Stories of Compassion
Each of us has a unique story of hope and restoration.
The guests featured in our stories below have experienced homelessness, found renewed hope in Christ, and have started on a new journey that God has planned for them.
*Please note that in order to protect the privacy of our guests, many names and photos have been changed but their stories remain untouched.
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Hakeem grew up in Grand Rapids with his parents and three siblings. Life was anything but easy. Having been born into an already struggling family, his situation went downhill at age 6 or 7 when they were involved in a housefire, and his dad ran off.
Like so many individuals who find themselves experiencing homelessness for the first time as an adult, Red had no idea when he was a young boy that his family’s dysfunction would seep its way into his own life choices.
More than anything, Danette wants to encourage others who find themselves in tough situations. “I just hope that people who may be in the places God delivered me from can see the hope in Christ. Because he’s the only way.”
After the Navy, and with feelings of depression, the alcohol started. Those feelings grew larger and stronger. They also lead me to a horrible night when I attacked my family. My mom was the only one seriously injured. What a horrible time for her, she’s been a victim of 3 men from alcohol (her dad, her husband, and me). Because of that incident, I served 22 ½ years in prison.
Lisa and her husband, Keith, moved into the home on the west side of Grand Rapids the week before Christmas, just in time for the holidays, after spending nearly five months at Mel Trotter Ministries.
When Doug Bailey’s mother passed away shortly before Christmas, he knew he would have a tough time facing the holidays without her.
He saw in a local newspaper that Mel Trotter Ministries needed help serving Christmas lunch and thought that would be a good way to take his mind off his loss and to honor her memory. Four years later, Doug is one of our most faithful volunteers, serving every Thursday, as well as holidays.
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Jeffrey moved around a bit in recent years, tending to vacant houses for realtors in West Michigan and then Houston, Texas.
“My nephew and I would clean the houses and keep the yards up, so when people came to show them, they’d be ready.”
Unfortunately, the work stopped when Jeffrey’s nephew had a falling out with his employer. Although Jeffrey had saved some money, there was no steady income for about six or eight months.
Growing up in a house where alcohol and drug use were common, it’s not surprising that Rachel got high for the first time at 13. At 18, she was pregnant and trapped in an abusive relationship.
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Because of you in 2021…
individuals were served at MTM and Heartside Ministry
individuals secured employment
% of guests who exit MTM programs successfully remained housed after one year
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Transforming Lives
“Mel Trotter is a great stepping stone,” says Robert*, noting that the resources he’s received combined with the positive influence of the Mel Trotter team have helped put his dream of having his own apartment within reach.
Robert
Last year, Robert lived in his car for eight months. One night he fell asleep and awoke to find himself nearly frozen. A concerned friend recommended Robert seek safe shelter at Mel Trotter Ministries. For the past few months, he has received hot, hearty meals, a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in and personalized support to help him find stability and secure affordable housing of his own.
*names and photos have been changed to protect the privacy of our guests
