Families moved from Pontiac church shelter to permanent housing

New Birth International Church in Pontiac, Michigan, served as a temporary warming center for families seeking refuge from the cold and a deteriorating shelter environment. Following a community response that included a $100,000 donation to repair the church’s roof and furnace, the facility was stabilized to protect those inside. Although there had been discussions about converting the site into a year-round shelter, the church will continue to operate only as a temporary warming center from December through March.

By March 31, every family that had been sheltering at the church had transitioned into permanent housing. This outcome was achieved through a collaborative effort involving funding from the Detroit Rescue Mission, Mitch Albom’s Save Detroit, and the Kazi Foundation, with significant additional support from Oakland County. The move to permanent housing was facilitated by the Oakland County Housing Commission and Oakland County Connects, a program established to assist residents in need.

One resident, identified as Turner, described her previous situation as an abusive relationship that left her and her children without stable housing. She expressed relief at finally having a place to call her own, noting that she could reunite her children and establish a stable family unit. The apartments provided in Pontiac were fully furnished, offering a fresh start for the families involved.

Steve Norris, who operates the Safe Tonight Shelter in Pontiac, emphasized the importance of providing housing through the winter rather than returning individuals to the streets. He stated that the goal was to help people without causing further harm. Kwesi Patterson, the coordinator for Oakland Connects, noted that housing is a major challenge, compounded by food insecurity.

Melanie Rutherford, Vice President of the Pontiac Housing Commission, explained that the collaborative team worked to remove every barrier facing the residents. Kimberly Bishop-Yanke, whose nonprofit spent $150,000 last year housing homeless individuals in hotels, highlighted the complexity of helping people who have experienced trauma and are starting from nothing. She noted that understanding the full scope of what it takes to help someone get back on their feet is often overlooked.

The successful transition of these families marks a specific outcome for the individuals housed at New Birth International Church, but the broader need for a larger, year-round shelter in Oakland County persists. Nearly 1,300 people in the region remain without a stable place to live. The involvement of local organizations and county programs reflects a practical approach to neighbor-love and mercy, aligning with the biblical call to care for those in distress as described in Galatians 6:10.

Source: Read the original report