As we reflect on 125 years of ministry, we’re reminded that our mission remains the same. Mel Trotter Ministries exists to show the love and compassion of Jesus to our neighbors experiencing hunger or homelessness.
I see that mission lived out every day in the way we serve. We are strengthening the quality of our care, surrounding people with compassion and walking alongside them in their journey forward. But we do not do this work alone. We are part of an ecosystem, working closely with community partners and organizations to provide thoughtful wrap-around care and long-term stability.
At the heart of all of this are people. Guests, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who reflect the love and compassion of Jesus every day. As you read this report, my hope is that you see more than numbers or outcomes. I hope you see stories of dignity restored, hope renewed, and a ministry grounded in purpose and committed to growing its impact for generations to come. Because we are confident that the good work God has begun here is not finished yet, we are remind of these words from Philippians 1:6, “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
* $3.6M of income is restricted for future expenses not yet incurred
or was used to rebuild emergency reserves from prior expenditures
“I was about six years old, when my mom, my brother, and I came to Mel Trotter. At the time, my mom was in active addiction, and most of her family had moved to Florida. She wanted to leave Muskegon and build a better life, but she needed somewhere safe to go. I had been living with my dad, but when he needed to work more, my brother and I had to move back in with my mom. Mel Trotter welcomed us immediately. They took my brother and me in without hesitation.
As a child, I didn’t fully understand that we were staying in a shelter—it never felt like one. To me, it felt like I was just having a long sleepover with my mom and brother. Some of my strongest memories are the small things: doing crafts, watching holiday movies, the breakfasts, and even getting in trouble for eating the little butter packets. Those moments made me feel safe, cared for, and like life was still normal.
Because of the support we received, we had a place to rest our heads when we needed it most. That season of my life shaped me into someone who leads with compassion. Growing up the way I did made me deeply empathetic. People often look at me and would never guess I had a difficult upbringing, but I did, and it taught me that struggle can touch anyone. That understanding drives me to help others whenever I can. I love giving gifts to people experiencing homelessness during the holidays, donating to food drives, and supporting local shelters whenever I can.
I often think about where my mom would be if she had never received help from Mel Trotter. Would she still be in active addiction? Would I have gone into the system if she had nowhere to go and my dad was away? Would I have attended my mom’s funeral? There are so many questions that I’m grateful I don’t have answers to because Mel Trotter was there for us.
Today, I’m in a very different place because of the stability that was offered to us back then. I now have my MBA, a career I’m proud of, and a life that feels full and stable. I have my own home, my partner, and even our sweet dog who adores us. I cook dinners in my own kitchen, I work hard, and I get to end my days feeling safe. Those things aren’t small to me. They’re the life I once hoped for as a kid.
What I want supporters to know is how much their generosity truly matters. I was just a child, but because of people like you, I never felt like I was “in a shelter.” I felt cared for and I’m forever grateful for the impact your kindness had on my life.”
In 2025, Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) expanded the reach of MTM Thrift with new locations in Hudsonville and Caledonia, strengthening both our community presence and mission impact. These stores offer high-quality, gently used clothing, household goods, and furniture while serving a purpose far greater than retail.
Each MTM Thrift Store is an extension of our ministry, with revenue directly supporting programs that help individuals and families experiencing homelessness move forward. MTM Thrift plays a vital role in ensuring our mission remains purpose-driven and financially stable. The Hudsonville and Caledonia expansions reflect strategic growth that allows MTM to serve more people, more effectively, for years to come.
For more information and store locations, visit mtmthrift.com
Hope Village reached many milestones in 2025, moving Grand Rapids’ first tiny home community from concept to completion. Construction advanced steadily throughout the year, making the first ten tiny homes move-in ready to support long-term, affordable housing. Hope Village also creates employment and hands-on job training opportunities, equipping participants with marketable skills in construction.
Key moments included the completion and furnishing of the first home, a community wall-raising ceremony, and the preparation of multiple homes designed to provide stable housing for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Each home was intentionally built and furnished to support dignity and community which are essential foundations for long-term stability.
As this report is released, Hope Village is welcoming its first tenants. Once fully operational, Hope Village will be comprised of sixteen tiny homes and provide a sustainable housing solution that complements Mel Trotter Ministries’ broader continuum of care. Hope Village reflects what is possible when strategic partnerships and community investment come together.
At MTM, we know lasting stability is built through both stable housing and meaningful work. Through Next Step of West Michigan, a division of MTM, we provide a range of programs designed to equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and experience needed for long-term employment.
In 2025, we added a new Carpentry Training Program to our offerings, giving participants hands-on experience in the skilled trades and opening doors to meaningful careers. Our other workforce offerings include Momentum, a soft skills program teaching resume building and workplace readiness, and Wood Manufacturing Training. These programs provide the training, mentorship, and practical experience that help individuals rebuild routines, develop responsibility, and move toward independence.
Every life changed at Mel Trotter Ministries is made possible by the generosity of corporate partners, volunteers, and friends who believe in restoring hope and dignity for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Throughout the year, our community shows up in powerful ways like providing critical winter gear during our Code Blue Drive at 45 host locations and helping place 7,033 turkeys on tables across West Michigan at our annual Turkey Drop.
We are deeply grateful for the generous partners who walk alongside our guests and invest their time, talent and treasure to help us serve with love and compassion. From volunteers who show up faithfully, to businesses that champion our mission through meaningful partnership, each contribution helps meet immediate needs while shaping a more hopeful future.
Learn more about becoming a corporate partner at meltrotter.org/corporatepartner
“Our relationship with Mel Trotter Ministries began simply—with our staff providing mentoring and job coaching and placing guests who were ready to work—and grew into a decades-long partnership that includes donation drives, ongoing support, and my own service on the board. Partnerships with community organizations allow us to live out our purpose and build stronger communities because when our community thrives, we all do.”
– Janis Petrini, Co-Owner/Founder of Express Employment Professionals
“Volunteering at Mel Trotter Ministries has been very impactful to the team here at First Merchants Bank. It has been a very humbling experience, giving of ourselves (however small) has influenced us to be better people, coworkers and just better human beings. The team here speaks all the time about our experience there and how we would love to continue to volunteer and support such a wonderful organization. We are grateful to be a part of the organization, and so truly look forward to supporting MTM in any way that we can.”
– Vijay Dillet, Banking Center Manager at First Merchants Bank
As we look ahead, I am hopeful about where God is leading us. We are learning and growing as an organization, always asking how we can better serve the individuals and families who come through our doors. One of our greatest opportunities for impact is helping people move forward more quickly and more confidently. That means shortening time in shelter, expanding workforce development, and providing individuals with the skills, support, and jobs they need to launch.
We are continuing to improve our quality of care while strengthening the support pathways that lead guests toward independence. This includes everything from housing support to job training, and even the daily interactions that happen across our thrift stores.
Thank you for walking alongside us. Your support makes this work possible, and together we are moving forward with confidence in our calling and hope for what lies ahead.
