CADILLAC — A Kingsley couple is hoping to make a difference-by raising awareness of the issues -the homeless and others struggling in the area are facing by starting a nonprofit.
Co-founder Bill McNally said he never intended to start the non-profit, ‘Restoring Hope’ alongside his wife, Sarah, it just happened.
McNally said it just started as a project late last year to help the homeless that were forced to leave the wooded area in Traverse City known as ‘The Pines’ so he started a GoFundMe and things just took off.
“One of our family members donated a couple hundred dollars to the GoFundMe, and that’s what got us going. We actually, were able to go to Walmart and buy about 15 sleeping bags, that we also handed out to the homeless, along with winter gear and stuff like that
McNally said it’s an issue close to his and his wife’s heart. He said he knows first-hand the challenges many of the homeless face.
“I am a person that is in long term recovery. And with addiction, a lot of times comes homelessness. You know, mental illness, food insecurities, that type of stuff. I’ve struggled with all that. Now I’m at a point in my life, and in my sobriety, to where I can reach out and start giving back,” said McNally.
They have held two events in Traverse City — handing out winter gear, giving people a warm meal, and other items like perishables.
He said they couldn’t have done it without community support.
“All these donations are coming from people in our community that are showing love to these people that are struggling at this point in time. It’s our community coming together as one to make this all happen,” said McNally.
The nonprofit said they are also hoping to tackle the issues of mental health, addiction, and food insecurity.
He also said they hope to branch out to other Northern Michigan communities, and were requested to come serve the Cadillac area.
This Sunday from 2-5 p.m. or whenever supplies run out, Restoring Hope will be holding their 3rd event. It will be at the farmer’s market in Cadillac, partnering with local non-profit, ‘Warm Hands, Warm Hearts’.
“She’s been great. Accepting donations for us here in Cadillac to where? We’re not having to drive back and forth to pick up donations,” McNally said.
McNally said he hopes to do even more in the future with the nonprofit. His vision is to provide shelter, not just for the homeless, but also anyone struggling to get back on their feet.
“Where we provide a service that can get them off the street, get them the proper resources that they need, and be able to provide for them until they are able to provide for themselves,” McNally said.