Community organization 517 Living (517Living.com) has been promoting goodness in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area since 2014. Founded by Sarah Pierce, the website and social platform uses its ONE Calendar to build awareness of the Best Events happening throughout the year.
In 2022 Pierce introduced the prestigious merit 517 Living Community Member of the Month, bestowing the honor to outreach group Punks With Lunch Lansing co-founder/director Julia Miller in August of that year.
In this interview Miller shares details about who she is, what she does, and what she loves about living in the Greater Lansing Michigan Area.
Who are you?
I’m a born and raised Eastsider and co-founder/director of the outreach group Punks With Lunch Lansing. I’m a Harm Reductionist, as well as ward one rep for The People’s Council of Lansing.
If you own or represent a business or organization, tell us about it (or them).
Punks With Lunch Lansing hosts organized outreach events in which we provide food, harm reduction supplies, hygiene supplies and resources to people who are predominantly unhoused in the Lansing area. I also operate the Harm Reduction Hub, which is located inside the Fledge community center. The Hub provides harm reduction supplies and treatment options, as well as resources for a variety of services.
Tell us about a recent uplifting experience you had in the Greater Lansing Area.
The creation of The People’s Council of Lansing, which is hoping to provide a voice and route to provide community action for people who have felt underrepresented in our community.
What’s the most recent “new” (to you) local business you’ve enjoyed discovering?
Voyages Wine Shop – I don’t drink alcohol myself, but I’m happy to see a new business thriving on the Eastside and they also carry NA wines as snacks for us that don’t drink.
What is one thing (big or small) that you love about living in the Greater Lansing Area?
I love that I’m about ten minutes away from almost anything I need. I love that we have a community of people who want to help others, that want our community to thrive and work together. | By Sarah Pierce
Sarah Pierce is the founder of the website and social platform 517Living. Promoting goodness and the best events in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area, the process of building the platform helped Pierce overcome social anxiety, gave her a more purposeful life, and introduced her to the fascinating behind-the-scenes movers and shakers of her community who are much more “walk” than talk! 517 Living has enriched Pierce’s life, and she hopes it does the same for you.
