Throughout the year, Mel Trotter Ministries provides shelter, food, clothing, education, Biblical teaching, computer-based learning, and work training and experience to meet people at the physical and spiritual points of need.

Your gracious donation of $28.80 will provide food and care for 15 hungry, homeless, and hurting people.  Men, women, and children are counting on you to provide help and hope.

Facilities

The Men's Facility is located at the corner of Commerce and Williams SW.  Since 1966 this facility has housed our men's shelter and, more recently, the Excel Discipleship Program.  The men's chapel, dental and vision clinics (for residents only), the Public Inebriate Shelter, and the vehicle donation program are located in this building.

The Women's Facility is located adjacent to the Men's Facility on Commerce SW.  The main entrance to Mel Trotter Ministries is a glass-covered atrium which connects the two buildings.  This building houses the administrative offices, the main kitchen/dining area, and the Women & Children's Computer Lab.

The Distribution Center, located at the corner of Ionia and Williams SW, serves as both a drop-off location for non-cash gifts and the place where these donations are sorted and distributed.  The Food Pantry and Clothing Room are located here.  Donations can be dropped off here Monday through Friday from 8-12 noon and 1-5 and Saturday from 8-12 noon.

The Mel Trotter Camp is a 180-acre residential camp, with a 20-acre lake, located on 20th Street just outside of Hopkins, 30 miles south of Grand Rapids.  Hundreds of children attend camp each summer, almost all of them at no cost to themselves or their family.  The camp is also available for rent during the spring and fall seasons.

Mel Trotter Ministries currently has three retail stores, one in Grand Rapids, one in Sparta, and one in Belding. The Grand Opening for our Grand Rapids store is scheduled for May 12, 2008. The Mel Trotter Stores offer shoppers great values on clothing, housewares, furniture, books, toys, arts & crafts and seasonal items. Our stores also serve as donation drop-off locations. For more information, please click here.

Programs

The Excel Discipleship Program is the foundation of our state-licensed substance abuse recovery program.  This program, lasting from 10 to 18 months, offers residents the opportunity to both change their lives spiritually and chart a new course for their future.  Overcoming drug and alcohol abuse, spiritual and personal growth, career goals, and educational advancement are key parts of the program.

Community Services provides food boxes and clothing to needy families.  Families can receive one food box per month and can visit the Clothing Room once per week.