Detroiter turns friends into 'Angels' to serve people in need

Angela Arnold founded Angels of Michigan and prepares free weekly meals in Detroit that serve about 200 people, while also distributing clothing and blankets with help from local volunteers and occasional donations.

Angela Arnold, a Detroit resident and founder of the nonprofit Angels of Michigan, organizes regular meal distributions and outreach for people experiencing homelessness and others in need. Since founding the group in 2013, she has made weekly Saturday meals a fixture near Cass Park and the Masonic Temple and has continued to provide clothing, blankets and other essentials. Arnold often covers costs personally and receives support from neighbors, small groups and occasional donations. Her work has drawn volunteers from varied backgrounds and partnerships with local groups. Notable details: - Angels of Michigan was founded in 2013 and runs a weekly Saturday meal service near Cass Park, typically served after a prayer around 1 p.m. - The Saturday meals feed about 200 people and commonly include dishes Arnold prepares herself. - The outreach also distributes clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and other basic items to people living on the street. - Arnold funds much of the work herself but has received support from community groups and occasional donations, including a November 2025 gift from Walmart and a trailer donated by her physician. - Community partners mentioned include The Order of Eastern Star, The Red Hat Society, The Sandwich Project 313, and the Funches family of Feeding Families By Faith; Arnold also shares updates on a private Facebook group and can be reached by the public email listed in the article. Summary: Arnold's efforts have become a consistent local resource and involve a mix of individual giving, volunteer help and small organizational partnerships. She plans to expand outreach in 2026 by adding Wednesday meals at the Rosa Parks Transit Center, using a trailer to serve neighborhoods, and working with partners on a building at 17710 Fenkell that they hope to renovate for meal service and other needs; specific timelines are undetermined at this time.