U SNAP BAC celebrates 40 Years of Community Impact

United Streets Networking and Planning: Building a Community, better known as U SNAP BAC, celebrated its 40th anniversary on April 25 with an awards gala at the Roostertail in Detroit.

Founded in 1985, U SNAP BAC is a housing resource center at the corner of East Warren Avenue and Alter Road in Morningside. According to the organization’s website, U SNAP BAC was “founded by residents with a collective commitment to improve the quality of life in communities through collaboration, neighborhood improvements and community cohesiveness.”

At the event, U SNAP BAC honored eleven community leaders and their respective organizations for longtime support of its initiatives — including Morningside’s own Eric Dueweke.

Shanin Green-Flowers, director of housing, served as one of the award presenters. She said the gala was not only a celebration of accomplishments, but of the people who made them possible.

“The U SNAP BAC 40th Anniversary Gala was not only an opportunity to celebrate four decades of community service but also to honor the legacies of our pioneers who built and continued to sustain this organization,” she said.

Linda Smith has served as executive director of U SNAP BAC since 1995. According to Green-Flowers, the gala was also a celebration of Smith’s long-standing commitment to Detroit’s nonprofit housing sector.

“Most importantly, it was inspiring to see our executive director, Linda Smith, receive recognition for her tireless work here at U SNAP BAC,” Green-Flowers said. “For almost 30 years, Ms. Smith has dedicated herself to being of service to the Morningside community. While her legacy has been built into the foundation of this organization, her reach has spanned across the city of Detroit and beyond. The outpouring of support and praise for the work that she has done was truly inspiring.”

Jawana Jackson, director of program management and a nearly 10-year staff member, said seeing Smith honored at the gala was a full-circle moment.

“Looking back, I’m proud of how we’ve adapted to change and persevered through it all,” she said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the hard work she puts in to keep our doors open and the sacrifices she’s made along the way. It was truly heartwarming to see her recognized for her years of dedicated service to this community.”

Desmond Hemphill, U SNAP BAC’s housing coordinator and newest team member, said the gala gave the organization a chance to unite on a personal level.

“My experience at the gala was nothing less than amazing,” he said. “My favorite part about the whole thing was seeing us all coming together, dancing, laughing and enjoying this well-needed time together.”

Though the gala is now behind them, its impact continues to resonate with staff. Nikita Coakley, chief financial officer, said the celebration, along with her 15 years at the organization, energizes her for the future.

“These 15-plus years have taught me how to lead with both strength and compassion,” she said. “I have learned that real impact often happens in the smallest moments — listening, showing up, staying faithful to the mission. What I look forward to is continuing to serve with a spirit of excellence, uplifting others, and helping to build something that lasts beyond us — contributing to a legacy that reflects both purpose and faith.”

For more information about U SNAP BAC, visit usnapbac.org.