A group in Grand Rapids is working to help homeless people get off the streets. Community Rebuilders executive director Vera Beech says they’re working to reach out to the homeless in certain areas of the city – Rosa Parks Circle or Monroe Center – right now.
“We do that by focusing on moving people experiencing homelessness into housing, and then helping them achieve their goals once they get housed and connected to the service and supports they need,” says Beech.
Beech says they’re focusing on Rosa Parks Circle and Monroe Center because there’s a highly vulnerable youth population and adults experiencing chronic homelessness. She says a big reason for homelessness is the high cost of housing because many of the homeless have jobs. She also cites mental health issues and drug issues as reasons.