About Community enCompass: 

Community enCompass is the merger of two organizations—Bethany Housing Ministries and Sacred Suds. Under a common vision to make restorative, transformative impact in McLaughlin Neighborhood, these two organizations came together in March of 2008.

The name—Community enCompass—reflects our strong commitment to working WITH our neighbors in mutuality and partnership, while at the same time reflecting the idea that the organization encompasses various programs and partners in its efforts. And, as a bonus double-meaning, the “en” of enCompass stands for Empowering Neighbors. While each organization had to sacrifice a bit of identity and independence, the synergy and streamlined efficiency that has resulted from the merger makes us better equipped to make deep inroads into the vision that is possible!

Eviction Prevention Program: 

The Eviction Prevention Program provides housing stabilization services and rent assistance for tenants facing eviction. The objective is to keep families facing eviction in their homes and prevent a money judgment from being entered on the court record which impacts the families' future housing opportunities and credit. This program allows for an Eviction Prevention Specialist to work with households to determine other needs they may be experiencing and connect them to local resources.

Program Impact Story: 

The Eviction Prevention Program has been a much-needed gem to the city of Muskegon. This program has allowed families the relief of stable housing - allowing children to remain in close proximity to their school and friends. Parents have been able to provide shelter and food through this program. Families who have come through this program are often faced with difficult decisions such as paying rent or buying groceries to feed their families after they have incurred unexpected expenses or loss of income. Jennifer Hollins is a recipient of the Eviction Prevention Program. She is a single mother of three boys. Jennifer faced eviction during the month of May of this year. She was working while going to school to finish training in the medical field when she lost her job. Jennifer was nearly finished with her schooling and would be able to better provide for her children within her new profession but the loss of work and possible eviction threatened Jennifer’s opportunity for advancement. As Jennifer entered the EPP program she was presented with a new work offer that was in her field of study and worked with her school schedule, things were looking up! Due to Jennifer’s lack of income and with the start of new employment Jennifer was eligible for the MSHDA “Emergency Shelter Grant,” ESG funds.

This grant helped Jennifer become current with her rent! Jennifer has informed us that the EPP program has allowed her to be able to spend more time with her children without worrying about how she will provide a roof over their heads. She was able to complete her program and obtain full-time work! Jennifer’s Landlord, Choice Property Management has informed me that Jennifer has a credit of almost $300.00 on her account! Jennifer hopes to own her own home one day and the EPP program has helped her become one step closer to that dream by affording her the opportunity to pay rental arrears without incurring a judgment on her credit. Stories like Jennifer’s offer us hope that we are moving in a positive direction in cultivating and rebuilding our community. While there are many successes in EPP there are others that aren’t so successful. MSHDA funds have very specific guidelines that we must adhere to. Unfortunately, most of the families who come through EPP aren’t eligible to receive those funds. We have been successful in keeping most families housed with the efforts of other community organizations such as DHHS, MOCAP, and Love Inc - along with the tenant’s financial contribution. Landlords play a huge role in the success of EPP by extending the time after the date of the judgment to allow tenants to locate funds within the Community. This is a temporary way to fund EPP as organizations run out of money. The solution is to find ways to fund arrears contribution for EPP internally as well as outside organizations. Currently, we are using some “Emergency Food and Shelter Grants,” EFSP to help with one month’s rent in the EPP but funds will dwindle quickly as all of CenC are able to request funds from the EFSP money source. Without a steady source of yearly funds solely designated for the EPP, the program may lose its momentum. The EPP is a much-needed program in Muskegon, it has been proven a life-changer in the lives of those who have benefited, both landlords and tenants. Tenants are able to stay in their home judgment-free and landlords are able to recoup rental arrears without having to garnish wages or spend more money advertising for new tenants. It is truly a root in the thriving of our community.

Housing First Program: 

Our target population is people in Muskegon County experiencing homelessness who without housing stabilization case management and affordable rent will likely remain homeless, prioritizing people with disabilities who have been homeless for a long time, veterans, and families.

Program Story: 

Dwelling Place Tenant - Marie (name changed for privacy) was beaten by her husband at their Newaygo County home. Years of violence culminated in her daylong torture that left her within an inch of her life. Marie's husband Steve accused her of having an affair. He tied her up, beat her with a broom handle. “He was going to cut my fingers off so they couldn’t identify me,” she said. She was able to escape later in the day to a nearby gas station as they were driving with her hands still bound. The brutal beating was a final act of violence after years of abuse that left her unrecognizable.

“It’s — I’m unrecognizable. Like, people don`t believe that that’s actually me. And when I look at those pictures I go back to that day and think about the what-ifs,” she said. “What if this had happened what if that hadn`t happened. What would have happened if I hadn`t gotten out of the car.”

Her husband was sentenced to nearly three decades in prison for the attack. Today, Marie is using that day and so many others like it to help people going through the same thing.

“It was a huge turning point for me. Over the last nine years, I have become more comfortable with myself, I’m no longer codependent,” Marie said. She has spoken to some high school classes about the signs of abuse and used her Facebook and YouTube channels to do the same. “Comment if you need help, I`ll go comment back,” she said. She has directly connected with others to help them see the signs themselves. “I want to do more advocating for domestic violence as far as getting it out there it is a big social problem, so it does need to be dealt with and faced instead of behind closed doors,” Marie said.

She says she will keep fighting like she did that day, and wants others to know they should do the same before it gets this far. “Love is just an emotion. We’re not always smart with our love. And sometimes love can make us overlook the bad that someone’s doing,” she said. “The hard reality is that you can`t change somebody if they don’t want to change.” “I was a victim but now I'm a survivor,” Marie said. “And I know I can pretty much get through anything and hopefully make a difference in somebody’s life.” Marie, a tenant at Dwelling Place, is working with our Family Support Liaison to organize an event for the residents at Dwelling Place to bring awareness of domestic violence. Because her housing is affordable, her struggle with facing homelessness after serving domestic violence is over and she has the strength and courage to share her story and inspire others.