our team

Every individual deserves to be shown dignity, be reminded they have inherent value, and live a life free from homelessness. We intentionally do this by focusing on three areas:

1. Prevention and Diversion. By making every effort to prevent and divert individuals and families from entering into the system, cycles will begin to be broken. Through this work, hundreds of children will never know what it feels like to sleep in a car or under a bridge. Data shows that when children experience homelessness three or more times before age 18, they are 85% more likely to experience homelessness as an adult. We remain committed to going upstream and directing resources into this crucial area.

2. Shelter Services. As a result of our Immeasurably More Capital Campaign, our main location at 225 Commerce Ave. was completely renovated to provide enhanced dignity and safety for our guests. Gone are the days of having hundreds of guests stay in one large communal sleeping area. We now have smaller, suite-style rooms with private bathrooms where specialized case managers are very intentionally walking alongside guests to provide them with resources and help overcome barriers. These dignified services are foundational to leaving homelessness more quickly and permanently.

3. Jobs and Housing. We are intentionally investing heavily in our workforce development program at Next Step of West Michigan, a division of MTM. We offer programs that teach both technical and soft skills that will allow participants to complete training and immediately secure jobs that pay livable wages. Along with employment opportunities, we are also building the first tiny home community in Grand Rapids, Hope Village, which will help guests on their journey out of homelessness and into homeownership.

These three areas guide our work, but it will take an engaged community to truly move the needle. It is often easy to believe there is so much to do, that our individual help won’t matter in the grand scheme of things. I’m here to tell you—it does. No effort is too small, and each of us can do our part.

One life at a time, one intentional next step at a time, we can do this. Will you join us?

Thank you for demonstrating compassion to our neighbors in need. We cannot do this work without you!

Blessings,

Chris