Tips

We all have an important part to play to make sure our neighbors experiencing homelessness feel loved, valued and empowered to follow the calling God has placed on their lives. No matter your age, gender, status or ability, you are needed. Please, take action today.

During this Thanksgiving season, we wanted to say “thank you” to our donors, volunteers, thrift store shoppers and fellow advocates who support helping individuals and families overcome homelessness right here in West Michigan. God has blessed our ministry through you. Thanks… for giving!!

Humans were created with a deep need to experience identity, mission and belonging. At our best we desire fulfilling, rich lives that leave a positive impact on our world. So, how do we live truly alive? Here are three simple ways:

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. Many of the women seeking shelter are living with mental illness or are survivors of domestic violence or other traumatic situations.

How do you give thanks? Sharing your blessings is one fantastic way to show gratitude. Help provide meals to our neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness at the annual Mel Trotter Ministries Thanksgiving Community Meal on November 28th.

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. Many of the women seeking shelter are living with mental illness or are survivors of domestic violence or other traumatic situations.

On January 19, 1897, on a cold Chicago night, a homeless and intoxicated man named Mel Trotter was walking to the pier to take his own life. He would not get to the pier that night because God had other plans for him and God was going to accomplish those plans through rescue mission ministry.

Have you ever been curious about what it’s like to step foot inside a rescue mission? Mel Trotter Ministries has always offered food, shelter and the compassion of Jesus Christ, but we also offer job and housing services, addiction recovery and more.

Many agencies in greater Grand Rapids offer cooling centers for those who have no place to go. Mel Trotter Ministries has emergency shelter at night and a safe space during the day for men and women to get out of the elements, experience compassion and get access to resources that will help them move out of homelessness.

Many of us are looking forward to a ‘Pure Michigan’ summer with our families, but for families who are experiencing homelessness – sleeping outside is no vacation.