Guiding Light Adapts to Meet the Growing Needs in Grand Rapids
Guiding Light has remained flexible throughout its many years in operation. We have continued to adapt and change in order to meet the needs of the individuals in the Grand Rapids community and to help these people overcome homelessness, joblessness, and addiction. Guiding Light is aware that change is constant. Therefore, we must be prepared for the future and our rapidly changing environment.
Throughout Guiding Light’s existence, we have been able to fine-tune and adjust our programs in an effort to adjust to the needs of the men in our community. In 2012, we recognized the need for sober housing for men who completed our Recovery Program and subsequently opened Iron House, a group of four-plex sober-living apartments south of Grand Rapids. Today, we are seeing steadily increasing need for the Guiding Light Recovery Program, as opioid addiction takes hold of our community. Guiding Light is committed to providing a best-in-class recovery program with an emphasis on restoring dignity and creating personal growth. We understand that our current location has space limitations, and we will remain vigilant in searching for the best options for our clients.
Guiding Light is continues to honor our commitment to our donors and community by creating transitional housing for the men who complete our Back-To-Work Program. These men have secured steady employment, are saving money, and are ready to take the next step – to live independently. They often need to gain credit worthiness before they are able to rent from area landlords.
There is a housing crisis in Grand Rapids and the cost of living continues to rise. Guiding Light continues to advocate for alternative solutions, so all individuals can become contributing members of the community. Our goal is to remove the barriers to future employment and housing for our men as they begin to rebuild their lives and become re-engaged in the community.
With your financial support, Guiding Light is able to provide both the Recovery and Back-To-Work Programs, free of cost to the men in our community who need them most. You play an integral part in our work of rescue, recovery, and re-engagement.
To continue partnering with Guiding Light, or to become a new partner and help men get back to work, back to their families, and become independent contributing members of society, you can donate by visiting our website at www.guidinglightworks.org and give the gift of hope.