February 24th, 2025
By: WoodTV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Mel Trotter Ministries is celebrating 125 years of service on Monday with a donation drive at its downtown Grand Rapids shelter.
The nonprofit, which began as a soup kitchen in 1900, has grown into a comprehensive support system for those experiencing homelessness.
CEO Chris Palusky said that while their mission remains the same, addressing homelessness has become increasingly complex.
“Somebody said, ‘It’s not rocket science.’ And I argued… ‘It kind of is like rocket science,’” Palusky said. “Because people are involved with that. So we have to help people not become homeless.”
“We have to help people to not become homeless. How do you do that?” he continued. “Maybe it’s negotiating with the landlord. Maybe it’s helping people get into addiction services. Maybe it’s helping somebody find childcare for their child. So, those are complicated.”
Palusky pointed to factors like health care, affordable housing, transitional housing and workforce development as critical solutions, along with community collaboration.
To support their guests, Mel Trotter is collecting essential items Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Commerce Avenue location. Volunteers will accept donations curbside, and receipts are available for tax purposes.
High-priority items include:
- Underwear (men’s, women’s children’s — new only)
- Men’s T-shirts (sizes small to 3XL)
- Tennis shoes (sizes 9-14)
- Toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Twin-size bedsheets
Of the items listed above, Palusky said underwear is the most important.
“It’s a huge need and it’s one of those things that just doesn’t go away,” he explained.
Donors were arriving steadily through the morning, with one group making a particularly significant contribution: The American Legion Auxiliary 5th District, which serves West Michigan, delivered 75 pillows to the nonprofit after collecting them from members in just one week. This is not the first time the group has supported Mel Trotter. During the recent coat drive, the Auxiliary donated several hundred coats to the organization. For them, assisting Mel Trotter is a natural choice.
“They care about our population that are homeless and there’s just so much need to help these people, so that’s what we like to do,” Debbie Weatherbee, chaplain of the American Legion Auxiliary 5th District, said.
For those unable to donate in person, Mel Trotter has an online wish list available on its website.
