“We were able to, through the generous donations of the community, to completely tear the shelter apart and rebuild it in a way that provides dignity, and that dignity leads to hope for people to leave homelessness forever.”
That’s Dennis Van Kampen, President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. He says they’re excited about the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony that marks the renovation project at Mel Trotter Ministries on Commerce. Van Kampen says the shelter had not been renovated in 70 years and the 14.9-million-dollar redesign offers a better stay for their guests.
“Our largest dorm housing 120 people and imagine sleeping every night with 120 people that you don’t know. So, instead of those dorms they have been replace with what I’d says is more like a college dorm. So, there’s two people sharing one room, two sharing another and all four sharing the bathroom in the middle. And we have seen such tremendous impact already.”
Van Kampen says there’s also expanded medical services through a new collective healthcare partnership. The new space also includes the sobering center which has operated for more than two decades. Van Kampen says these services are helping those with a vast array of health care.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Thursday at 9am at Mel Trotter Ministries on Commerce. Tours will follow the ceremony. You can find more information about Mel Trotter at meltrotter.org
