The Salvation Army of Grand Haven Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Beginnings Shelter.
It's been 30 years in the making but the rain cleared up and the sun came out just in time for The Salvation Army of Grand Haven Michigan groundbreaking ceremony on July 9, for their “New Beginnings” shelter. The emergency shelter will serve families with minor children and each unit will accommodate ten individuals and house six families at a time.
“We want struggling families to know that this is their chance for a new beginning,” said Corps Officer Major Penny Mungai. “Our goal is to help them learn about our other programs where they learn self-sufficiency to get them on a pathway to a better life.”
“Whether it’s by phone or they come to our food pantry, we unfortunately talk with many families who are already sleeping outside, in cars or in tents,” said Corps Officer Major James Mungai. “No child should know what it is like to sleep in a car.”
(Pictured-Current Grand Haven Corps Officers Major James & Penny Mungai, Great Lakes Divisional Leader Lt. Colonel Steve Merritt and retired Grand Haven Corps Officers Majors Ralph & Donna Hansenthe who were officers at the beginning of the project 30 years ago.)
Those in attendance included Grand Haven Mayor Bob Monetza, Ottawa County Commissioner and Contractor Josh Brugger, leadership from The Salvation Army’s Great Lakes Division and Central Territory, along with community supporters and donors.
Funding for the $2.3M project came from grants received from the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA) and The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Additional needed funds are set to be raised at the organization’s annual Woodchopper’s Ball held in October.
Two duplexes and one single-family home, currently owned by The Salvation Army, will be demolished and rebuilt to serve as a non-congregate shelter. Each unit will accommodate ten individuals and house six families at a time. The Salvation Army in Grand Haven hopes to have it completed by the summer of 2028.