My name is Loren Harper and I am a drug and alcohol Recovery Coach and advocate in the city of Detroit doing my part to bring change to my community. I have taken my home and turned it into a recovery house called "Harper's House of Recovery" - for people struggling with issues of addiction. With housing for up to 8 people, residents of Harper's House must have completed at least 90 days in-patient in an accredited Detroit rehabilitation center along with a desire to continue learning the principles of recovery. We are seeking state funding to help provide the best experience possible. We are well on our way with the exception of a few things that will bring us up to code:

A. Replace original dinosaur furnace installed 100 years ago in 1924). Health hazards:

    1. FIRE RISKS-Old furnaces lack many of the safety features of more recent equipment and          lack the redundancy needed to ensure safe operation.

    2. CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING-Old heating equipment often loses its efficiency over         time, which can produce small levels of carbon monoxide due to incomplete combustion.

    3. LEAKS- Heating natural gas can cause a range of health issues, and older heating units            are more prone to leaking gas than newer ones.

B. Replace all bedroom windows with Egress Windows (Mandatory Emergency exits).

    1. An egress window must satisfy Michigan Residential Code criteria (IRC): Minimum width of opening: 20 in. Minimum height of opening: 24 in. Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq.

C. Provide a 12X12 ft cemented smoking area in the rear. Smoking in the house is prohibited. 

The above items stand in the way of state funding and come with a cost factor for which we are seeking assistance. I believe that changing our community happens one house at a time. Thank you for taking the time to consider our cause. Help us make a difference.