Homelessness Awareness Month: Stories of Hope

Henry’s journey to housing.

New to the area, Henry* reached out to our team when he found himself without a safe place to call home. With no birth certificate, no social security card, no ID, and physical disabilities that limited his work opportunities, Henry faced a difficult journey. 

Working together, step-by-step, Henry and our team navigated the complex web of resources that could help him find safe, stable housing. After acquiring his birth certificate from out of state, Henry was able to obtain a Michigan driver’s license and find a stable source of income. With these key pieces in place, and with the help of our partners at a local transitional housing agency, Henry was able to move into safe, stable housing! Henry shared that he was so grateful to be able to connect with our team and that these resources helped him feel empowered to continue pursuing stability.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Breaking down barriers to employment.

Earlier this year, Avery* contacted our team through social media. She explained that she was eager to get a new job, but kept hitting barriers– Avery was unhoused, and didn’t have an up-to-date ID, a critical item needed to secure employment. Because she didn’t have a home, she didn’t have a mailing address to use when renewing her ID card.  

Our Outreach Team was hosting a Mobile Secretary of State the next day at our Refresh program. The Mobile SOS brings critical services, typically offered at the brick and mortar Secretary of State, to locations that make it possible for neighbors with transportation barriers to access the support they need. After connecting with the Outreach team, Avery secured a mailing address through the church, a service offered by our partners at First United Methodist Church, visited the Mobile SOS, and renewed her ID! Now, Avery can begin the process of finding a job and moving towards greater stability.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Reunited and building stability.

Shelley* experienced homelessness for many years. Struggling with addiction, Shelley and her daughter were separated. Over the last year, Shelley connected with recovery resources, mental health services, and worked alongside our team to access critical food, supplies, and secure a housing voucher. Last month, Shelley moved into safe, stable housing, and brought her daughter home - an incredible gift for our team to witness. Shelley and her daughter can now live together full time, and our team will provide support and connection as Shelley continues to build stability.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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How you can help:

When stability is out of reach

Denise* has lived in her car for the past two years. Her only income comes from Social Security. Denise successfully acquired a Housing Choice Voucher, and along with it, momentary hope. Unfortunately, Denise wasn’t able to find a single housing option available within the voucher’s affordability requirements within the allotted time frame. Because of this, Denise lost her voucher and had to start over on the waiting list. She also applied for housing with a subsidy on a property outside Ottawa County, but waitlists are long everywhere. She’s done everything she can do, but the system is at capacity. Our team will continue to work alongside her, providing critical resources, connection, and support - but Denise needs a home.

The journey towards stability is all the more difficult, and feels even more hopeless, when there aren’t homes to find at the end of the road. Every day, our Outreach team works to provide critical resources - food, clothing, showers, and more - while partnering to pursue long term stability. Every day, our team celebrates stories of hope, and small wins, while walking with our neighbors through incredibly difficult trials. This Homelessness Awareness Month, you can help our team meet urgent needs by hosting a drive, volunteering, or purchasing supplies through our Amazon Wishlist.

*Name and photo changed for privacy