Kent County’s 100 in 100 campaign successfully housed 205 chronically homeless individuals since September of 2024, with only 3% returning to the streets. The campaign that includes support services has evolved, transitioning into The Downtown Pathways Project. Courtney Myers-Keaton is director of the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, one of the partners.
“So, this is about evolving the work of 100 in 100 for the good of all in our community because we believe every person deserves dignity and a real pathway to housing.”
Organizers say there are over 195 individuals in Grand Rapids experiencing chronic homelessness. Thelma Ensink is Executive Director at Degage Ministries.
“On any given night, we have about 110 to 120 women coming in for emergency shelter. We’re the only emergency shelter for single women in Grand Rapids and, of that 110, 120 that are coming in, 33 individuals need complex care housing.”
Ensink says without that complex care housing, which provides mental health or drug rehabilitation services, most individuals return to the streets.
Next steps include securing funding for a Fair Market Rent study.
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