Stories of Compassion
Each of us has a unique story of hope and restoration.
The guests featured in our stories below have experienced homelessness, found renewed hope in Christ, and have started on a new journey that God has planned for them.
*Please note that in order to protect the privacy of our guests, many names and photos have been changed but their stories remain untouched.
Get Involved
No matter your age, gender, status or ability, you are needed.
Get Help Now
We help anyone experiencing hunger and homelessness.
In the 1980s, David and Edie started their volunteer journey by dedicating their time to serving meals and leading church services at their local rescue mission. Their passion for volunteering continued when they moved to Grand Rapids in 2005. Motivated by their faith in God, they wanted to continue helping others and felt called to begin volunteering at Mel Trotter Ministries
As a single mom to two young children and one on the way, Martina faced hardship as she was experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, which made it very difficult to work. The situation spiraled when her partner left and with him went the other source of income for her family. Martina’s biggest hurdle was the daunting back rent balance that she could not pay.
Frank was living on the streets of Grand Rapids in desperate need of support.
John was a longtime guest at the New Hope Sobering Center and had been a familiar face around Mel Trotter Ministries for many years due to his frequent visits and ongoing struggle with alcohol. As John’s drinking slowed down, his health issues, including dementia, were sometimes mistaken for intoxication.
Aaron had been experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction for a long time. He often spent his days at a local park and spent his nights sleeping under an air conditioning unit, struggling to find food and shelter.
616 Service is a nonprofit organization that partners with groups and businesses to create service opportunities within nonprofits that help the West Michigan community. In 2022, 616 Service began volunteering with MTM. Sam from 616 Service said, “We got involved with MTM because they are essential in serving our community’s homeless population. They are a pillar of our community.”
Vince had hit rock bottom. He was living on the streets and struggling to make ends meet. The cold winter was unforgiving, and Vince often went days without a proper shower. However, all that changed when he visited the mobile shower unit organized by MTM’s outreach team. Every week, Vince would make his way to the mobile shower, where he was welcomed with open arms.
Jen never imagined that she would be living out of a car with her five children. It was a difficult and painful experience to watch her children go hungry and cry out for food that she couldn’t provide. Every day, she felt like she was at the end, struggling to survive and provide for her family. By the grace of God, that was when MTM found her.
Jamie began volunteering at MTM between four to five years ago, primarily with her colleagues from Union Home Mortgage. The company’s pledge against homelessness and commitment to helping people buy homes resonated with her, and she found herself drawn to MTM’s mission.
Showing 1-9 of 69 results
Stay Connected
Sign up for our emails! You will receive updates with life-changing stories and ways to get more involved at Mel Trotter Ministries.
Donate
Help bring hope to those experiencing homelessness in Grand Rapids, MI.
Volunteer
Join MTM’s team of volunteers and help our most vulnerable neighbors by showing love and compassion
Get Help
If you are on the verge of homelessness or need immediate help, contact MTM for resources, housing, food and more.
Make a monthly donation.
Join other monthly donors on a mission to prevent homelessness in West Michigan.
The Community is a passionate group of over 1,000 givers committed to giving month after month, bringing hope to our neighbors experiencing homelessness – and each month, they’re transforming more and more lives.
Donate monthly to Mel Trotter via the form or call (616) 454-8249
Transforming Lives
“Mel Trotter is a great stepping stone,” says Robert*, noting that the resources he’s received combined with the positive influence of the Mel Trotter team have helped put his dream of having his own apartment within reach.
Robert
Last year, Robert lived in his car for eight months. One night he fell asleep and awoke to find himself nearly frozen. A concerned friend recommended Robert seek safe shelter at Mel Trotter Ministries. For the past few months, he has received hot, hearty meals, a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in and personalized support to help him find stability and secure affordable housing of his own.
*names and photos have been changed to protect the privacy of our guests