By Abbey Sladick, Mel Trotter Ministries
Single women comprise one of the fastest growing homeless populations in greater Grand Rapids, and Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) has experienced a 40 percent increase of single women seeking emergency shelter over the last year. Many of the women seeking shelter are living with mental illness or are survivors of domestic violence or other traumatic situations.
Typically, the 25 beds designated for single women at Mel Trotter Ministries are enough to accommodate the need, however, MTM has been using an overflow gym with mattresses placed on the floor to accommodate the increase in numbers. The need for additional beds will become even more urgent as the weather turns colder and MTM serves upwards of 500 men, women and children each night in winter.
Mel Trotter Ministries is asking for community support to raise $25,000 by Oct. 31. The funds will help build and purchase custom wooden beds, replace old mattresses, and supply new linens and pillows.
“It is difficult for a woman who is suffering to … believe that they are loved and valued while sleeping on a mattress on the cold floor,” said Dennis Van Kampen, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “As winter approaches … we’re asking our generous community to join us in this effort.”
Next Step of West Michigan — a nonprofit that provides work for individuals coming out of prison and rehab — is building 54 beds for the Mission. The beds will be delivered to the Mission at the end of October.
“All of us at Next Step are thankful for the good work Mel Trotter is doing in our community,” said Scott Jonkhoff, Founding Director. “The opportunity to build bunks beds for the women’s shelter is a great encouragement to us and we pray for those who will use these beds, that they may find rest for both body and soul.”
Donations can be made at www.meltrotter.org/beds.
Any money raised beyond the designated goal will help replace and upgrade other beds throughout the Mission and support operations and expenses for the Mission.
