Restoration Programs
We believe that there is not one way to end up homeless and therefore not one way to end it. We want to walk alongside you to identify your barriers and help you into a program that best fits your needs to be successful, long term.
Restoration
The MTM Restoration Program is a faith-based program for any adult experiencing homelessness who is ready to choose to live into the life they were made for. Guests participating in the Restoration Program are provided intensive case management intended to set them on a path of living their life to the full as God intended.
Through attending classes and meeting with a case manager regularly, guests in the program discover their identity as someone made in image of God and learn how to forgive themselves and others. During the ‘Foundations’ program phase, a typical day consists of classes like journaling, boundaries, and finance, while having daily chores. Many guests build close relationships with those also in the program and enjoy volunteering at the Mission.
Step-Up Recovery
The Step-Up Recovery Program is a six-month faith-based program designed for adults whose primary barrier to employment and permanent housing is substance abuse. Guests in recovery are ready to begin the work to heal attitudes, thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Through Step-Up Recovery, guests begin the discovery of who they are without their substance of choice. Each guest works closely with their assigned case manager identifying barriers and tools needed to successfully overcome their addictions.
Pilgrimage
Part of the Restoration Program, the Pilgrimage Program is a faith-based program for any adult experiencing homelessness who is eligible for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance).
A case manager helps guests identify and obtain resources they need assisting them as they work towards permanent/permanent supportive housing. Once they begin earning an income through SSI/SSDI, they are asked to save 75% of their disposable income and begin looking for a home.
Guests have their own bed in a dorm style room and receive three meals a day on a meal plan.
Aftercare
Intensive Case Management is put in place for guests moving into the MTM Housing Program and is designed to assist the guests in building upon the skills necessary to obtain permanent housing, make connections in their neighborhood and community, maintain sobriety if needed, and creates a safety net, so they don't return to homelessness.
FAQs
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Does Mel Trotter Ministries offer temporary housing options?
Yes! We offer residential programming allowing the guest to reside on site here at the mission.
MTM has a housing program that is designed to be short term while a guest moves forward. (limited capacity)
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Can you help me obtain a housing voucher?
Yes! When you stay with MTM for 3 or more days, we will assist in verification of homelessness and connect you to HAP, Community Rebuilders and ICCF. If there are any other housing opportunities we will also share those.
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Can you help me find a job?
When in programming at MTM, you work closely with an case manager who assists in finding employment. MTM offers intense case management, resume building, and job searching.
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How do I escape a violent domestic relationship?
We partner with the YWCA of West Michigan as well as Safe Haven Ministries to assist and support anyone who may be fleeing a domestic violence situation in need of help.
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Can you help me with my addiction?
MTM offers a six-month faith-based recovery program for addictions. We also refer to other recovery agencies in and out of our community.
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I am having trouble finding a place to live due to criminal history. What resources can you provide me to help find housing?
MTM offers residential programming, this includes intense case management, applying for housing waitlists, landlord search and other felony friendly resources.
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Can couples stay together in shelter? Can we eat together?
Our shelter is divided into male and female spaces, this is for both emergency shelter and program. We do not allow couples to stay together unless there are children involved.
Meal times are at the same time for men and women. Couples may eat together, but we ask that they are respectful in doing so.
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How does someone enter your programs? Is there a wait list?
There are waitlists to get into MTM programs. You can talk with an Emergency Shelter Case Manager to get your name on the waitlist and determine which program is the right fit for you.
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How do I get in contact with a guest staying at the Mission?
Due to certain laws, we are not able to confirm or deny if a person is a guest at Mel Trotter. In order to contact that person, you must reach out to them directly.
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I still have questions.
Please reach out to Mary Engle at maryengle@meltrotter.org or 616-588-8740 for assistance.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our programs & services or want to know more please or call us at 616-454-8249.
