Seeking to Help Those Facing Challenges

Josh Bytwerk, Executive Director

Homelessness has become a difficult challenge in the Tri-Cities over recent years. Love in Action is very much at the center of the organizations seeking to help those facing this challenge in northwest Ottawa County. A few things we are doing presently:

Individual Response: Each person experiencing homelessness receives a compassionate response when they call or stop at LIA. Each situation is different; our goal is to listen well and find both the best immediate and long-term solutions.

Project Warmth: Our goal every winter is to ensure no one lacks coats, gloves, hats, or anything else needed for a Michigan winter. Thanks to WGHN’s annual coat donation
drive and Plantenga’s, we have many warm and clean coats to give away as well as sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and other needed items.

Harbor Hall and Hope House: LIA’s shelters are consistently full. These shelters were designed for longer stays (eight months is average) to help individuals save money and face potential personal challenges while living in a safe environment. City agreements prohibit them from being rescue or emergency shelters.

Transportation: LIA volunteers (and sometimes staff) have driven those in need of shelter to out-of-town family, emergency shelters and other locations. Our goal is to
help each person find shelter right away.

Hotel Stays: In partnership with Grand Haven Public Safety, LIA provides those in dangerous circumstances (such as extreme cold) with temporary stays at a local hotel
when other options are not available. The goal is always to move each person to sustainable housing after a short stay.

Housing Ministry Collaborative: Nine area churches and many private donors have combined resources to help pay rent or utilities when a financial “bridge” can keep a family safely housed. Hundreds of households have benefitted from this program in the last few years.*

Beyond housing, food or any other resource need, our goal is to help each person grow, potentially reconcile with those who love them and develop their God-given gifts.
While we are a crucial safety net for the Tri-Cities, we work in the picture to provide a hand-up through resources, education, guidance and needed opportunities.

*Participating churches include Hope Church, Watermark, First Christian Reformed, St Patrick/St Anthony Parish, First Reformed, First Presbyterian, All Shores Wesleyan, Spring Lake Presbyterian and St Mary Catholic.

Participating Churches:

Subscribe and Stay Connected

Connect with us and receive regular updates about Love in Action community resources, events, and our quarterly e-newsletter.