Homelessness is a national and local issue. Right here, in Genesee County there are more than 200 individuals living in emergency shelters every night and countless others living on the streets, in their cars and in abandoned buildings. The fastest growing group of homeless is families with children.

Last year, Shelter of Flint served over 1,300 homeless individuals and family members. Every day the Emergency Shelter fills its capacity of beds.

The causes of homelessness are complicated and have no simple fix. Through emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing - and through the generosity of our host communities - we're helping families find their way home.

Adopt-A-Family

This is Marcquise. Marcquise is six years old, and unlike most six-year-olds, will most likely spend the holidays in our homeless shelter. He’ll get a hot meal every day, a roof over his head and an after-school tutoring program. What he won’t get is the comfort of his own home, his own bedroom or his own toys.

You can make the holidays a little brighter for Marcquise and his family in a simple and fun way: “adopt” them for the holidays and buy a gift for each family member. You can even wrap the gifts, and you’ll receive a personalized thank you from the family who receives them. Best of all, you’ll have made the holidays a little better for someone without a home.

This is a great charity project for groups! Get a couple of friends together and you can each purchase a gift for one family member.

To adopt a family or find more information, please call Anne Grantner, Fund Development Director at (810) 238-4711, ext. 304. Thank you for bringing cheer to the homeless this holiday season.