GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids nonprofit providing temporary housing for youth is seeing an increase in need as the area faces a housing crisis.
The Bridge , a program from nonprofit Arbor Circle , provides short-term housing for youth ages 10 to 17 in Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm and Ionia counties. The shelter was first started in 1969 and has been operating out of its current location at 1115 Ball Ave. near Leonard Street for several years.
Youth in crisis — like those who are unhoused, have been kicked out or are at risk of running away — can stay at The Bridge for up to 21 days at a time, and can come back and stay as many times as they need.
“(We) meet them where they’re at in their need and just try to provide a safe place for them and provide resources that meet their needs at that time,” Andrew Carrell, the clinical manager for youth development services division, said.