Healing Communites

Helping Others Smile Brighter and Live Healthier

Many low-income families lack access to oral health care, leading to cavities and long-term issues

We are here to fix that.

In 2015, the CDC reported that 29% of Americans lacked dental insurance, and for older adults, that number jumps to 62%

The CDC has said that children from low-income households are three times more likely to have untreated cavities

Higher-Income Households

(6% untreated cavities)

Low-Income Households

(17% untreated cavities)

Risk of Cavities for Children

Our Story

Healing Communities is a Small Effort with Big Goals

Help us continue our mission to heal communities, one smile at a time.

Most people don’t think twice about having a toothbrush or toothpaste at night, but for many low-income and homeless families, even basic oral hygiene is out of reach.

Low-income families face many challenges, but their resilience and determination inspire us. Their strength has carried them through difficult times, and now, they shouldn’t need to worry about not having basic oral hygiene supplies.

As Metro Detroiters, we want to support our community member’s journey to healthier, happier lives. By ensuring they have access to toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other essentials, we’re helping them smile brighter, live healthier, and thrive.

Most people don’t think twice about having a toothbrush or toothpaste at night, but for many low-income and homeless families, even basic oral hygiene is out of reach.

Our Initiatives

With the involvement of many others in the Metro Detroit area, have grown to include working closely with volunteers, local dentists, and generous donors who help us collect and distribute supplies.

Our Mission

Began with a simple goal—to improve the oral health of communities that often lack access to basic dental care. What started as a family project has grown into a cause close to our hearts: collecting and distributing dental supplies to underserved communities.

Our Motivation

Came from my upbringing. As a child of dentists, I have never had to worry about having a toothbrush or toothpaste. After learning that people who struggle to make ends meet often lack access to these basic necessities, I immediately saw a problem.

We Recognize

Good health starts with the basics, and dental care is an essential part of that. Many of the communities we serve face difficult living conditions where healthcare is limited. We aim to strengthen their ability to focus on their future by addressing their dental needs.

Our Mission

Helping Others Smile Brighter and Live Healthier

Our Impact

What We Have Donated

Floss - 321

Toothpaste - 354

Toothbrushes - 372

Small Mouthwash - 64

Other/Misc (Complete Dental Kits, Special supplies) - 44

Areas of Detroit where we have worked

Our goal is to donate:

To Homeless and Emergency service centers

To Free Dental Care Facilities

Directly to the people who need them

Our main operation is donating supplies to homeless shelters. After many donations, we are proud to say that we have donated a total of 1155 Dental Supplies! Some of the Shelters we have donated to include:

The Salvation Army Donation Center

33600 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150

9451 S Main St, Plymouth, MI 48170

Meet Our Founders

In 2023, during my Sophomore year of high school, I took over what was my sister’s project with the goal of expanding it into something bigger. As the impacts of COVID-19 faded, I shifted the focus of the project away from medical supplies and towards Dental supplies, which helped to streamline the collection process. Since then, I have worked to collect supplies and other donations to help this cause. Now, in my Senior year, I am still expanding, trying to collect more supplies and make a bigger impact.

Zayan Tariq

I originally founded this project in 2021 during my Junior year of Highschool to collect medical masks and other medical supplies to help combat the effects of the COVID-19 Outbreak. I began supply drives and collected donations from peers which I then donated to 10+ clinics and hospitals in underserved areas of Metro-Detroit.

Amara Tariq

Get Involved

You can help us continue our mission to spread smiles and better oral health by donating supplies, funds, or your time. Join us in Healing Communities today!

Helping Others Smile Brighter and Live Healthier

Helping Others Smile Brighter and Live Healthier

Our Initiatives

Our Initiatives

With the involvement of many others in the Metro Detroit area, have grown to include working closely with volunteers, local dentists, and generous donors who help us collect and distribute supplies.

Our Mission

Our Mission

Began with a simple goal—to improve the oral health of communities that often lack access to basic dental care. What started as a family project has grown into a cause close to our hearts: collecting and distributing dental supplies to underserved communities.

Began with a simple goal—to improve the oral health of communities that often lack access to basic dental care. What started as a family project has grown into a cause close to our hearts: collecting and distributing dental supplies to underserved communities.

Our Motivation

Came from my upbringing. As a child of dentists, I have never had to worry about having a toothbrush or toothpaste. After learning that people who struggle to make ends meet often lack access to these basic necessities, I immediately saw a problem.

Came from my upbringing. As a child of dentists, I have never had to worry about having a toothbrush or toothpaste. After learning that people who struggle to make ends meet often lack access to these basic necessities, I immediately saw a problem.

We Recognize

We Recognize

Good health starts with the basics, and dental care is an essential part of that. Many of the communities we serve face difficult living conditions where healthcare is limited. We aim to strengthen their ability to focus on their future by addressing their dental needs.

Good health starts with the basics, and dental care is an essential part of that. Many of the communities we serve face difficult living conditions where healthcare is limited. We aim to strengthen their ability to focus on their future by addressing their dental needs.

Companies that Support us

Our Partners