Press Releases

As West Michigan prepares for winter, a coalition of community, nonprofit and business leaders has joined forces to provide safe emergency shelter for residents of the Heartside neighborhood who are experiencing homelessness.

Six local organizations are coming together to provide free medical services to increase access to care for individuals experiencing homelessness in the greater Grand Rapids area. Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON), Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Metro Health – University of Michigan, Michigan State University – College of Human Medicine, Spectrum Health, and Mel Trotter Ministries have aligned to open a free clinic onsite at Mel Trotter Ministries’ downtown location.

After many years of partnership and collaboration in supporting the same vulnerable population, Mel Trotter Ministries and Next Step of West Michigan have formally merged. The merger of organizations became official on July 2, 2020.

Amway and Long Road Distillers both stepped up in a mighty way last week to help Mel Trotter Ministries with an urgent tangible need: hand-sanitizer. Mel Trotter has tripled its regular daily sanitizing regimens along with putting myriad safety and hygiene measures in place to continue to keep all guests and staff safe.

Mel Trotter Ministries staff and leadership remain focused on demonstrating the compassion of Christ to our neighbors experiencing homelessness in our community during the COVID-19 threat.

Jason Campbell, owner of JC Films, a production company in existence to engage current culture through powerfully produced faith-based films, is bringing a feature-length film production to Grand Rapids in June. A nationally acclaimed writer and producer, Campbell and Mel Trotter Ministries signed a film production contract last December.

A new house opens for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, providing safe, affordable, and supportive housing

Heartside Ministry and Mel Trotter Ministries announce merger.

Mel Trotter Ministries has experienced a 40 percent increase of single women seeking emergency shelter over the last year. In addition to youth and family homelessness, single women are one of the fastest growing homeless populations in greater Grand Rapids. Mel Trotter Ministries is asking for community support to raise $25,000 by October 31. The funds will help build and purchase custom wooden beds, replace old mattresses, and supply new linens and pillows.

Mel Trotter Ministries is adding to its fleet of thrift stores in the greater Grand Rapids area. MTM Thrift currently has stores in Jenison and Sparta and will open two more stores this fall. A location in Lowell, Michigan is opens October 16. This location includes over 10,000 square feet of retail space full of gently used clothing, furniture and household items. MTM Thrift Stores are accepting donations in this new location.