There's More to My Story
Help Re-Write Their Story
Help your neighbors experiencing homelessness enter a new chapter. You can help someone turn the page to a better life.
Who do you see?
When you see someone who is homeless, who do you see? A lazy bum, an addict, someone who chooses to be homeless? If we knew the full story of what got that person to such a lonely place, would we still judge? There’s so much more to anyone's story than what we see on the outside.
At Mel Trotter Ministries, we don’t see people for their mistakes or their circumstances, we see people who are made in the image of God; people who have talents and gifts potential for a productive and happy future. Through the stories featured below, we hope you see that too.
There's More to Their Story
My name is LaVonia. For years I believed I was ugly, fat, and worthless because that's what I was always told. After years in abusive relationships I finally decided I had to do something to save myself. There's more to my story.
My name is Harold and I am 53 years old. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m the youngest of eleven siblings, seven boys and four girls. Growing up my father ran a gambling house, where there were plenty of drugs and alcohol. During this time is when I began to self-medicate, but there's more to my story.
My name is Marge. I was living with my daughter in a motel when I found out I was ill. When I went into the hospital, my daughter was unable to pay for the motel room and we became homeless. There's more to my story.
My name is Camille. I was in an abusive relationship and turned to drugs to cope with the pain. I lost my home, my children, and my faith. I lost everything. There's more to my story.
My name is Deshawn. You ask where I grew up? A warm place, comfortable, three story house in Muskegon. There are a variety of things I could name that made me homeless, but the main one would have to be that I was in denial and refused to listen to the people who wanted to help me. There's more to my story.
My name is Alberta. I am a preacher’s daughter and came from a large, loving family that taught me responsibility at an early age. I attended college and raised two children. But 20 years in an abusive marriage chipped away at that foundation. I ended up divorced, alienated from my children and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder but there's more to my story.
Journal Information
If you want to receive a copy of a journal, email us at .
When you find that a journal is full, please mail or drop it off at one of the following locations:
- Mel Trotter Ministries Downtown: 225 Commerce Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Jenison Thrift Store: 7500 Cottonwood Dr., Suite D, Jenison, MI 49428
- Sparta Thrift Store: 538 S. State St., Sparta, MI 49345
Share Your Story
Share your story with us and you may be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
How Others Were Moved
Such a powerful story and inspirational for a lot of youth, including myself.
Very cool to see this...it's such a great campaign!
Even though I have never had a connection to homelessness, I feel as if I can connect to each of these stories in some way… Meagan’s rebellion, Jack’s depression, and Charlene’s hope.
I’m glad to see he’s still striving for success...
Stories to my Inbox
Volunteer Opportunities
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Friendship Ministry Volunteer
Become a friend and a spiritual support to one of our guests
Friendship Ministry
Become a friend and a spiritual support to one of our guests! Get to know them and spend quality time with them. Assist in finding church involvement opportunities or classes that would best enhance their spiritual growth.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays, minimum two hoursThis is an ongoing volunteer commitment
Sign me up!
Get Connected
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Share your story with us and make sure you use #MTMStory!