homelessness
How local housing advocates plan to house 100 people in 100 days
by (AlaynnaDressler)
Submitted 08-16-2024 under NEWS
Before the end of the year, 100 chronically unhoused people in Grand Rapids will have a place to live — at least that’s what local housing advocates are working toward. The Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, a collaborative...
Mayor Bliss reflects on two decades of service, sets priorities in her final State of the City address
by (allisondonahue)
Submitted 05-17-2024 under NEWS
After nearly 20 years of public service in the City of Grand Rapids, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said farewell Thursday evening during her last State of the City address — but not before laying out her priorities for the last seven months of her term...
Demystifying Permanent Supportive Housing
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 06-14-2023 under NONPROFITS
Dwelling Place’s promise to the community is to provide housing for all. However, meeting the community’s housing needs isn’t just about building more apartments and homes. While affordable housing is part of the solution,...
New Ordinances Proposed by Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Receive Pushback from Activists and Community Members
by (AlaynnaDressler)
Submitted 12-16-2022 under NEWS
At its meeting on December 6, the Grand Rapids City Commission received and filed a communication from Joshua Lunger, the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. In this communication, the...
Donors and Partners Help Feed West Michigan
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 02-07-2022 under NONPROFITS
Over the past year Guiding Light has seen an increased need for food donations in the West Michigan community. Food Services Director Allen Holt has taken the lead in acquiring more donor sources and as a result we have seen a huge increase in the...
Additional Resources Should be Considered to Aid the Houseless as Winter Approaches
by (benbrushaber)
Submitted 12-22-2021 under OPINION
In early November, the city of Grand Rapids approved an agreement with Mel Trotter Ministries to expand storage and sheltering options for the city. The resolution’s main goal is to expand options for those experiencing issues with permanent...
Community updates: Friday, Nov. 12
by (The Rapidian)
Submitted 11-12-2021 under NEWS
Mel Trotter Ministries, partners to expand winter shelter services for unhoused residents Grand Rapids city commissioners on Tuesday approved a $330,000 agreement with Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) to expand winter shelter services for unhoused...From Fear to Gratitude, Michael Shares His Recovery Journey
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 09-21-2021 under NONPROFITS
Like some young adults, Michael went to college after graduating from high school more because his parents pushed him. Without any real interest, his grades plummeted, and he dropped out. But for the now 46-year-old, that was just the start of...
Faith, Transparency, Compassion and Gratitude: A Profile of Starla McDermott
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 08-25-2021 under NONPROFITS
For Starla McDermott, the third time really was the charm. When she saw an opportunity to join the team at Guiding Light, she was so drawn to the nonprofit she actually applied for the development coordinator position three times before being hired...
Guiding Light Secures New Iron House as Demand for Addiction Recovery Program Grows
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 03-01-2021 under NONPROFITS
In response to increased demand for its addiction recovery services, Guiding Light has secured a new Iron House in the City of Kentwood – its sixth sober-living apartment building. The four-unit apartment building will increase the...