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Family homelessness isn’t distant — it’s here in West Michigan.
Thousands of families in West Michigan are one crisis away from losing their home. A layoff, medical emergency, or sudden rent increase can be all it takes to quickly push hardworking families into homelessness.
Safe shelter, long term housing solutions, and supportive services give families a path out of crisis and the chance to rebuild with dignity. Together, our community can ensure every family has a safe place to call home.
Get HelpWhat is family homelessness?
Family homelessness forces parents and children into unsafe, unstable living situations that often remain hidden. Many remain out of sight, relying on relatives, sleeping in cars, or moving constantly to avoid the streets. The consequences hit fast. Kids fall behind in school, families face health challenges, and a child’s sense of safety begins to fade.
6 yrs
the average age of a child in shelter is just six years old
2,200
young children received services through Family Promise last year alone
100%
of families we serve have at least one child age 17 or younger
What causes family homelessness in West Michigan?
Family homelessness is complex, but the leading causes in our community are clear:
- Lack of affordable housing. In Kent County, a single parent must work more than 75 hours a week to afford a modest two-bedroom rental.
- Job loss or underemployment. Families living paycheck-to-paycheck are often just one emergency away from losing their home.
- Unexpected bills. Medical debt, car repairs, or childcare costs can quickly destabilize a household.
- Generational poverty and systemic inequities. Long-standing barriers make it harder for some families to access housing and resources.
- Racial disparities. In 2019, 1 in 6 Black children in Kent County experienced homelessness, compared to 1 in 135 white children.
Family Promise Mission & Impact
Since opening our doors in 1997, we’ve helped thousands of families find safety, stability, and hope.
4,000+
families supported
10,000+
children served since the beginning
50%
of families in our diversion program avoid shelter
92%
move into a permanent-positive housing solution
Support by a network of 3,500 volunteers, 150+ congregations, and 100+ businesses, our community makes this work possible.
A Critical Need for Shelter Tonight
Shelter demand is at an all-time high, and families need help now. Your generosity today can give parents and children the safety and support they urgently need.
814
unique families supported this year
1,890
children in our programs
505
families diverted from shelter this year
Myths & Facts about Family Promise of West Michigan & Family Homelessness
About Our Work
Myth: Family Promise only provides emergency shelter.
Fact: Over 75% of our work happens in diversion and stabilization—helping families avoid shelter altogether or successfully stay housed after an episode of homelessness.
Myth: Family Promise just offers a bed for the night.
Fact: We provide wraparound support—case management, budgeting help, housing navigation, childcare access, and job stabilization—to ensure lasting stability.
Myth: Diversion is the only solution to homelessness.
Fact: Diversion and stabilization are the most effective and cost-efficient solutions—keeping families in their homes saves money and trauma.
About Family Homelessness
Myth: Family homelessness isn’t a big issue here in West Michigan.
Fact: It’s growing rapidly. In Kent County, more families with children are losing housing than ever before—and many are forced to “double up,” sleep in cars, or stay temporarily with friends.
Myth: You can easily spot homelessness.
Fact: Family homelessness is invisible. Parents hide for fear of losing custody, and children continue going to school even while living in cars or motels.
Myth: Homeless families just need to “work harder.”
Fact: Most families we serve are already working—often full-time—but wages have not kept up with rent, food, or childcare costs.
About Housing & Affordability
Myth: If someone works full-time, they can afford housing.
Fact: In Michigan, a worker needs to earn over $25/hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment—more than double the state’s average renter wage.
Myth: Affordable housing means poor-quality housing.
Fact: Affordable housing means costs match incomes—safe, clean, dignified homes for working families and seniors.
Myth: Manufactured housing isn’t real housing.
Fact: Manufactured homes are the most affordable unsubsidized housing option in America—and when protected from predatory ownership, they build real stability and community.
Myth: There’s plenty of housing if people just look harder.
Fact: West Michigan’s vacancy rates are near historic lows. There simply aren’t enough available units for the families who need them.
About Poverty & Systems
Myth: Poverty is a personal failure.
Fact: Poverty is a policy failure. Housing, childcare, and healthcare costs rise while wages stay stagnant and safety nets shrink.
Myth: Public benefits like SNAP and Medicaid are separate from homelessness.
Fact: When families lose SNAP or Medicaid, housing stability collapses. Food and medical costs consume rent money, driving evictions.
Myth: Discrimination in housing is a thing of the past.
Fact: Families of color—especially single mothers—face higher denial rates and fewer rental options, even with identical income and credit.
About Solutions
Myth: Homelessness is too big to solve.
Fact: Communities like ours are proving it can be done. With prevention, affordable housing, and local partnerships, family homelessness can be rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
Myth: Only the government can fix this.
Fact: It takes all of us—faith communities, landlords, schools, businesses, and neighbors—to keep families housed and thriving.
How can you help
You have the power to make a lasting impact. Whether it’s through a financial contribution, volunteering your time, or advocating for those in need, every action brings us one step closer to ending family homelessness. Here’s how you can be part of the solution:
Donate
Support families through donations, essentials, or planned giving.
Volunteer
Share your time and skills to make a real difference for local families.
Become a Partner
Join our community partners, businesses, and congregations making change happen.
