https://www.wcmu.org/tags/homelessness Homelessness en-US Copyright Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:39:37 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-10-22/michigan-seeks-to-limit-rest-stop-stays-some-fear-criminalizing-homelessness The Michigan Department of Transportation is proposing rules to limit camping, panhandling and long-term stays on its properties. Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:39:37 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-10-22/michigan-seeks-to-limit-rest-stop-stays-some-fear-criminalizing-homelessness Janelle D. James, Bridge Michigan https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-07-16/ive-called-shelter-after-shelter-new-rule-could-displace-michigan-mom-living-in-her-car The rule would prohibit extended stays at MDOT rest areas and carpool lots—spaces where some unhoused Michigan residents have sought refuge. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:18:03 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-07-16/ive-called-shelter-after-shelter-new-rule-could-displace-michigan-mom-living-in-her-car Maxwell Howard https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-02-22/study-rural-homelessness-is-underestimated-and-exacerbated-by-opioid-epidemic According to new research, the “Point in Time Count” method used by the federal government to track the unhoused population numbers can be far from accurate when applied in rural areas. Sat, 22 Feb 2025 17:10:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-02-22/study-rural-homelessness-is-underestimated-and-exacerbated-by-opioid-epidemic Liz Carey https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-01-22/grand-traverse-shelter-requests-county-funding-to-run-year-round Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse spoke with Grand Traverse County commissioners during their meeting Wednesday morning, in hopes of finalizing a plan to extend their services year-round. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 20:44:53 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-01-22/grand-traverse-shelter-requests-county-funding-to-run-year-round Blace Carpenter, Teresa Homsi https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-01-08/michigans-homeless-population-increased-in-2024 Nearly 10,000 people across Michigan reportedly experienced homelessness in 2024, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. That's nearly 1,000 more people than in 2023. Wed, 08 Jan 2025 21:25:30 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-01-08/michigans-homeless-population-increased-in-2024 Brianna Edgar https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-07-26/grand-rapids-passes-ordinances-critics-say-new-rules-criminalizes-homelessness The City of Grand Rapids voted to adopt two ordinances Tuesday night aimed at what it says will provide safe spaces for all. Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:57:38 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-07-26/grand-rapids-passes-ordinances-critics-say-new-rules-criminalizes-homelessness Melorie Begay https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-07-24/lansing-lawmaker-introduces-homeless-bill-of-rights-legislation A Lansing state representative has introduced a bill that would further protect the rights of Michiganders experiencing homelessness. Mon, 24 Jul 2023 21:42:12 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-07-24/lansing-lawmaker-introduces-homeless-bill-of-rights-legislation Arjun Thakkar https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-07-12/grand-rapids-city-commission-discuss-new-ordinances-some-have-called-an-attack-on-homelessness The commission held a public hearing Tuesday on proposed ordinance changes that some critics are calling “an attack on the unhoused.” Wed, 12 Jul 2023 20:09:35 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-07-12/grand-rapids-city-commission-discuss-new-ordinances-some-have-called-an-attack-on-homelessness Daniel Boothe https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-09/homeless-student-numbers-are-rising-in-michigan Public school students who experience homelessness is rising across the state. However, new state data shows the numbers are not back to pre-pandemic levels. Mon, 09 Jan 2023 23:37:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-09/homeless-student-numbers-are-rising-in-michigan Rick Brewer https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2022-04-27/homeless-shelters-are-struggling-in-the-midst-of-inflation Homeless shelters and soup kitchens are increasingly in need of donations and volunteers. Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:58:35 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2022-04-27/homeless-shelters-are-struggling-in-the-midst-of-inflation Kylie Sczepanski