Lansing, MI – As temperatures drop and winds pick up, the City Rescue Mission of Lansing is stepping up its efforts to ensure that the city’s homeless population has a safe place to stay. With the cold weather setting in, the shelter continues its mission to provide warmth, safety, and support to those most in need.
For over 113 years, the City Rescue Mission has been a crucial resource for homeless individuals in Lansing. Senior Director of Community Engagement, Laura Grimwood, emphasized the importance of their services during colder months, pointing out that many of the mission’s guests face harsher conditions outside than others may realize. “It’s good to keep in mind that many of our guests are going to be outside a little more than we are,” Grimwood said.
The shelter’s role becomes especially vital as winter weather sets in, offering those in need a chance to escape the dangerous elements. “They’re going to be able to know they have a safe place to go,” Grimwood added. The mission’s goal is to provide more than just a roof over people’s heads—it aims to offer a place where individuals can feel cared for and supported.
Mark Criss, the Executive Director of the City Rescue Mission, shared that the organization is expanding its services to better support the growing need in the community. The shelter is embarking on a significant $9.5 million expansion project, which will include a new location on West Kalamazoo Street. “We hope to be moved in by July of next year,” Criss explained. The expansion will double the shelter’s capacity, allowing more people to find refuge from the cold.
The mission’s goal is to provide not just shelter, but also a sense of hope for those who may feel lost or forgotten. “When people come to us, they know it’s more than just a shelter. It’s a safe place where people care about you,” Criss said. The mission hopes its work helps show those they serve that there is always a chance for a brighter future.
“There is a tomorrow, there is still hope, there is still a second chance,” Grimwood concluded, reminding the community that support is available, especially during the harsh winter months. With the expansion underway, the City Rescue Mission of Lansing is poised to continue making a significant impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
