The rising population in Grand Rapids has had a direct impact on housing costs and access. For hundreds of people in the area, rising home prices are a problem, pushing low-income individuals out of prior homes and locations and sometimes, onto the streets. For others, rising costs and less access have resulted in undesirable relocations and increased cost of living that is hard to meet.
Statistics from the US Census Bureau show that the median gross rent for Grand Rapids was almost $675 a month in 2007. In 2016, the median gross rent had increased to $875. Denise Pohl, a teacher at Kent Career Tech Center, says if she were to move into Grand Rapids and get the same size house that she is living in, it would not be anywhere near relative to what it was 17 years ago.
Pohl works at the Downtown Market teaching culinary arts for Kent Career Tech Center. “Working near Mel Trotter Downtown, it breaks my heart to see these guys on the street every morning. There are a few I always look for (in their usual entryways). When I see them, it makes me realize that more needs to be done in our city for mental health services.”
Pohl explains how the community can come together and support homeless individuals: Grand Rapids residents can give time or donations or support to organizations like Network 180, Mel Trotter Ministries or Dégagé Ministries.
There are 800+ homeless people in greater Grand Rapids area. More than half of those people are families with children. Winter can be the most difficult time of the year for people living without a home because if it gets too cold; they don’t have anywhere to go for warmth. Grand Rapids has many homeless shelters and other organizations to help those in need, such as HQ.
HQ is a drop-in organization for people between the ages of 14-24. HQ’s mission is to create a safe and affirming space for youth to find rest, build connections and pursue their passions to realize their dreams. Alyssa Anten, an employee of HQ, says she “Fell in love with HQ’s mission”. She says that their values set them apart from others because they are there to help and their help is not tied to questions. Anten talks about building trust with the people that drop-in because too many individuals are fearful or embarrassed to ask for help.
Donations of time, resources, and a good dose of empathy go a long way. Every little bit counts. Every little bit matters.
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