One of my favorite things about The GR Guide is having a platform that allows me write about fun events happening in our city, travel guides or amazing restaurants. I want to use this blogging space to talk about bigger issues as well like homelessness in our community. I love to use this platform as a way to help people and raise awareness for different causes. Today I want to talk about homelessness right here in Michigan. I’m excited to partner with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to give you information on how Michigan is working to eradicate homelessness and also how you can help.
I feel blessed to own a home here in Grand Rapids, and that homelessness isn’t something that I’ve had to struggle with. I don’t take for granted that I have a roof above my head each night and that I grew up not having to worry about being homeless. As someone who is passionate about our community I really want to learn about ways I can help the homeless and what Michigan is doing to end homelessness.
Homelessness in Michigan
In 2006, Michigan created a statewide campaign to end homelessness in our state. The Campaign to End Homelessness consists of 60 local Continuum of Care bodies that provide action and focus on ending homelessness. They work across all 83 counties in Michigan to create a local 10-year plan. Every county in Michigan also has access to a local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency helping those who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness find housing resources.
Now, you might be wondering how many people actually are homeless here in Michigan. So, let me fill you in on some statistics. There are roughly 86,000 people that are experiencing homelessness in Michigan and nearly 60% are female heads of household. This amount of people is almost enough to populate a large city. I had to read these numbers a few times just to process how many individuals are homeless in Michigan.
Actions to End Homelessness
There are many things being done to end homelessness in Michigan and right here in Grand Rapids. In 2016, Kent County was the first Michigan community to achieve the Ending Veteran Homelessness designation from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. Kent County’s veteran homeless population is at functional zero. A community achieves functional zero when the number of homeless veterans is no greater than the monthly housing placement rate for veterans. How great is this?
MSHDA has also worked hard to end homelessness throughout the state. They adopted an approach called Housing First which helps with housing retention and provides housing resources. This rapid re-housing model can really help individuals get back on their feet.
How You Can Help
How can you help end homelessness in your community? Understanding who the homeless are is the best place to start. There are plenty of stigmas or misconceptions about being homeless in our society and it’s time to think differently. The truth is the homeless encompass a wide variety of people including single moms, veterans, those with disabilities (both mental and physical) or those experiencing economic hardships.
If you’re looking for ways to help there are plenty of things to do that make a big difference. You can donate your clothes, create “survival” kits with things like basic toiletries, volunteer at your local homeless shelter or help with job opportunities. Let’s work together to help end homelessness in Michigan!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) but all opinions here are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who allow me to continue to create content on The GR Guide.
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