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Community Rebuilders help Grand Rapids residents find homes for the holidays

Posted at 1:25 PM, Dec 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-22 13:25:02-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Community Rebuilders Geographically Targeted Housing Outreach initiative (GTHO) are working with 36 residents to secure housing.

Of 48 people identified through GTHO, 36 have service plans underway and are working with Community Rebuilders to secure long-term homes. Two dozen have already moved into temporary housing where their basic needs can be met—with more to move in the coming weeks.

This is phase one of GTHO’s initiative to combat homelessness. They have also partnered with City’s Homeless Outreach Team to provide resources like short-term accommodations and any necessary supportive services.

“Calling this year ‘hard’ doesn’t do it justice. And that’s especially true for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Vera Beech, Community Rebuilders Executive Director said. “We are so thankful to our partners who committed to doing something about it, and grateful for their speed and agility. This is an unprecedented undertaking in our city.”

In 2020, Community Rebuilders helped 609 people across 352 households in Kent County move from homeless to housed.

“The need is serious. Winter is here and many people have nowhere safe to go. Plus there’s the continued risk of COVID spreading among physically close communities,” Beech continued. “There’s a lot at stake, but this initiative is working. It’s proving what we already know—homelessness is solvable.”

Bi-weekly program updates and more can be found at communityrebuilders.org.