2023 annual report
“When you give to Mel Trotter, you’re touching so many people: children, women, men, those looking for more education, those looking for permanent housing. The money stretches so many different ways.”
– Anedra Eatman, MTM Board Chair
Dear Friends,
In the book of Philippians, Paul writes in a letter to his fellow believers: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…”
At Mel Trotter Ministries, we are incredibly thankful for you—for your prayers, your support, your partnership. In truth, our ministry would not be possible without compassionate friends like you who have a heart for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in West Michigan.
As you read through this 2023 Annual Report, I pray you’ll be reminded of the instrumental role you played in meeting the essential needs of our community, both on a personal and spiritual level.
When we talk about the work that goes on at Mel Trotter Ministries, we break it down into three areas of focus: Prevention & Diversion, Shelter Services, and Housing & Jobs.
Typically, most people are familiar with the Shelter Services aspect of our ministry. In 2023, we served 5,531 guests who walked through our doors—the most we’ve ever recorded in a single year. We broke bread with our neighbors facing food insecurity, providing 191,128 nourishing meals. And we gave all glory to God when 265 of our guests decided to dedicate their lives to Christ or renew their faith in Him.
What many people might not realize is the work that happens in our other two areas of focus. Last year, 683 families were able to avoid eviction, get connected with resources, and be diverted from ever experiencing homelessness in the first place. By offering these stabilizing services, our Prevention and Diversion team is helping break the cycle of homelessness and change the trajectory of lives, particularly for young children.
Our Housing and Jobs programs continue to expand and provide pathways out of homelessness. Even with the affordable housing shortfall in our community, we helped 285 individuals find stable housing in 2023. Through our robust workforce development initiatives, which give guests the opportunity to learn both technical and soft skills, 458 individuals secured sustainable employment.
Behind every one of these statistics is a unique story. An individual who was once written off, hit rock bottom, or ran out of relationships. With nowhere else to turn, they arrived on our doorstep. Inside the Mission, they were surrounded with grace, lavished with love, and welcomed by a team passionate about walking alongside them on their journey to a fresh start. It is the same blueprint that has guided Mel Trotter Ministries for 124 years: To demonstrate the compassion of Christ during someone’s darkest hour.
Despite the meaningful outcomes of this past year, our work is far from finished. In fact, the trends surrounding homelessness in our region and country as a whole weigh heavily on my heart. Year after year, the overwhelming demand for our services continues to grow. For many of our guests, it is the first time they have experienced homelessness in their lives, but it is a comfort knowing they have friends like you who answer God’s call to serve the marginalized.
Please know how humbled we are by your ongoing generosity. Thank you for choosing to partner with us and sustain the work God is doing in and through Mel Trotter Ministries. Your prayers and gifts have transformed lives and made an eternal impact for the Kingdom, one life at a time. I am excited about what God has in store for us in the year ahead. Yes, the need is great. But our God is greater.
Many blessings,
