100 in 100 Initiative: Progress, Partnerships, and Future Momentum
A few months ago, the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness launched the 100 in 100 initiative—an ambitious effort to provide stable housing for 100 homeless individuals and families within 100 days, with a strong focus on addressing chronic homelessness. The collaboration across our community to make this initiative a success has been truly inspiring.
Housing with Stability & Support
We’re making real, tangible progress. 55 individuals have already moved into permanent housing, and an additional 71 are in the process of being referred to stable housing resources. That’s more than just numbers—it’s lives transformed, futures stabilized, and hope restored.
Every housed individual is now connected with a case manager, ensuring they have the support they need to maintain stability. Our case managers use best practices to help clients navigate this transition, and the results speak for themselves—zero evictions. This is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of supportive housing. Landlords and tenants alike have received the guidance and resources needed to address any challenges that arise, reinforcing a system that sets everyone up for success.
A Home Needs More Than Just a Roof
Housing is just the first step—furnishing these homes is just as important. Through the CoC’s coordination efforts, we’ve worked with partners like The Storehouse, Habitat for Humanity, and Degage to ensure individuals have the essentials to truly settle in. Every housed individual receives basic furniture, including beds, dressers, nightstands, desks, lounge chairs, and desk chairs, transforming a space into a home.
This work has been made possible by generous furniture donations from individuals and major contributions from Byron Center Hospitality, the JW Marriott, and Steelcase. Because of this generosity, we are well-stocked to continue meeting the needs of those securing permanent housing.
Scaling Up in 2025
As we look ahead, we’re preparing for the next phase of this work. The CoC will lead a collaborative grant application for MDHHS funding to further align efforts, scale up our impact, and provide even greater momentum towards dissolving chronic homelessness in 2025. These funds will help expand supportive housing services, including stabilization case management, ensuring individuals receive the resources they need to thrive long-term.
Additionally, flexible funding through the Greater Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation continues to be a reliable catalyst in our efforts. To date:
$160K has been committed, with $75.5K already received and $22K expended for first month’s rent and security deposits.
The Chamber Foundation has committed to supporting this work through 2025.
And thanks to Heart of West Michigan United Way’s 100 In 100 fund, we’ve raised over $15,000 in generous donations to help cover additional furniture and miscellaneous housing expenses, ensuring that every person we support has the essentials they need to start fresh.
The Work Continues
This is what progress looks like—a community coming together to not just house people, but to set them up for long-term success. It’s the generosity of donors, the dedication of case managers, the support of landlords, and the relentless push toward real solutions that move us closer to a future where chronic homelessness is a thing of the past.
We’re not slowing down. With funding, partnerships, and community support, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of even greater impact. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in making this work possible—together, we are changing lives.
