Poverty and unemployment bring many to Guiding Light Mission

Over the past year, it has been increasingly obvious that the needs in our community run deep. Some people need long-term support to recover from addictions and break the cycle of poverty. Others, like Carl, are most in need of basic services—three hot meals a day, a warm, safe place to sleep and encouragement as they regain stability in their lives.

 Carl first came to Guiding Light Mission two years ago after an accident forced him out of work after twenty-two years as a truck driver.

 “I knew the Mission was here,” Carl shares. “When I lost my job, I was grateful that I could come. They’ve been very good to me.”

 Over the past few years, the downward economy has seriously affected Carl, losing real estate properties where he once served as a landlord.

 The same story is true for many people in West Michigan. Grand Rapids was recently named #1 nationwide for having the steepest increase in poverty since the year 2000. Couple that with unemployment, which is up 11.8 percent in Kent County since this time last year, and many are finding themselves seeking community services like those provided at Guiding Light Mission.

 “We have seen a steady increase in need over the last few years,” said executive director Stuart Ray. “Stays in our emergency shelter are up by 20 percent over the last two years due in part to the downtrodden economy that has left many living below poverty.”

 In 2008, an estimated 6,022 people in Grand Rapids were homeless, according to a report by the Coalition to End Homelessness. Today, 25 percent of the metropolitan population in Grand Rapids is said to be living in poverty.

 There are only 600 shelter beds in the Heartside neighborhood of Grand Rapids, with 104 of those beds located at Guiding Light Mission. With an increased need for shelter, Guiding Light Mission has been accommodating more patrons in its facility than they have beds.

 “I’ve been more blessed than many homeless people,” Carl acknowledges. “I’ve had a job, I’ve been in business. But when I lost all that, the Mission was here to take care of me.”

 The generosity and support of community members through donations made to Guiding Light Mission and volunteer hours devoted to the community daily, has not been without effect on Carl. Inspired by what he’s been given, Carl recently applied for a food stamp card and graciously donated it to Guiding Light Mission to help others in need.

 “I figure they’ve helped me out so much that I would try to help out by paying for food,” Carl shares. “This place is dynamite,” he continues. “Not only does it deal with addictions and homelessness, but there are people who’ve lost a job or been burned out of their house and they take care of those people here. That’s what I really like about the Mission.”

 In December alone, Guiding Light Mission served more than 8,600 free meals to men, women and children in the community, safely sheltered more than 3,600 men in the overnight shelter, and helped to re-house more than 30 homeless individuals.

 In addition to providing emergency services, Guiding Light Mission has a state-certified substance abuse and life recovery program for men.

 “As a community, we all share in the responsibility for caring for one another,” said Ray. “At Guiding Light Mission, we offer a place for everyone to take a moment to make a difference.”

 To learn more about Guiding Light Mission, please visit www.lifeonthestreet.org.