Troy People Concerned to Host Spring Pasta Dinner Thursday

– a service organization supporting Troy residents in times of need with assistance, information and referrals – will host its Spring Pasta Dinner from 4-8 p.m. this Thursday at the . 

“Due to the recent economic downturn in metro Detroit, the entire 2010 and 2011 calendar years were busy ones for Troy People Concerned,” said Doris Nelson, director of Troy People Concerned.

“This non-profit organization continues to receive calls for assistance from people who have lost their jobs or are facing serious medical or other financial situations. In some cases, TPC was able to help Troy residents by providing assistance with utility bills, rent or mortgage payments."

Tickets to the pasta dinner are $10 for adults and $5 for chilren under 10. The event includes a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, magician, fun for the children and a cash bar. Families who bring non-perishable food items to donate to TPC’s food pantry will also receive one free raffle ticket (one per family).

Here are a few ways TPC has helped local individuals in need:

• A single mom with medical disabilities and her 9-year-old daughter requested help with the electric bill. They had recently left a shelter, qualified for subsidized housing, but fell behind in paying the electric bill due to buying medication for the daughter. After verifying, TPC referred her to various prescription programs and paid her $204 electric bill.
• A man lost his job and had to have surgery making him temporarily unemployable. After verification, TPC approved paying $200 towards his rent
• A single 42-year-old man with a 20-year-old son called for assistance for the $708 rent bill. He had a liver transplant more than 10 years ago, and medical complications during that time have made it difficult for him to hold a job. His son is currently looking for work. Upon confirmation, another agency agreed to pay half of the rent, and TPC paid the other half.
• A single 45-year-old father with four children ages 7-14 lost his home due to a fire. TPC assisted him with $400 in gift cards to help purchase necessities for their home.

For more information about Troy People Concerned and to order Spring Pasta Dinner tickets, call 248-528-9199. Tickets are also available online at www.tpchelps.org.