Ending homelessness begins with housing people. It's a simple idea with big potential: with a roof overhead, people have the roots needed to feel welcome and grow strong.

But it's an idea that's out of reach for too many in our community. Over 5,000 people entered the homeless system in 2009. Many more were vulnerable because they lacked affordable housing. In Grand Rapids, 48% of four-person households making $62,100 or less had to pay more than they could afford for housing because affordable units were not available.

Our community is responding. Through the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, a collaboration of more than 70 organizations, we are reframing the response to homelessness by:

• Changing minds. The shift from managing homelessness to housing people calls for bold new thinking. It calls for understanding that homelessness does not always occur because of bad choices—it happens because of unrealistic choices, like choosing between paying medical bills or the rent.
• Changing the system. Focusing on affordable, quality, permanent housing has required rethinking how Kent County’s homeless system works. In a system with an annual budget of $28 million, historically only 5% was spent on homeless prevention and rent assistance. Through the work of the Coalition, 11% of funds now support these services—and more is needed as the work continues.

The good news is that this new approach is working, and in 2009, there was a 15% reduction in the number of people who entered the system as homeless, when compared to 2008 data. To build on this success, we need more people to get informed and join us in this work.

Are you experiencing a housing crisis?

The Housing Assessment Program (HAP) at the Salvation Army is the centralized intake for households experiencing a housing crisis.  HAP serves adults and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing.  HAP is located at 1120 Monroe NW, Suite 220 and open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  For questions please call 616.454.5840.