Letter from the Executive Director

What Do You See?

If you were asked to close your eyes and paint the face of “Homelessness”, what would you see?

Most would easily conjure up the face of an old man in tattered clothes, sleeping in a doorway and smelling of alcohol. You wouldn’t see the face of Sara, a college student who is sleeping in her car and visiting the MRM pantry. You wouldn’t see the face of Ellick, a single father and his daughter Talana who have no idea where they will sleep or where their next meal will come from. You wouldn’t see the face of Sam, an 18-year old boy who aged out of the foster care program and no longer has a place to call home; but we do.

These are the real faces of the homeless who seek shelter, services and compassion through Muskegon Rescue Mission. These faces all have stories to share. They have hopes and dreams, they’ve experienced disappointment and hardships; but one common thing they all share is the blessing that YOUR faithful and generous giving provides them – MRM and a hope for a brighter tomorrow!

In this issue of Harbor Light, you will read Ellick’s story and see his face, the face of a young, single father struggling to provide a safe and secure life for his daughter. You will read about his journey and his hope for a brighter future for himself and his daughter, Talana.

These are the faces who thank you for your compassion and for offering them a caring hand up during a time in their life when they need it the most. These are the faces you have made a difference to.

Homelessness knows no boundaries, it does not discriminate, it gives no thought to age, and it does not care whether one is young or old, male or female, single or a family. Through your generosity and partnership with MRM you help bring these faces into the light and show them that they matter to God and to our community. Working together, we will have a life-changing impact on their lives.

Serving the community together,

Dan Skoglund

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