MANISTEE — Munson Healthcare is supporting expanded services at Safe Harbor Manistee through its community health investments, helping strengthen basic needs support and skill-building resources for guests working toward long-term stability and independence.
According to Munson, the investment will help support access to laundry facilities, financial literacy education, life skills coaching and educational opportunities such as GED preparation, according to the release.
Safe Harbor Director Jeff Carter said the support will help the shelter offer more than immediate safety.
“Warmth and safety matter — but so do the building blocks of independence,” Carter said. “Munson’s support strengthens the resources and guidance we can offer guests as they work toward long-term stability.”
The partnership is rooted in Munson’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies economic security and housing as core drivers of health.
“Housing is health, and stability is built — often one achievable step at a time,” said Kristi Johnson, chief nursing officer for Munson Healthcare’s South Region, including Manistee Hospital. “Access to clean clothing, help with budgeting, or support while pursuing education can remove critical barriers and create pathways forward. We’re honored to invest in these social determinants of health alongside Safe Harbor Manistee.”
In the past year, Munson directed $150,000 to street medicine programs in Traverse City, Cadillac, Benzonia and Kalkaska, $75,000 to Goodwill Northern Michigan to support regional homelessness solutions and $10,000 to River House to help survivors of domestic violence build long-term security in Grayling.
ECHO His Love, which operates Safe Harbor Shelter, began in 1992 as Love for Children, supporting Manistee County families with young children. It expanded to Love INC of Manistee in 2005 and into Benzie County in 2006.
Today, ECHO His Love works with area churches to meet physical and spiritual needs by connecting people with basic needs resources, teaching life skills through Family Life Centers, providing Safe Harbor winter shelter and repurposing donated goods through the Love INC Store.
The shelter is open from Nov. 1 through April 30 and has 20 beds, providing 2,960 overnight stays each season. The work is supported by a small staff, more than 300 volunteers, 44 church partners and numerous community organizations, service clubs and businesses.
More information is available at Ministry | United States | ECHO His Love.