In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’    Acts 20:35

Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing

Helping individuals and families for more than 30 years in their journey to stability

By Zeke Fleet, CUMC Missions Committee 

Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing (NMSH) has provided rental housing and case management support for those suffering with mental illness and homelessness since the mid 1990s.  Serving the counties of Grand Traverse, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska and Leelanau, this non-profit, 501(c)3 organization has been a long-time mission of Central United Methodist Church. NMSH works closely with the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, Northern Lakes Community Mental Health, Traverse Health Clinic, and another community care providers.

According to Executive Director Becca Binder, NMSH now supports 65 households and 108 individuals. NMSH has been successful in expanding its landlord and rental housing base this year by nearly 12 percent. NMSH also secured annual financial support of $125,000 from Grand Traverse County for 2025 and 2026, which provided an opportunity to expand more housing for more individuals and families. Other funding sources include donations from individuals, businesses, churches (including CUMC), and grants from foundations such as Rotary Charities and the Oleson Foundation. 

Federal Funding Cuts on the Horizon

The federal government recently announced that a significant reduction in funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will take effect in April 2026. This change will have an adverse effect on the homeless response system, specifically permanent supportive housing. HUD subsidies are the largest source of funding for NMSH and will result in a 70 percent reduction in funds, creating an annual deficit risk of approximately $450,000. The NMSH board is working to find alternate funding sources. 

Expanding Homelessness Population is Increasing Housing Demand

Currently, there are approximately 250 homeless individuals in Grand Traverse County alone, a factor that presents a challenge for NMSH and other organizations that lend support for these neighbors in need of secure and stable housing. According to NMSH statistics, 20 to 25% of people experiencing homelessness suffer from severe mental health issues.

What can YOU do to help Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing?

• Your financial contributions are needed to sustain NMSH, bringing much-needed care for those in need.  
• For one-time or recurring online donations, please select Central Missions on the giving page dropdown and designate NMSH. 
• Designate NMSH in the memo area on your offering checks.
• Drop off change, paper currency, or a check in the contribution bucket in the gathering area.
• Please keep NMSH in your prayers.  Major reductions in federal funding through HUD will have a drastic impact on NMSH’s ability to sustain supportive housing.