News

Homeless men and women found any shade they could at Heartside Park Friday, lying on crunchy grass or sitting at picnic tables under small trees, or under the gazebo. But not James, who sat sweltering as the heat index neared 100 degrees.

Mel Trotter Ministries held a clothing giveaway Wednesday, handing out hundreds of pieces of winter gear to people experiencing homelessness in Grand Rapids.

Warming centers open in Grand Rapids area after power outages.

Homelessness is a growing problem in West Michigan. The truth is, this problem is too big for one person or organization to solve. The number of women and children experiencing homelessness is on the rise, too. Together we can overcome homelessness in Grand Rapids.

The 4,000+ guests that visit the Mel Trotter Ministries cafeteria each year will experience a lighter, brighter and even more welcoming space thanks to a generous contribution from a local family foundation.

Cornerstone University has teamed up with Mel Trotter Ministries to provide a degree program on-site at the ministry for staff, graduates of its programs, and the community.

Why is Grand Rapids a destination city for homelessness? How has this steady demand for homeless services grown larger than the needs of our local community warrant? In short: because the services exist here. But these services exist here because there is demand for them.

It's a growing problem in West Michigan. Advocates for the homeless say, each night, there are nearly 1,000 West Michigan families dealing with a form of homelessness and searching for somewhere safe and warm to stay.

It's the assumption that everybody who is homeless or going into a homeless shelter is on welfare. In reality, very few, if any, of the families who need emergency shelters and assistance get cash assistance.

Application fees for apartments in the Grand Rapids are one of the biggest barriers for people to get their families out of homelessness.