Homelessness doesn’t always look how you’d expect. Along the Lakeshore, it might be a family spending the night in their car at a rest stop. A mother and her children moving between motels, hoping each stay lasts a little longer. A teenager in Newaygo County sleeping on a friend’s couch, unsure of where they’ll go next. A relative in Oceana County making space in their garage because it’s the only shelter they can offer.

The reality is, family homelessness is more common than many realize. According to the Institute for Community Alliances, more than a third of individuals experiencing homelessness in Michigan are part of a family with children under 18. Schools across the state report thousands of students experiencing homelessness each year, many in unstable, temporary housing situations. Too often, these families remain unseen, keeping their struggles hidden out of fear, shame, or the worry that seeking help could lead to separation.

But there is hope.

Across Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties, people facing homelessness show incredible resilience, doing everything they can to find stability. With the right support, they can rebuild their lives and secure safe, permanent housing. As a community, we have the power to make a difference — because every person deserves a place to call home.