GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — The Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness has announced the formation of the Housing and Homelessness Task Force, aiming to address homelessness in Traverse City and Grand Traverse County.
According to an April 21 news release, the Housing and Homelessness Task Force is a collaborative, community-wide initiative designed to create a long-term, effective and coordinated response to homelessness.
Formed in partnership with the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County and made possible through a grant from Rotary Charities, the Task Force brings together leaders from across sectors, including government, nonprofit services, healthcare, housing development, law enforcement, and community advocacy. The mission is to design a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness but also removes systemic barriers and lays the groundwork for housing for all.
“This is not just about temporary fixes—it’s about lasting solutions,” said Ashley Halladay-Schmandt, Director of the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness and a member of the Task Force’s Leadership Team. “Our region has the expertise, the compassion, and the community will to end homelessness. This Task Force gives us a unified structure to develop the plan to make it happen.”
The Task Force will focus its work from May through September 2025, during which time specialized work groups will assess gaps in current systems, identify effective strategies from other communities, and develop an actionable plan tailored to the unique needs of Northwest Michigan. These work groups will focus on three central areas: strengthening the safety net to prevent homelessness, improving emergency shelter and crisis response systems, and expanding long-term housing solutions.
The resulting community action plan will serve as a roadmap to guide coordinated implementation efforts beginning in 2026. Leaders believe the work will align efforts across organizations and jurisdictions, create shared goals, and ensure that funding and resources are used as effectively as possible.
“Addressing systemic barriers to housing is a priority,” Halladay-Schmandt said. “The Task Force is focused on strengthening the connections between housing, healthcare, and mental health systems to better meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and help them remain stably housed. Advocacy for increased resources and supportive policies will also be a critical part of our strategy.”
The Task Force aims to enhance coordination among housing providers, healthcare organizations, and social service agencies to ensure that support systems are aligned and responsive. By improving collaboration and reducing service gaps, the community can create a more seamless and effective network of care that promotes long-term housing stability.
Transparency and accountability are core principles of the initiative. The Task Force will establish measurable goals, track outcomes, and make regular adjustments to strategies as needed. Community input will play a vital role, with public sessions and stakeholder engagement efforts planned to ensure broad support and shared ownership of the plan.
The Leadership Team—comprised of Halladay-Schmandt, Christie Minervini (Task Force Coordinator), Sakura Takano (CEO of Rotary Charities), Nate Alger (Grand Traverse County Administrator), Liz Vogel (City Manager of Traverse City), and Ryan Hannon (Director of Outreach at Central United Methodist Church)—will oversee the effort, providing strategic direction and ensuring work groups are equipped for success.
Work groups will focus on areas such as crisis management, homelessness prevention and diversion, housing navigation, emergency and day shelter operations, and the development of deeply affordable and supportive housing. The Safety Net Services group will evaluate and enhance programs that help prevent homelessness; the Emergency Shelter and Services group will assess crisis response systems; and the Housing Solutions group will design sustainable pathways to permanent housing, including supportive housing models and partnerships with landlords and developers.
An Advisory Council made up of community leaders, public officials, and subject matter experts will support this work by offering insight, monitoring progress, and helping to secure the policy and funding changes needed to carry the plan forward.
“As we embark on this critical journey, the Housing and Homelessness Task Force is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation,” Halladay-Schmandt said. “Through our collective efforts, we can create a lasting impact on homelessness in Traverse City and Grand Traverse County, ensuring that every individual has access to safe and stable housing.”
For more information about the Housing and Homelessness Task Force or to receive updates from the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, visit endhomelessnessnmi.org.