New Hope Village continues its growth helping homeless in Midland County

The outside of one of the units used by homeless families through New Hope Village at the Community of Christ Campground in Sanford. The outside of one of the units used by homeless families through New Hope Village at the Community of Christ Campground in Sanford. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close New Hope Village continues its growth helping homeless in Midland County 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

In its second year, New Hope Village took several steps forward toward its goal of providing shelter for Midland County homeless persons.

“I would like to once again thank all of you involved with making this season the success as it was at New Hope Village,” NHV Director John Congleton said in a release. “We could not have accomplished what we did without the help of the community and the many services available to those in need in Midland County. NHV’s success really is a success for us all.”

Community of Christ Campground on Sanford Lake provided housing for the 58 people served from Nov. 10, 2015 to March 31, 2016, which is up from 52 a year ago. The number of families dropped from 19 to 14, but each family stayed longer, giving NHV more time to solve issues. The average stay increased from 39 days in 2015 to 51 days in 2016.

“We served less families than last year but with greater success,” Congleton said. “We made our budget and kept the costs very reasonable at just over $15 per day per person which included food and all services.”

The seven units were at maximum occupancy during the full season, which lasted four weeks longer this year. Individual overnights also increased from 2,030 in 2015 to 2,865 for the 2016 season, while the number of churches grew from 19 to 27. However, NHV still turned away 46 families, down from 68 in 2015.

“We turned away less families this year than last but the numbers indicate that the need for a larger offering for family units is needed as soon as possible. NHV hopes to be operating year round by the end of 2016 to fill this current and pressing need,” Congleton said.

Nine families moved into rental housing, compared to six in 2015, while three families were asked to leave, down from five. One family was able to purchase its own home.

With a board of directors in place, NHV has applied for non-profit status and is looking toward the future, which includes the possibility of a larger, year-round facility that would significantly increase the number of families served. NHV is currently in the process of researching a building that would house up to 21 families. The new facility would allow NHV to offer a two-year program where families would learn needed skills like housekeeping, home maintenance, parenting, budgeting, time management, saving money, work ethics, continue their education or learn a trade.

“We have already made partnerships within the community to offer all of these opportunities. Our goal is to assist families to be able to earn a living wage and maintain a stable existence,” Congleton said. “We would ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers through the year as we work to establish a full time year round shelter.”

Anyone wishing to donate may send checks to: ETC, 884 East Isabella Road, Midland, Mich. 48640.

For more information call: (989) 615-7066; email: campers9@yahoo.com; or visit www.newhopemidland.org.