Rays of Light: Guiding Light Today 2009-Present
Downtown Grand Rapids grew rapidly during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. New restaurants, businesses and artist communities were springing up regularly. We saw the arrival of the Van Andel Arena and the DeVos Convention Center, drawing thousands of visitors to Grand Rapids every month and creating thousands of new jobs in the downtown area.
With the economy looking auspicious and the heart of Guiding Light still beating strong, the turn of the century became a chance to change the street population’s blurry future with a newfound focus.
Since 2009, Executive Director, Stuart Ray, along with the dedicated board and staff at Guiding Light, have been working hard to carve out a new ideology, one that can have measurable results and lasting change. An emphasis on employment, independence, and sustainable housing has opened up a new world of challenges and possibilities. With the last several years of local job growth and economic healing, Guiding Light is doing everything it can to help men face their addictions, get back on their feet, and take control of their lives.
