Our Story:
“There is a lot that happens around the world we cannot control. We cannot stop earthquakes, we cannot prevent droughts, and we cannot prevent all conflict, but when we know where the hungry, the homeless and the sick exist, then we can help.”
-Jan Schakowsky
Homelessness is a complex issue. Although Isabella County has several resources for individuals in need, two components are missing: an organization linking those resources and a homeless shelter.
Dana Hendershot, ICRH board member and pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, explains that when she first moved from Naples, Fla. to Mount Pleasant, Mich. in 2012, homeless individuals needing a place to stay came to the church. When Hendershot realized she had nowhere to send them, she knew something had to be done.
Travus Burton, ICRH co-chair, shared that drive to bring change to the community. While formerly a HUD Case Manager in Lansing, Burton’s responsibilities included addressing the underlying causes of individuals' homelessness. He networked with area nonprofits to equip the greater Lansing homeless population with the necessary resources.
Burton and Hendershot crossed paths at a Mid Michigan Interfaith Coalition (MMIC) meeting, a gathering of faith leaders to share ideas, lend support and tackle social justice issues, such as homelessness.
After a few meetings, they decided to extend an invitation to the community to assist in ending homelessness. MMIC instructed the duo to be proactive by showcasing the need. Burton and Hendershot held a large informational meeting for members of the community at St. John’s Episcopal Church. They invited Philip Tompkins, author of homelessness-ending handbook Who Is My Neighbor, to speak at the meeting. His message moved many Isabella County residents to sign up to help with the initiative.
With the groundswell of community support growing larger and an extensive research phase on both rotating and permanent homeless shelters completed, ICRH was formed, becoming a state-licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
ICRH is led by its Board of Directors, a diverse team of leaders from local business, campus, nonprofit, tribal and faith-based communities with a collective goal.
The directors have the short-term goal of operating an effective rotating shelter in partnership with local churches and a long-term vision to develop a more comprehensive, cost-effective and sustainable social services shelter to transform guests from homeless and invisible to independent and contributing community members.
Please pause to reflect on what your life would be like without a steady source of income or the support of family and friends. Everyone deserves the basic human dignities that shelter and safe nights provide. Everyone deserves a chance to seek assistance and change their situation. Don't you agree?
Homelessness is a very real and complex problem in our community that will take the collaboration of many individuals and organizations to address. We encourage you to join us in this progressive community endeavor.
Long Term Goals:
ICRH’s strategy involves three phases that will ultimately result in an organization that will meet the needs of patrons. Considering Isabella County has many resources throughout the area to provide assistance, ICRH works to bridge these resources.
Phase One: Developed a rotating shelter for the months of November through April. The shelter was in operation seven days a week and included an evening meal. The shelter was located at a few local “sites” and other civic organizations in Isabella County.
Phase Two: Locate an interim facility that will provide a shelter on a seven-days-a-week and year-round basis.
Phase Three: The Isabella County Restoration House Transformer.
What is the ICRH Transformer?
We hope to partner with agencies in town and join forces so one day we can have a single facility under one roof that will empower people to better help themselves and provide social services in a cost-efficient and a coordinated way. This may include temporary shelter, transitional housing, hot meals, groceries and supplies, job search, training, work experience at small ICRH industries, entitlement advocacy, education and other needed services.
ICRH Transformer
Team: Representatives from multiple organizations.
Objectives:
1. Plan: Develop a plan that not only meets the needs of the county’s homeless but supports the long-range plans of each organization.
2. Funds: Develop an adequate sustainable budget and locate funding sources that meet the needs of all participants of the Transformer.
3. Approvals: Obtain all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals in hopes of gaining full support of the overall plan.
4. Final Outcome: Buy, build and open the ICRH Transformer.
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