Homelessness

From 30 to 150 in just a few days, non-profit says it turn away anyone

"It’s been tough,” Senior Program Director, Julie Kendrick said. “We are using every single inch of available space for overnight shelter. We are all too aware of the fact that, if we turn someone away, they will be sleeping in the cold, so we find more room. We buy more beds. We figure it out.”

Mel Trotter Ministries isn’t wasting any time getting ready for the cold weather to come, they’re prepping for a coat drive to help the homeless

The HOME-ARP allocation plan will use $63,793,681 in funds to develop affordable rental housing, offer financial assistance to qualified renters to prevent evictions, provide support to local homeless service agencies, and acquire and/or rehabilitate existing structures for non-congregate sheltering.

New research shows an “urgent” need for reform in homeless services when it comes to survivors of trauma, and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence says, it is time to change the system

Officials say, new facility will serve over 90,000 meals per year to homeless persons.

With the current weather conditions, a Code Blue emergency is in place as the staff works to provide food, warmth and shelter to even more people in need.

“We haven’t seen something this dramatic in quite a while," Jason Weller, Coordinator for the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness, said.

As colder seasons come through West Michigan, AYA Youth Collective, an organization addressing youth homelessness, is asking for sweaters, coats, mittens and more.

Grand Rapids debuted its new 50-unit affordable housing development Thursday. The $13.5 million dollar project, will serve low income individuals and those experiencing chronic homelessness.