stories of compassion

Steve's Story

My name is Steve and I am an alcoholic, drug addict. I became homeless because of it, but there's more to my story.

My chiropractic practice was rated third in the state per population and making me a mid six-figure income. I had to have two of everything - two motor homes, two boats. But when I needed a titanium wrist replacement, I lost the use of my hands.

Camille's Story

My name is Camille Sallie. I’m 29 years old, from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The reason I ended up at Mel Trotter was because of some really bad choices that I have made in my life. I was in a bad relationship with an ex, which was abusive. He was also into drugs and drinking every day. Soon I followed behind him. I was very depressed and stressed out, but there is more to my story.

Daniel's Story

When I was 18 my foster parents kicked me out of the house and I became homeless. I lived on the streets of Wisconsin for the next seven years, where I began to indulge heavily in drug use. But there is more to my story.

Marge's Story

If there’s one thing more frightening than being homeless, Marge learned, it’s being homeless and suffering from cancer. Marge had been living with her daughter Mandy until they lost their apartment and moved into a motel. But there is more to her story.

Tim's Story

Help Tim set out on his newly restored life. "My life is in God's hands."

Wanda's Story

A meal and a bed were just the beginning for Wanda.

Tammy & Gabby's Story

You helped Tammy get back on her feet again after a stroke paralyzed her in 2015 and she was no longer able to work her two jobs to support her son and her daughter Gabby.

Meagan's Story

The staff here treat you like you are a human being and there is so much dignity, but they also make us work for even more dignity--it is a huge stepping stone into giving people the opportunity to feel their worth again.

Frank's Story

I had lost all hope in my life and did not know any way out, just to keep drinking and living in the insanity at the gates of hell. I kept on ending up in the public inebriate room at Mel Trotter for over three years and was always knowing I needed help but was living full of fear and was always chasing the alcohol.

Rachel's Story

Growing up in a house where alcohol and drug use were common, it’s not surprising that Rachel got high for the first time at 13.