Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse

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Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse

Safe Harbor is an emergency shelter program that attempts to create community between those in need Emergency Winter Selter for Grand Traverse region.

08/24/2026

Finding Their Path 🧭

Over the last couple of months, a major operational shift has begun at Safe Harbor — one that is designed to put the “emergency” back into the emergency shelter.

That shift is the launch of a guest empowerment program, which aims to help those who have entered the shelter take a more active role in their path out.

In addition to serving individuals who have been staying at Safe Harbor for several months, the program is also targeting all new guests. It is centered around three components: an employment lab, a housing lab, and life-skills classes.

Read more about our new guest empowerment program on our website — find the link to the full story in the comments section below.

08/13/2026

Little victories 💫

Justin Kinsella’s journey through homelessness began with a house fire. In 2023, his parents’ house burned down, and when the rebuilding project was almost finished, they told him to leave. They had rebuilt the family home without a room for him. He was 19 years old.

Not knowing what to do, he contacted his therapist, who managed to get him a bed at Safe Harbor.

Over the next two years, Justin made connections that helped him move toward the path he is now following: serving as a tour guide at Yellowstone National Park, a position he started last April. In this role, he escorts visitors around the park in a historic yellow bus, introducing them to lesser-known areas and offering a new perspective on Yellowstone’s most popular landmarks.

“Not many people that came from where I came from get an opportunity like this,” said Justin, now 21. “I feel lucky. I earned this by working hard, but I also had a lot of people who helped me lay the foundation to get my dream job.”

Read the entire inspiring story of Justin's journey on the Safe Harbor website. Click the link in the comments below to check it out! Thank you, Justin, for sharing your story with us. We're so happy for you!

**Justin’s story is part of our new series highlighting shelter guests' small (and big!) breakthroughs and how these mark the beginning of lasting change.**

08/06/2026

📣 Safe Harbor Board News!

Two new members began 3-year terms this summer, and we're excited to introduce you to them. Please join us in welcoming David Gahm and Lisa Woodcox to the Safe Harbor Board!

Visit our Meet the Board webpage to learn more about David and Lisa, and all of our wonderful board members --> https://www.gtsafeharbor.org/about-us/meet-the-board/

📸 Meet your Safe Harbor Board for the 2026-27 season! (clockwise from upper left): Dan Besselsen (treasurer), David Gahm (new member), Patrick Livingston (chair), John Daniels (secretary), Chris Camp, Bill White, Donna Olendorf, and Lisa Woodcox (new member). Not pictured: Mike McCrary (vice-chair).

07/29/2026

Read all about Safe Harbor's empowerment program, which encourages guests to find work and learn new skills. This story and more are featured in our summer Safe Harbor newsletter.

Check out this latest issue here: https://mailchi.mp/gtsafeharbor/anewseasonforsafeharbor-10613709

07/14/2026

‼️☀️ With a heat advisory in effect through this evening in northern Michigan, Safe Harbor is opening its doors as a cooling center. Anyone looking for a safe spot to escape the heat for awhile is welcome to join our staff in the shelter from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reminders for all of us on this extra-warm day:
💦 Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
🏘️ Remain indoors during peak heat hours
✅ Check in with your friends, family and fellow community members

Stay safe, everyone!

07/08/2026

Congratulations Officer Krista Fryczynski for being named the 2025 National Alliance on Mental Illness Michigan (NAMI), Law Enforcement Officer of the Year! We're so lucky to have you as our community officer! 💙

06/24/2026

Last week, Health Alliance Plan (HAP) provided invaluable assistance with various projects that we had to postpone due to our busy summer schedule. From painting the quiet room to folding blankets and cleaning to assembling a grill donated by a generous volunteer, we are grateful for their hard work.

05/29/2026

Delicious meals, amazing partners! 🥖 🥗 🍞

We couldn't do what we do without our valued partners, and today we'd like to give a special shout-out to 5loaves2fish for their unwavering support and dedicated assistance with providing meals to our guests on an ongoing basis. Thank you so much for these yummy Monday meals — we appreciate all that you do!

Photo credit: 5Loaves2Fish

05/20/2026

Little victories 💫

Alex Franklin, a former shelter guest and current volunteer, is grateful for the positive changes in his life.

Alex, 37, stayed at Safe Harbor on and off for a couple of years before finding permanent housing last December through his employer Molon Asphalt. He's thankful for the assistance he received while staying at the shelter: “Everyone was very welcoming. I have a lot of respect for them. Once I had been there for awhile and got to know the staff, we developed a special bond.”

He now plays a leadership role in a Traverse City Police Department outreach program that helps people living with addiction, homelessness and mental health issues. He also was recently asked by his probation officer to share his story as part of a panel taking place during crisis intervention training.

Read more about Alex's journey in our most recent newsletter. His story is featured in a new column highlighting shelter guests' small breakthroughs and how these mark the beginning of lasting change. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Alex, and thank you for all that you do for our community!

Check out Alex's story here: https://mailchi.mp/gtsafeharbor/anewseasonforsafeharbor-10612000

05/18/2026

Last Thursday, we celebrated the coordinators from local churches and the community who provided dinners every evening throughout our October - April season. Thanks to the sponsors who provided the food--Oryana, Meijer, Costco, Higher Grounds, and Bay Bread--and to the remarkable volunteers who make up the Steering Committee.

And a special shout out to Becky Lanham who provided delicious homemade cheesecakes and to The Flower Station for the lovely table bouquets.

Address

517 Wellington Street
Traverse City, MI
49686

Telephone

(231) 642-2435

Website

http://gtsafeharbor.org/

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