Greetings Friends,

Faith and service are fundamental elements of our work here at Mel Trotter Ministries. We enhance our community through God’s divinity and our mission to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ toward anyone experiencing hunger or homelessness. But there’s another element that is essential to our impact—connection. The ability to physically and spiritually connect with others in order to complete the work God has for us. This has proven extraordinarily valuable on both individual and community levels.

Our staff and volunteers see the impact of these connections every day on the person-to-person front. Whether it’s the heat of summer or the bitter chill of winter, our Outreach team is meeting God’s children where they are. They provide comfort and services so that our neighbors in need can be lifted up by the power of compassion. From the front door of our shelter to parks, sidewalks, and alleys, our team helps to connect individuals to community resources, housing, employment, and obtaining vital documents. This time of year, our Mobile Shower Unit is especially busy, providing hygiene and a sense of dignity. The demand for this unit is extensive. That’s why we’re putting out a specific plea to you, our faithful supporters so that we can better serve those who have been ignored or forgotten, and help them through a difficult time in their lives.

But as you know, homelessness is a complex community issue that requires a broader level of connection. That’s why we proactively work with the local church, other social service agencies, healthcare communities, local elected leaders, and the Grand Rapids business community. These connections have resulted in many achievements, including our Wall Raising event this spring for Hope Village, the first tiny home community in Grand Rapids.

We’re also reminded of the importance of community connections as we celebrate our 125th year of service. Our work to help others is made possible through your gifts, and the support of our community, which shows the power of God’s grace and our collective efforts.

As you’ll read later in this newsletter, our frontline staff member, Hailey, has a more personal story to share about a former guest who is now on a better path in life. It’s a story about how our connections with Pine Rest’s Street Reach program, the city’s Homeless Outreach Team, and our own team worked together to help a person living on the streets move into transitional housing. The move filled his heart with the power and love of God, and is a reminder that He is right here with us in the middle of our sometimes messy lives.

We all flourish when we have purpose in our lives. Faith and service help us do that, but building connections with others can be the force-multiplier that allows us to channel God’s love through our thoughts, words, and actions. We feel blessed to be able to do this work for our community and are grateful for your continued support.

Blessings,

Chris Palusky
CEO
Mel Trotter Ministries

Our Outreach Team plays a crucial role in supporting individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness in our community. They go out daily to connect with unsheltered individuals, offering both immediate help and long-term support.

Focused on making connections, building relationships, and providing vital support, the team delivers essentials such as food, water, clothing, and hygiene items. They also connect individuals with a range of community resources, including access to healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.

“I vividly remember the day I met Jerome,” Hailey recalled.

As the Triage Coordinator, Hailey’s responsibilities include connecting and developing relationships with guests by getting them plugged in to daily life at the Mission. At the same time, she assists them with accessing resources like housing referrals, food stamps, and disability support.

It was a typical day at the entrance to Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) when the staff informed Hailey that a guest had arrived named Jerome. A familiar face from the past, Jerome shared with her that he had stayed at MTM “back in the day” but had since been living in a tent in the woods, receiving support from the Outreach Team.

Hailey welcomed Jerome and helped him settle into the place where he would stay while getting back on his feet. That personal engagement sparked a new connection. Jerome immediately felt comfortable and would approach Hailey almost daily, excited to share stories about his previous day, providing little updates on his life. When passing through the Day Center each morning, Hailey would ask how he was doing. Jerome’s responses were always filled with optimism. He’d say, “I woke up today, so it’s going to be a good day,” or “The Lord woke me up, so He must have a plan for me today.” This regular interaction continued during his stay, and though Jerome occasionally left the shelter to stay with family, he always returned.

At the beginning of March, Hailey received an email about a housing referral for Jerome. Excited and hopeful, she headed to the Day Center to find him.

This housing referral came as a result of the work by MTM’s Outreach Team, Pine Rest Street Reach, the city’s Homeless Outreach Team, and by Hailey coordinating appointments and logistics to make it happen. “When I say it took a village to get Jerome into housing, I mean it,” Hailey reflected.

When the day arrived for Jerome to receive his keys, Hailey received a call saying someone needed to speak with her. It was Jerome, standing there with a big smile on his face, excited to move into his new apartment.

Jerome wanted to share the great news and express his gratitude, saying, “Initially I was so scared to come back to the Mission, but the staff made it so much easier. Thank you for your patience with me…Today I woke up and knew the Lord’s got a plan. Lord willing, tomorrow, I get to wake up in my own home.”

At 73 years old, Jerome couldn’t contain his excitement about moving into his new place which brings a fresh start and a new chapter to his life. At MTM, transformation doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens through connections. From our Outreach Team to community partners, and from the frontline staff like Hailey to donors like you, every connection played a role in reshaping Jerome’s life and helping him move into a home of his own.