GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Serving people who are going through a tough time is the daily focus for the team at Mel Trotter — the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan. Now, amid a bitter cold snap, the organization’s leadership has declared a Code Blue emergency, focusing their efforts on those who need shelter.
“On any given day we have 550 beds open for people facing homelessness,” Mel Trotter CEO Chris Palusky said. “During a code blue, we open up extra doors. It’s all hands on deck because when it gets this cold, people need a place to come to.”
When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, Palusky says the nonprofit begins to prepare for a code blue — opening up extra space in their main shelter, day center and chapel — providing space for dozens of additional occupants…