Blog

While volunteering may be performed with the intention of helping others, studies show that those who give of themselves also receive. Researchers have attempted to measure the benefits that volunteers receive, including the positive feeling referred to as “helper’s high”, increased trust in others, and increased social and political participation.

One year, 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days... 2020 felt much longer than that. As we reflect on the year where fear became a daily occurrence, where lives were lost, where politics divided, and where racial reconciliation was demanded, we remember....

Whether the discussion is gender, race, class—pick a box, category or, more to the point, social confine—with the innumerable advancements made throughout the course of history in science, healthcare, and technology, why has not the most basic “advancement” been made: that of human equality?

In Grand Rapids, Kent County, and surrounding areas, homelessness is exponentially increasing in locations we have never seen before. With the temperatures falling significantly and staying below freezing; men, women and children who are exposed to the elements are at severe risk of hypothermia, frost bite or even death.

As we begin 2021 we pause to rejoice in the beautiful blessings God brought our way in 2020. While it was an incredibly challenging year for all of us, our donors never wavered. You carried our Mission through one of our toughest times.

In Grand Rapids, Kent County, and surrounding areas, homelessness is exponentially increasing in locations we have never seen before. This, unfortunately, includes our entire country—so many cities in the U.S. are seeing homelessness numbers rise sharply more than ever before. We are aware of this and are working fervently with the City of GR, businesses, and other local organizations in town to help individuals and families leave homelessness for good.

Rev. Kelly VanBrouwer, Associate Director, shares stories of neighbors who received care when they needed it most.

On the day after our Governor ordered us to stay home and stay safe, I got up and went to work like every other day. I turned onto South Division Avenue and saw a line of 50 plus people standing at our door. As soon as our neighbors recognized me in my vehicle coming to open, they erupted into cheers.

It is no accident that thousands of individuals have begun or renewed their faith journey here at Mel Trotter Ministries. Ministry is at the core of who we are and what we do but we do not do it alone. Our faithful supporters play a vital role in sharing the love and compassion of Christ with men, women, and children experiencing homelessness.

If a person is intentional in this line of ministry work and diligently seeks to build relationships with the individuals whom they are serving by getting to know them as people rather than a circumstance, I am confident they, too, will come to the same conclusion I finally did: the problem of homelessness is much more complicated than “get a job.”