Lansing Shelter to Limit services for Single Homeless Individuals
Published: 2025/11/26 22:09:08
Lansing,Michigan – The Haven,the second-largest homeless shelter in Lansing,announced it will discontinue overnight services specifically for single individuals experiencing homelessness. This change, effective immediately, stems from increasing operational costs and a growing demand for services among families.
According to a statement released by The Haven’s director, Katrina Cole, the decision wasn’t easy. “We’re facing a difficult situation,” Cole explained. “The rising costs of utilities, food, and staffing, combined with a notable increase in families needing shelter, have forced us to make some tough choices.” The shelter will continue to provide services for families and individuals seeking daytime resources, including meals and access to case management.
The haven currently serves approximately 150 individuals nightly, with roughly 60 of those being single adults. Those individuals will now need to seek option shelter options. local advocacy groups express concern about the impact of this reduction in services, particularly during the approaching winter months.
“This is a critical time of year for people experiencing homelessness,” says Sarah Miller, Executive Director of the Greater lansing Homeless Coalition. “The Haven has been a vital resource, and losing those beds will undoubtedly put more people at risk.” Miller’s organization is working to identify and coordinate available resources, including outreach to other shelters and warming centers in the area.
Several factors contribute to the rising homelessness rates in Lansing. These include a shortage of affordable housing, increasing poverty, and limited access to mental health and substance abuse services. Ingham County’s most recent Point-in-Time count,conducted in January 2024,identified 638 people experiencing homelessness,a 12% increase from the previous year. Ingham County Point-in-Time Count
The City of Lansing and Ingham County are exploring potential long-term solutions to address the homelessness crisis. These include increasing funding for affordable housing initiatives and expanding access to supportive services. However, immediate relief for those displaced by The Haven’s decision remains a significant challenge.
Individuals seeking assistance can contact the following resources:
- 2-1-1 Ingham County: Provides information and referrals to health and human service programs. https://www.211ingham.org/
- Greater Lansing Homeless Coalition: Offers advocacy and coordination of services. https://www.greaterlansinghomeless.org/
- The Salvation Army of Lansing: Provides emergency shelter and other assistance.https://salvationarmymichigan.org/lansing/