DETROIT—Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), announced a milestone achievement for her trademark Neighborhood Service Centers, in which vital constituent services are carried out. As of today, through the work of the service centers, $1,204,306 has been put in the pockets of residents in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District with more to come before the end of Rep. Tlaib’s first term. Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic forcing national and local governments to shift focus, Tlaib caseworkers have worked tirelessly to help residents secure the money they need to weather the crisis via Social Security, unemployment, tax return, stimulus checks, and more. 

Prior to the pandemic, Tlaib opened an unprecedented four Neighborhood Service Centers, including offices in Detroit’s North End neighborhood, on the city’s east side, Downriver in River Rouge, and in Inkster in Western Wayne County. The neighborhood service centers are meant to provide residents with strong advocacy that changes their lives in the immediate and prevent residents from having to face government agencies alone.

“The dedicated caseworkers and our constituent services team who make our Service Centers so successful help connect residents to a wealth of resources and programs for small businesses, low-income seniors and veterans,” said Larissa Richardson, Rep. Tlaib’s District Director who manages the four offices. “Since the pandemic began, we have been working virtually around the clock to secure residents the money, programs, and guidance they need to survive and thrive.”

“I started these Neighborhood Service Centers with the mandate of bringing about meaningful change in the lives of residents that they didn’t have to wait for,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “That my team has been able to make that a reality in the face of insurmountable odds is truly awe-inspiring. I’m so proud of our work and this literal million-dollar achievement—but it’s just the beginning.” 

Sonya Thomas of Detroit, whom Tlaib’s staff aided with getting her tax return back, couldn’t agree more. 

“My family was literally down to our last twenty dollars. Now, I can get caught up with some bills and be able to pay my rent,” Thomas wrote in a thank-you note to Tlaib and her staff. “With everything that’s going on and all the uncertainties we are faced with every day, it’s so good to know that our local leaders our truly working hard to make sure our communities can survive and stay strong.”

“Recently, I became very ill with a life-threatening condition,” said Francisco Salano, a resident in the district. “I fell behind on my student loans because of my illness and Congresswoman Tlaib’s staff was able to help me get my loans discharged due to me being ill. My family and I are extremely grateful for the help through the neighborhood service centers.”

These are just a few examples of the many residents Team Tlaib has helped. As the House prepares to return to legislative business in Washington, D.C., Rep. Tlaib wants residents to know her focus remains the everyday struggles of her residents.

“We’ve been waiting in vain for Congress and the President to pass another COVID relief package, so I’m going to make the latter half of this unprecedented year about doing everything I can for the folks in my district who can’t afford to wait any longer,” Tlaib added.

Residents who are in need of assistance can reach the neighborhood service centers at (313) 463-6220 or by emailing Rashida@mail.house.gov.