Building pathways out of homelessness through community support
Access to a safe place to sleep is an essential part of bringing dignity and stability back into the lives of people who are homeless. Throughout the community, homeless shelter services in Lansing not only provide an immediate roof over one’s head but also, ultimately, long-term ways out of homelessness. Contemporary shelter programs have moved far beyond temporary housing. Several organizations offering homeless shelter services in Lansing also incorporate case management, mental wellness, and job preparedness into the work they do. This “housing first” philosophy acknowledges that a variety of complex issues—including job loss, health problems, and lack of affordable housing—often contribute to homelessness. Shelters that prop individuals up so they are no longer capable of standing for themselves don’t return anyone to self; they do not shelter them. A second important element for effective homeless support systems is partnership. Local shelters often work with health care p...