Press Releases

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

Heartside Ministry and Mel Trotter Ministries announce merger.

More than 1,500 guests are expected to attend Mel Trotter Ministries’ 23rd annual Thanksgiving Community Meal, thanks to presenting sponsor Meijer and many other generous donors.

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.

As temperatures rise through the end of this week and into the weekend, Mel Trotter Ministries is partnering with other agencies that are serving people experiencing homelessness to make sure anyone who is ready to accept help has a safe place to get out of the heat. Partners include Pine Rest Street Reach, GRPD, the Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project and others.

The Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Mobile (eBus) is coming to West Michigan for a Financial Empowerment and Homeownership tour July 1 – July 19. The eBus will partner with community organizations that provide financial education, homeownership counseling and credit counseling services to empower our community members.

Mel Trotter Ministries is celebrating the life transformation of more than 20 guests who are graduating from several different programs at the rescue mission; housing readiness, job readiness, step-up recovery, youth and pilgrimage programs.

Free Christmas luncheon for hundreds experiencing hunger and homelessness

Mel Trotter Ministries and ICCF announce the opening of two affordable housing units for men who are transitioning from the shelter at Mel Trotter Ministries into supportive housing.