Success Story

“I was divorced 18 years ago at the age of 46. When my wife left for Georgia, she left me with our 13-year-old daughter. I left a successful executive career and had several mishaps that resulted in me losing my home and being homeless for nearly 5 years. I became disabled due to numerous injuries, including breaking both of my feet. With the help of many, including SMCAA, it has taken 15 years of success and failure to finally, for the first time, say my bills are current and I have hope. There is still room to go, but I have hope to see me children soon – one daughter I haven’t seen in 18 years and the other in 5 years. I now feel it could happen! Thank you so much for the assistance you’ve given.”

Putting the Support in Supportive Housing

SMCAA Programs: Homeless Shelter to Supportive Housing

Mr. W and his son were homeless when they entered the SMCAA Homeless Shelter​. Through case management, it was discovered that Mr. W was experiencing some mental health issues, and he was referred to Van Buren County Mental Health for evaluation. Following evaluation, Mr. W and his son qualified for the Supportive Housing Program and were able to move into a two-bedroom home. Through SHP, SMCAA continued to pay a portion of their rent for 8 years until the two men were able to move on to their own project-based townhouse.

Testimonials - Weatherization

A SMCAA staff member received a phone call from a client who wanted to thank the Weatherization team for all the work done to help her. The client stated the Weatherization contractors were "extremely knowledgeable and informative about the work that was done" to the client's home. She ended the conversation saying, “I had forgotten what it was like to have a warm house."