Stories

Mary's Story

Mary was the full time care taker for her husband and also caring for her daughter adult daughter who has special needs. She had to retire early to focus on her family. She also drifted from the most important relationship she had. “I decided I was going to take a break from God. I didn't read my Bible, didn't go to church, I just existed. And you open the door for Satan when you do things like that,” she sighed heavily. “And I did.” But there's more to her story.

Tamiqua's Story

Living out of her van with three small children, this mom received a Christmas she’ll never forget, thanks to you.

Floyd's Story

Floyd had a brush with death at one point while he was experiencing homelessness. “I was run over by a car and left for dead,” he says. The incident shattered his leg and doctors replaced his bone with a steel rod. After living on the streets for so long, Jones said he was desperate to know how to change. “I thought it best to come where I could get myself together and get my life in order,” he says. “This is my last resort . . . right here.”

Lois and David's Story

It’s easy to forget that this upbeat mother and son are actually guests walking through homelessness. Like so many who turn to the Mission for help, there’s more to their story.

The Thompson Family Story

In the warmth of mid-summer, with a five-room house to call her own, the winter Kiera spent in her vehicle with her husband and four children is still vivid in her mind. You helped the Thompson family found a Pathway Home.

Dennis' Story

The worst part of being homeless wasn’t living in a dumpster, it was that I was alone. I felt like no one cared. My own family told me they never wanted anything to do with me. I couldn’t build relationships with people because I felt “less than", but there's more to my story.

Jerry's Story

My name is Gerald Gerard, but I go by Jerry. I was born here in Grand Rapids 73 years ago at Butterworth Hospital 5th floor. 2 years ago I had a triple bypass surgery there, though I was born on that floor, I thought I might die on the same floor, but God knew there was more to my story.

Amy's Story

My name is Amy. I am currently 38 years old. I am the oldest of 3 full blood sisters.. I was born in raised in Grand Rapids, MI. I spent my childhood summers near the Native American reservation in Sutton's bay which is in the Traverse City area. I spent my time there with my Paternal Grandparents and was very involved in the church. I was born to 2 parents with severe addiction issues. Unlike my amazing care free summers the rest of my life was the complete opposite, but God made me for more.

Harold's Story

My name is Harold and I am 53 years old. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m the youngest of eleven siblings, seven boys and four girls. Growing up my father ran a gambling house, where there were plenty of drugs and alcohol. During this time is when I began to self-medicate, but there's more to my story.

Staff profile: Tom Delong

Tom Delong knows good things happen around the table. Some of his favorite childhood memories happened there. As the kitchen lead at Mel Trotter Ministries, he coordinates the meals and makes sure there are three meals a day on the table . . . but Thanksgiving is one of his favorites.