Amy Grettum has always been the friend who shows up when others need her most. For years, she and her partner Keith built a life together, sharing a home and supporting each other through thick and thin. But when Amy lost Keith 17 months ago, her world changed overnight. Not only did she lose the love of her life, but she also lost his income, forcing her to move out of their home of 23 years and into the apartment she had planned to rent out. This meant losing a source of income she had counted on, all while facing the heartbreak of saying goodbye to three of their beloved cats and taking on unexpected veterinary bills.


Despite these challenges, Amy has continued to work full time assembling solar street lights and running her own business, Earth Healthy Building, where she helps others with construction projects. She manages her monthly expenses, but now faces an urgent crisis: the roof on her commercial workshop in the downtown Ypsilanti Historic District is sagging, pooling water, and leaking in several places. With winter approaching, Amy needs to repair the roof to protect her workspace and keep her business going.


Amy already has a design ready to present to the Historic District Commission for approval. She needs donations to cover permit fees, materials for a new roofing system that will improve rainwater runoff, and equipment rental. Remarkably, Amy plans to do most of the labor herself at 63 years old, but with extra support, she could hire help and repair interior water damage caused by the leaks. Once renovations are completed, Amy will be able to turn her full attention to her clients' work projects. She also hopes to begin classes teaching other women construction skills, how to use power tools, and how to make their own repairs or earn income. All of the other surrounding buildings are occupied and are in good repair. Supporting Amy’s efforts to build a durable, attractive roofing system that is energy efficient and sustainable is crucial to her work but also good for the improvement and preservation of downtown Ypsilanti. Donations of any size will be greatly appreciated and will make a real difference in her life and her community. Please help Amy get the roof she needs before the snow flies—your support will help her continue to serve her community and empower others.