A branch of Abide Ministries supporting local artists and builders to create affordable housing and creative spaces in Detroit neighborhoods.

Thomas Strat

Branch Leader

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About From Above

Rising housing costs in Detroit are creating a significant burden for many households, while the city continues to face a need for more affordable housing options.

Detroit also has a missing-middle housing gap, with a need for more neighborhood-scale housing such as duplexes, triplexes, small apartment buildings, and mixed-use spaces. Creating these spaces can also provide opportunities for local young people to gain hands-on experience, develop job skills, and build pathways toward good work.

Tom, a seasoned developer, dreamer, and artist, has spent much of his career envisioning mixed-use spaces that provide opportunities for local artists and creative spaces within Detroit neighborhoods.

Growing up alongside his father, an architect, and learning from other mentors, Tom wants to use his skills and follow in their footsteps by helping others develop the skills to build within their own communities.

From Above’s program is a two-year, hands-on development apprenticeship designed to help young men and women with an interest in real estate development move from learning the fundamentals to launching their own development company. Participants work alongside the team through the entire development process, from identifying a property and creating a development concept to financing, design, permitting, construction, marketing, and even selling or leasing the completed project.

The goal is to equip participants from local Detroit communities to become visionaries who can recognize opportunities within their own neighborhoods. By employing, teaching, and mentoring local residents, From Above believes communities can help shape and build the housing and spaces they need most.

From Above is doing good by developing the next generation of community-minded developers who can learn, develop, build, and ultimately launch their own development companies.

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Check Gifts

Check gifts can be made out to: Abide Ministries and sent to PO Box 101, Clawson, MI 48017. Please add “From Above” to the memo line of all check gifts. For any questions regarding giving, please email info@abide.community.

Stock / Mutual Fund Gifts

Most U.S. brokerage firms can quickly and easily transfer your gift of stock or mutual funds to From Above electronically. Click here for details to give to your broker.

IRA Charitable Rollover

If you are age 70 1⁄2 or older, you can make gifts from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to From Above without paying income tax on the withdrawal. Click here for instructions on how to make an IRA Charitable Rollover.