Grace Centers of Hope celebrates vital dormitory expansion

Grace Centers of Hope (GCH) announced the grand opening of its newly renovated and expanded men’s dormitory, which increases the nonprofit organization’s ability to house men struggling with homelessness, addiction, and abuse.

The renovation boosts overall capacity in the men’s dorm to 116, an increase of 37 beds from the previous total of 79.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark this significant milestone took place at 11 a.m. Friday, October 18, at 35 E Huron St. in Pontiac.

The expansion project, generously funded by several anonymous donors at a cost of $75,000, has transformed the existing dormitory space and introduced a range of new amenities designed to improve the living conditions and overall experience for men enrolled in Grace
Centers of Hope’s One Year Life Skills program.

‘Incredible opportunity … to extend reach’

“This expansion is an incredible opportunity for us to extend our reach to more men in desperate need of help, and a blessing for the community,” said Pastor Kent Clark, CEO of Grace Centers of Hope.

“The holiday season always brings an influx of people to our waiting list, and with this additional space, we’ll be able to provide warmth, shelter, and hope to 37 more men who are facing unimaginable challenges in their lives.”

The expanded facility will enable Grace Centers of Hope to serve a total of 116 men in its men’s program, helping more individuals through the critical winter months when the demand for shelter and support rises.

Current program participants will be gradually moved into the new quarters, with the expectation that full capacity will be reached by the colder winter months.

The new men’s dorm renovation project includes updated dormitory space with sleeping accommodations for 37 additional men, featuring a large multi-bunk bed area and three additional rooms that can house up to 10 men each.

Freshly-updated amenities

Upgrades include newly purchased bunks, new carpeting, a fresh paint job, restored bathrooms, and refurbished lockers.

There is also a recreation room for downtime activities, equipped with four flat-screen TVs, a large couch, a ping pong table, dart boards, and a computer station.

The space also boasts new flooring, wall repairs, and gym equipment.

A kitchenette for snack storage and preparation of additional food and beverages for the men in the program was also added.

GCH provides comprehensive, faith-based programs that address homelessness, addiction, and abuse. With this expansion, the organization strengthens its mission to offer a safe haven for men as they rebuild their lives and move toward self-sufficiency.

‘Supporting shoulder’

Darin Weiss, COO at Grace Centers of Hope, said the organization is always looking into how it can do more to help the community in Pontiac and throughout metro Detroit, especially with Michigan’s harsh winter fast approaching.

“So many men, women and families in Michigan are heading into this holiday season in very difficult situations as they work to overcome addiction, homelessness or abusive situations,” Weiss said. “We look forward to being a supporting shoulder for 37 more members of our
community, especially with the harsh conditions they would face on the streets this winter.”

For more information about GCH and its programs, click here.