By Chris Lau

Feb. 9, 2006

Dwyan Malone, a fragile, 49-year-old homeless man with heart problems,

stayed at Detroit Rescue Mission during the two weeks before the Super

Bowl, but the shelter, because of lack of funding, was in danger of

pushing him and countless others back onto the streets after the game.

Until generosity poured in.

S.A.Y. Detroit, which two weeks ago started a campaign to raise $60,000

to keep the Detroit Rescue Mission open, wound up with $310,000 - and

counting - from the community. Donations came, mostly in $5, $10 and $20

increments, from 29 states, several countries, all four local major

sports teams and more - all in less than two weeks.

"I'm just thankful," Malone said Wednesday at a news conference hosted

by Free Press columnist Mitch Albom at the Detroit Rescue Mission

cafeteria. "I don't have anywhere else to go but to stay here. I don't

know how to thank everyone for what you've done for me."

The donations will allow other things to happen, too.

The Detroit Rescue Mission will hire a full-time mental health

professional, buy 30 new beds, operate a 24-hour van and stay open 24

hours a day, seven days a week until the spring.

The Neighborhood Services Organization, which didn't serve meals before,

now will serve three day through the spring.

The Coalition On Temporary Shelter, or COTS, will provide childcare for

the homeless through the spring.

And more.

"I get a warm bed," Malone said. "I'm still weak. I'm on a walker now,

but I'm getting better."

Mission/S.A.Y. Detroit, 150 Stimson, Detroit 48201. Contributions are

tax-deductible.

By Chris Lau