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Masco In The Community

Providing Arts Experiences to Veterans

Community Development

Masco HQ is proud to enable special free programming for veterans at the nonprofit Village Arts Factory, an arts complex and historic property that encourages the development of innovative thinkers, entrepreneurs and future leaders, while simultaneously highlighting an assortment of cultural experiences that are reflective of the Southeast Michigan community.

Sitting among the footprint of a historic Ford Motor Company property, the site now includes a 17,500-square-foot modern arts warehouse that provides the community with a hub of affordable workshop space, a common gallery space, and a retail outlet for a unique assortment of locally produced goods. Visitors can take classes in a variety of art forms like dance, photography, and pottery; shop for unique, hand-made gifts; or simply watch the artists at work.

The campus also features a fully-restored veterans’ dormitory. Originally meant to house disabled WWII veterans who worked at Henry Ford’s Cherry Hill Plant in the 1940s, the updated dormitory continues to provide shelter and support services for local veterans experiencing homelessness. One of the veterans who lived at the dorm last year says, “If [you] know any veterans that are in need of a place to stay during these cold winters, they need to get over here.” Speaking about the difference between Village Arts Factory and a traditional homeless shelter with rows of cots, he says, “This is literally a house with bedrooms, and if they could just come here for a day and see how things work here, they wouldn’t think twice about sleeping on the streets tonight.”

Plus, all businesses located in the complex support veterans by offering employment, discounts on services, or veteran-focused programs, when applicable. Masco is pleased to serve as Village Arts Factory’s sponsor for this free programming for veterans, providing opportunities for all veterans to take classes in pottery, painting, soap making and more for no charge.

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