhat mechanically inclined and always wanting to learn more.” He has a license. All he needs is a place to rest and an opportunity. “So from being banned from your home and marriage, you went from sleeping outside behind a warehouse and recently you've moved to the Bell-Kramer encampment,” I said. “Yes, to be closer to resources like CMH and Hospitality House,” he replied. “And now the city of Ypsilanti wants to evict you from that spot. How do you respond to that?” There was a long pause. “I understand it. Because they don't want people living in a tent in the woods. I understand that.” Another long pause. “But I mean, in the process, if they don't want us back there, then help us out. For instance, I'm working on trying to get a job. If the city could possibly help me with doing that? Oh, man, hey, if they could help me find one, I'd be more than happy to work.” “If the city or the county gave you some kind of supported housing while you were finding a job or while you were working, what would you do then? What would your next step be?” I asked. Buddy answered, “You know I don’t want to use meth anymore, so, if I got support, I would use what they give me and take off from there.” “What's your long-term goal for yourself?” “I would like to own my own business.” My impression of Buddy is that he would make an excellent tow truck owner/operator. There is a stigma that says people choose to be homeless and they could Cartoon by Andy Steckel help themselves if they wanted to and tried hard enough. For some this may be so. But what people who have never experienced homelessness fail to realize — especially in these economic times — is how hard it is to come back from zero. When you have nothing, our current cost of living spells doom. Vehicles, cell phones and residences all provide life support for you to get and keep a job. Each becomes an economic tether — you must pay the bill or be cut off from life support. Buddy wants to work, but the catch 22 is he needs the things a job brings — vehicle, cell phone, residence — in order to be stable enough to get a job. You just can’t think about resumes when you’re sleeping outside in an illegal city dump that could get robbed or raided at any time. “Some members of city council and the community want to create a safe tenting zone, like an authorized place for people to pitch a tent, where there wouldn't be neighbors yelling at you," I told Buddy. "There’d be water, bathrooms, but most important there would be wrap-around support (help with housing, jobs, mental health and medical care, etc.)." “That would, that'd be nice,” he said. “The only caveat is people are worried that because it's city sanctioned the police will be closer,” I said. “That'd be fine,” Buddy replied. “I mean, I would like for them to come by every now and then to see how we're doing. When they're being decent people, I don't mind them being around. Because, you know, the police are supposed to be there to help us anyway, right?”

AUGUST 7, 2026 ENVIRONMENT How we can all stop buying gas The price of gas is projected to rise over $10 a gallon by the end of the decade. How do we escape ever-rising gas prices? I think a lot of people can agree the world would be a better place if we get away from fossil fuels. I think I have a roadmap for the next 20 years to escape fossil fuel by 80+% – ending wars, stopping people from suffering from climate change. I’m talking about building smarter, more efficient communities increasing people’s overall welfare and happiness and the global gross domestic product. The first step is, of course, building smaller, more walkable communities, everything within a bicycle ride or a bus ride, connecting every city or community together with at least one bus. Buses are important because they are community spaces on wheels, where community can sit together and interact instead of just commuting. In the old days most people didn’t go more than ten miles from where they lived. And everything was made locally and everybody was self-sufficient. Local production is the heart of sustainability, producing the products where they are consumed. Second, electric transportation is one of the biggest ideas on how to get away from big oil. The biggest problem is batteries because they take a lot of resources, money and time to refine. They are so expensive they are only going to be able to build about 20% of our cars with them, even in the next 20 years. Some electric vehicles like trains or trolleys were part of every city years ago, and they ran directly off the grid without batteries. There was a big scandal when they got rid of these electric forms of transportation during the 1920s when they were torn down to make room for more roads and to sell ERICK BROWN Groundcover vendor No. 617 gasoline and tires. They are the best, most efficient public transportation, and cities are working to install them; but the cost is too much for a lot of cities to re-install them without more demand for public transport. Small electric vehicles like electric bicycles, scooters, e-mobility devices or even golf carts are great small-footprint vehicles that don't need a lot of batteries. They could be built quickly and could be used to do errands and to commute to work if cities were set up better. They only cost pennies to recharge. A solution to the battery problem is ride-share. A single Autonomous Vehicle could be a robotaxi, with a single vehicle serving 20 or more people a day instead of just one person.This is more like a pay-by-mile subscription, where you don't own the vehicle. And the owner of the vehicle can be an operator, which might give owners of vehicles a revenue stream. But they will have to pay a subscription to use the software and also pay for charging costs. The monopoly of the charging network and energy infrastructure is a big problem with future electric vehicle use. The third step is offering better alternative fuel technology in cars. Alternatives already exist. Flex-fuel vehicles use E85 fuel without a problem and just give consumers a choice on what type of fuel they want to run. Natural gas fuel vehicles are a possibility, either alone or in combination with gasoline or ethanol. Car manufacturers should make every new car either a flex-fuel and/or hybrid fuel. Most common vehicles using E85 use 30% more fuel, but increase performance by over 20%, so the real MPG difference is less than 10%. People can get even higher MPG using ethanol in combination with turbochargers, which allow you to get more horsepower out of a smaller engine. This year I have experienced over $2500 in savings alone, in the cost of my vehicle driving over 40,000 miles, and saving over a dollar a gallon by using E85; getting 16 MPG compared to five if I ran on gasoline. I completely offset the cost of a new vehicle in less than one year. You might be able to reprogram your car to run higher blends of ethanol like E85 with a simple programming or conversion kit that costs only a few hundred dollars to install. Airplanes using biofuels are more efficient than jet fuel because of the oxygen added into the fuel. Rocket ships taking us to space run on methane gas. The fourth step is making more biofuels, of course. The more that we produce biofuel, the less gasoline we need to consume. We can produce 80% of our fuel needs with biofuels. Right now, U.S. ethanol production is meant to address high gas prices due to international demand. We are producing ethanol for the international market. We are only producing about 11% of our fuel needs through biofuel, mainly because we have a 10% mandate by Federal law. But every car after 2001 can handle higher ethanol blends like E15 or E30 or even E50 without a problem. Mini vehicles can run on E85 without a problem even if they are not a flex fuel vehicle. There are many countries around the world that use E85 as their primary fuel, such as Brazil, and the United States could be one of them. But economic and political factors and our addiction to fossil fuel have so far prevented that. Every gallon of ethanol that we run means one less gallon of gas, and every new car should be a flex-fuel vehicle. But we are not growing corn to make By combining twin-turbochargers, high-pressure injection and high-octane ethanol, this Chevrolet engine maximizes thermal efficiency and power density, proving how forced induction and alternative high-octane fuels let engines punch far above their weight. Photo taken by Erick Brown at the General Motors plant. ethanol. 70% of the corn we grow is to feed livestock. A byproduct of making ethanol is leftover distiller grains that can be used to feed livestock. As we grow corn, it is sent to a refinery to make different products using the GROUNDCOVER NEWS 13 Marathon gas station in Allen Park on March 15 shows the drastic price difference between E85, regular and diesel fuel. same cob of corn. By increasing the productivity of such corn, we would be able to do more than one thing, which makes the corn more profitable and usable. Distiller grain is healthier for the cows than row corn and better for the cow’s digestive system, so the byproducts of making ethanol are a better product. The amount of cattle that we have in the United States means that we have a lot of extra fuel stock available to make fuel right now. We can make 20-30% of our fuel just using feed stock alone, so we can triple the amount of fuel we can produce overnight. Other advanced ethanol manufacturing technology could be used, including enzymes or gasification on the corn stalks and other farm waste products, adding another 20-30% of fuel supply. We can take all yard waste and convert it into ethanol, and even some trash is producing ethanol in the communities that need it. How much will fuel cost if we produce it ourselves out of the trash? If we're the ones who produce it from garbage, neighborhoods or cities could work together with co-ops with syngas gasification systems or digestive enzymes reactors. Producing the fuel in the community where it’s consumed makes more self-sufficient communities. That alone could replace almost half of our fuel demand. Not to mention that all the methane gas produced from cattle farms and garbage facilities could be harnessed for fuel. It’s definitely possible to replace 80% of our fossil fuel consumption in the next 20 years if we start working towards these strategies now. If you can, help spread the word, … My name is Erick The Dreamgiver and I have a YouTube channel. I just hit 20,000 subscribers. I'm going to be making more videos about these topics and others!

14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PUZZLES SOMETHING's FISHY Peter Collins AUGUST 7, 2026 ACROSS 1. Like some crawl spaces 5. Stayed away from 11. "The Lord of the Rings" being 14. First family name 15. Llama relative 16. West of Hollywood 17. * Swashbucklers, for instance 19. Circulate socially 20. Members of a class 21. Politician's crime 23. Arnaz of early TV 24. Words following rule or court 26. Vandalized, in a way 29. * One who's loaded, slangily 33. From Scandinavia 35. Trig function 36. Raison d'____ 37. Significant time span 38. * What ruthless people show 41. Coltrane's instrument 42. Sitarist Shankar 44. Multitude 45. Tossed back a brewski 47. *"Hold on a bit" 50. Meanders 51. "Everything all right?" 52. Stick in a fire? 54. "Baby Baby" singer Amy 56. Series of missed connections 60. "Jingle Bells" contraction 61. 2003 Pixar movie (and feat accomplished by rearranging the first four letters of the starred answers) 64. "Tell me more..." 65. Toward the center 66. Meek 67. "_ Miz" 68. Honors with a raised glass 69. God of love DOWN 1. River obstructions 2. Aid a criminal 3. One might be hung in a restaurant window 4. Walked in a cumbersome manner 5. Bob __ (restaurant chain) 6. 14-Across, notably 7. Book where the Pentecost is mentioned 8. Behind-the-wheel infraction, for short 9. Brian, once of Roxy Music 10. Like some earrings 11. Meg March portrayer in 2019's "Little Women" 12. Innocent one 13. Email alternative 18. Supply, as coins to a parking meter 22. Broccoli ___ 24. __ about (approximately) 25. Attractive, in modern lingo 26. Beginning of el ano 27. Tennis star Ivanisevic 28. Cemetaries 30. Multitude 31. Word with Am or slam 32. Male and female 34. Martini relative, for short 39. Mousy 40. Veering off course 43. "That's my cue!" 46. Peace between nations 48. Get-up 49. Cannon fodder? 53. Small lakes 54. Messi objective 55. Russo of "Thor" 56. Interactions that make observers go "eww": Abbr. 57. Salty drop 58. Buckshot or BBs 59. Leaves 62. Queen of Thebes 63. Ice Cube and Dr. Dre's group, once PUZZLE SOLUTIONS July 24, 2026 edition Originally published in the October 2020 edition of Groundcover News. Cartoon by Libby Chambers

AUGUST 7, 2026 POETRY Just Keep Swimming. EMERI JADE BEY Groundcover vendor No. 660 I stand at the edge of a maybe, breathing in steadier each time. Effort in my footsteps, positivity in my mind. I try—then try again, even when my hands shake. Because the leap isn’t magic; it’s practice turning hope into make. I count my breaths like steady drums, each one a little more courage than before— and though my hands still tremble some, I choose to walk, not wait at the shore. There’s a hush inside the wanting, a spark that learns to speak in light; I stitch my doubts with patient going, and turn “someday” into tonight. Effort isn’t thunder—quiet work— a callus-made map of “almost” tried; I lift my eyes, I take my time, I keep my heart on the rise. When I fall, I rise with purpose, dust on my knees, a clearer plan; I’m not a finished, flawless person— I’m a becoming, moving woman. Not every leap is graceful, no, but every leap is proof I’m here. I trade my “what if” for “what now,” and meet the greater thing with cheer. pieces of you JAY COOPER Groundcover contributor I have to remember how to be an artist I have to remember to surrender to myself Putting my shoes on hurts Taking my shoes off hurts crossing my legs while I'm lying down hurts I could take pills to shut out the pain I wouldn't hear the pain telling me what's hurting me but once the voice is gone, I'll want it gone forever I'll be dependent on the painkillers and I won't hear what's hurting me and I'll reinjure myself and the need for painkillers will grow the pain will return until I can't get them or I get enough to kill the pain forever I've lived with the pain so long, if I shut it out, I'll very quickly shoot for the moon we've played this game too many times not to know the outcome I need to do my yoga I need to find softness I can trust my instincts and experience I won't forget a lifetime of hard-learned lessons even if I do, they'll come back to me when put in extreme scenarios so will I I have to stop living like the sword of damocles is hanging over my head even though it is all work and no play really is a killer I have to give myself time to take in beauty I have to give myself a break You won't have energy if you don't replenish You are beautiful You are allowed to find softness You deserve to exist Summer Knights STEVEN Groundcover vendor No. 668 Firefly tending fae folk Of the Summer Court. Most valiant and wee Amongst the first Of the fair. Bullworks twixt day and night. Kneeling at The feet of Her Majesty The Queen, Her most loyal knights. Endlessly posted, The Gloaming's Guardians. Vigilant guard for beauty and sunlight versus nights mysterious dangers. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 15 Harsh Wind and Feathers MICHELLE SMOLARSKI Groundcover contributor Life is a very sad drama queen I cannot be so sad all year without shedding a single tear An ocean's nation for whom I please A centaur on the breeze Show silver through the trees Morbid Facts KELLI LEE MITCHELL Groundcover contributor Let the truth be thy known, translates to, let only I know the truth. To the ones invaded…They are buried alive, and skin walkers take place on thy name. My mind is here, my face moves to their call. My movements, you know me no more. A puppet to dance in place of the shore. But I am thine, broken into by your swine. Please see me, my last words before wine. Unkempt burden takes life from what it wants Pardon this God damn nation Its fickle units and joints Its rhapsodic pattern Its infinite mellow hush hush closed eyes Mocking birds and their prime ways tell a story Of things of yet to come They are In the horizon Over the hills The Tom Bombadills will shut ye out of the desert's companion It cries to the forest to let ye all be But Bombadill, afraid, says "don't worry thee friend I am afraid we'll all wither with an ocean's breeze or an earthquake” Wither willow for Tom Huckabee and let this all turn to stardust and cameras

16 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Fennel pesto pasta LINDSAY CALKA Publisher Ingredients 4 cloves of fresh garlic 2 lemons, juiced 1/3 cup of parmesean cheese, or nutritional yeast if vegan 1 cup pistachios, shells removed 1 teaspoon of salt 1/3 cup olive oil 4 cups of fennel fronds 1 lb pasta of your chooosing Directions Boil water for pasta. Peel garlic cloves. Add garlic, lemon juice, parmesean cheese or nutrional yeast, pistachios and salt to a blender or food processor. Pulse until incorporated. Add fennel fronds and pulse until slightly broken down. Add olive oil and blend until smooth. Cook pasta for suggested time until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Add pasta, pesto and reserved pasta water back into pot. Toss until the sauce coats all noodles. Add roasted summer season vegetables, such as zucchini or tomatoes, for extra flavor, color and nutrition! AUGUST 7, 2026 Apply for FEMA disaster assistance at AADL Westgate Aug. 13–17 CITY OF ANN ARBOR The April 15 EF-1 tornado caused widespread damage in Ann Arbor, particularly in neighborhoods west and south of downtown. No injuries were reported. The city has completed its emergency response and shortterm recovery work and continues to support residents as the community moves into long-term recovery. On July 2, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it was making federal disaster assistance available for Ann Arbor residents in connection with this tornado. This declaration flowed from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s declaration of a state of emergency for Ann Arbor and other Michigan communities impacted this spring by severe weather, including flooding. A temporary Disaster Recovery Center will be open at the Ann Arbor District Library Westgate Branch Thursday, Aug. 13, through Monday, Aug. 17, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The branch is located at 2503 Jackson Ave. Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to help eligible residents and business owners apply for assistance, upload documents, check the status of an application and receive answers to their questions. The State of Michigan has already reported more than 35 requests for FEMA Individual Assistance from Ann Arbor. People affected by the tornado can continue to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance through the deadline Monday, Aug. 31. Residents do not need to visit the PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI MAKE MEALS YOU LOVE! Fresh ingredients to $5 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. 09/04/2026 OFFER EXPIRES 5/30/2026 Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. More information about Individual Assistance is available at FEMA. gov. Applicants should be prepared to provide: proof of identification, Social Security number, annual household income, current contact information, including address, phone number and email address, bank account information and insurance information. Residents who have already applied for Individual Assistance may visit the Disaster Recovery Center for help with their application, including submitting documentation or understanding correspondence from FEMA. Low-interest disaster loans may be available through the SBA to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations. Applicants do not need to own a business to qualify for certain SBA disaster loans. Additional information is available at the Disaster Recovery Center, by calling the SBA at 800-659-2955 or by visiting lending.sba.gov. The City of Ann Arbor encourages community members to take steps now to prepare for future emergencies. While it is not possible to know when the next major weather-related incident may occur, residents can reduce risk and improve safety by being weather-ready. Community members are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts, especially when planning to spend time outdoors. Residents should also know the different ways they can receive emergency alerts by visiting a2gov.org/alerts.

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