History
In 1899, city leaders in Grand Rapids discovered an influx of homelessness and addiction.
They called the Pacific Garden Rescue Mission in Chicago for help and Melvin E. Trotter, a former homeless and hopeless alcoholic, was tapped to start the Grand Rapids City Rescue Mission in 1900. In his forty years of running the Mission, he tapped many others to help start 68 other Rescue Missions across the country.
Mel Trotter Ministries Timeline
1897
Mel Trotter Finds Christ
1900
Mel Called to Grand Rapids

1905
Mel Ordained
1906
Smith Opera House
1917
Ministry
1924
Billy Sunday
1937
Morning Mission
1940
Mel Trotter Goes Home
1942
Wartime Outreach
1944
Superintendent Named
1945
Branch Mission
1946
Headquarters Remodeled
1951
Superintendent Named
1953
Superintendent Named
1956
Headquarters Location Changes
Mission leases the Heyman Building on Monroe Avenue as the temporary quarters.
Mission purchases Kent Theater and Oaks hotel properties for new permanent headquarters.
The dedication ceremonies for the new permanent headquarters are held between October 18-21.
1959
Tribute to Women
1963
Building Donated to Mission
1966
Mission is Displaced
1968
Commerce Avenue Location Opens
1973
Children's Bible Day Camp
1974
Camp Mel-Tro-Mi
1976
Superintendent Named
1984
Executive Director Named
1988
Executive Director Named
1989
Executive Director Named
1992
Executive Director Named
1993
Interim Director Named
1994
Outreach Programs
In May, Rev. Thomas J. Laymon is appointed as the new executive director of Mel Trotter Ministries.
1995
Women and Children's Shelter
1996
Thanksgiving Banquet
1997
Golf Event
1998
International Union of Gospel Missions
The new Women and Children's Shelter opening dedication ceremonies are held.
2001
Clinic
2002
Publicly Intoxicated Shelter Opens
2003
CEO Named
2005
Grand Rapids Retail Store
2006
Sparta Retail Store
2007
CEO Named
The Belding retail store opens.
2008
CEO Named
The Auto Training and Sales Center opens.
The Middleville retail store opens.
2009
Clinics and Summer Camp Close
2011
Clinics Open
A fifth retail store opens in Jension.
2012
Big Changes at Mel Trotter Ministries
In February, the renovated Food Pantry and new Day Center open. The Day Center provides a safe space and resources from Mel Trotter Ministries and other ministries and agencies.
The Chapel is renovated and renamed the Bob and Betty Kregel Chapel.
2013
Mel Trotter Ministries Purchases Property
2014
Interim CEO Is Announced
2015
CEO Is Announced, New Programs Are Provided
Step Up, the revamped substance abuse recovery program for men and women, opens at Mel Trotter Ministries which addiction services provided by Arbor Circle.
Pathway Home, a collaboration established by Family Promise Ministries, to work with and secure permanent housing for homeless families opens at Mel Trotter Ministries.
Pilgrimage Program opens targeting ministry, services, and housing for men who are chronically homeless, mentally ill, and physically disabled. In the first year, 39 men were helped in permanent supportive housing.
In September, the First Annual Season of Hope fundraising event is held at Frederik Meijer Gardens. The Keynote Speaker is author Liz Murray.
2016
Retail Stores Close, Youth Emergency Shelter Opens
Y.E.S. (Youth Emergency Shelter) opens, providing separate space for unaccompanied homeless male youth ages 18-24. The pilot opened with 6 beds and was expanded to 10 beds.
The Mission board approves a new strategic plan: "Vision 20/20".
2016
Filling More Gaps for Vulnerable Populations
An outreach case manager is hired to help families experiencing homelessness in rural, northern Kent County.
The R&R Space is opened; a shelter space for individuals who identify as transgender. This is the first shelter space of its kind at a Christian organization in Michigan.
2023
Immeasurably More Capital Campaign Complete
Transforming Lives
“Without MTM, I don’t know where I would be, but definitely not in the great position I am now socially, economically, spiritually, and physically,” said Sidney. “There isn’t anything they fall short of in meeting guests’ needs.”
Sidney
Sidney once had it all— a successful flooring business, a six-figure salary, a home in a gated community, a beautiful wife. He lost everything, however, when a serious injury sidelined him for two years and started him on a path to nowhere.