1. Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Ending Homelessness
The Salvation Army Social Services Grand Rapids/Kent County Michigan
Betty Zylstra, MA – Executive Director

2. Where we are in Michigan!
Kent County
Population 636,000
Median Household Income $54,340
Poverty Rate 14.6% (national avg = 14.7%)
Grand Rapids
Population 192,416
Median Household Income $40,355
Poverty Rate 26%

3. Who we are
The Salvation Army (International) Mission: Meeting people at their point of need in Christ’s name, without discrimination Operating in Kent County since 1883 The Salvation Army Social Services supports Kent County residents in meeting their essential needs; including food, energy assistance and housing by connecting them with resources so that they children have the opportunity to thrive and all can achieve greater stability and well-being.
Programs
Prevent and End Homelessness
Increase Housing Stability
Promote Food Security
Home Visiting for Pregnant Women/Young Families

4. Local Housing Challenges
3,290 homeless persons in Emergency Shelter/ Transitional Housing (FY16 System Performance Measure)
800 persons in 2016 PIT Count, 41 unsheltered persons
Of all exits from ES/TH/RRH in FY16 48% exited to permanent housing
March 2015 – Grand Rapids was reported to have the lowest rental vacancy rate in the nation at 1.6% (national average =7%)

5. What we do to end homelessness*
Operate Coordinated Entry
Rapid Re-Housing
Congregational Partnership Program
*Active member with the local Continuum of Care

6. Shared Principles of Faith-Based Organizations
Respect human life/ Honor all people
High value for relationships (transactional/transformational)
Practice hospitality and charity
Work for peace and justice

7. Opportunities for Faith-Based Organizations in Ending Homelessness
Participate in the "system" and not a "silo"
-- Shared resources
-- Data integrity / quality assurance
-- Common message
-- Collective impact
Learn and prioritize "best practice/evidence-based" efforts
-- Strength-based approach
-- Housing First
Offer a compassionate and courageous perspective to ending homelessness