Our Brother's Keeper Shelter

Our Brother's Keeper Shelter is a faith-based, non-profit organization providing temporary emergency shelter and support services in Big Rapids, Michigan. Dedicated to helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness, the shelter aims to be a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Our Brother's Keeper Shelter is to unite the community in providing a safe, short-term shelter with the ultimate goal of securing permanent homes for its residents. The organization envisions a community where every family and individual can lead self-sufficient lives, secure in their own homes.

Operations

Our Brother's Keeper Shelter operates from November to April, providing overnight accommodations during the coldest months of the year. Beyond basic necessities like meals and shelter, the organization offers various programs aimed at helping residents acquire essential life skills. These programs are designed to support guests as they transition into permanent housing.

Partnerships and Community Support

The shelter works closely with several local organizations and businesses to provide comprehensive services. Partners include Mid Michigan Community Action Agency, Hope House Free Medical Clinic, Community Mental Health, and the Mecosta County Health Department, among others. These partnerships enable the shelter to offer assistance with housing, mental health services, and access to local resources such as Michigan Works and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Impact and Achievements

From January 2022 to March 2024, the shelter facilitated 831 intakes, providing a total of 28,155 bed nights to 435 women, 288 men, and 225 families. The shelter's efforts have been recognized through numerous success stories, reflecting the positive impact of its services and programs on transitioning individuals and families toward self-sufficiency.

Leadership and Structure

Our Brother's Keeper Shelter is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by a team of staff and volunteers trained in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and empathetic listening. The organization is recognized as an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, though the specific EIN listed suggests an error in the provided details.

Note on EIN

The EIN provided as 900924350 is associated with Our Brother's Keeper Shelter, but the website listed seems to have a typographical error ("obkshlter.org" vs. "obkshelter.org"). This discrepancy does not affect the organization's status or operations.

Conclusion

Our Brother's Keeper Shelter plays a vital role in its community by offering not only temporary shelter but also a path to stability and self-sufficiency for those in need. Through its comprehensive services and strong community partnerships, it continues to make a significant difference in the lives of its guests.