“It takes a society to combat homelessness, and a strong nation to fight poverty” – Wayne Chirisa, author and entrepreneur
New Homeless Court Program Launches in Flint, MI
It’s not often you hear of a court system thinking innovatively. And yet it happened in Flint, Michigan. Over a year ago, a Genesee County judge decided to take the “narrow path” and do things differently to serve the homeless population in his community.
Judge G. David Guinn believes everyone needs a little help – especially in today’s uncertain world. In 2019 he partnered with the ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty to explore a Homeless Court program that supports homeless individuals to easily address low-level misdemeanor offenses, traffic fines and warrants.
According to Jayesh Patel, chair of the Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, rather than the normal consequences of those charges, homeless individuals are given “functional sentences that combine and direct people to services instead of punishments [which] achieve a better long-term public safety outcome.” After they are sentenced, homeless services come alongside the court system to conduct an assessment and develop a plan to help get their lives back on track.
This partnership is a true example of community support, and other counties across Michigan have also adopted it. To read Amanda Robert’s article in full, click here to go to the American Bar Association (ABA) Journal webpage.
We, at Sheltering Grace, are proud to support the homeless mothers and babies we serve. We welcome donations, so please contact us at 678-337-7858 to learn how you can help. Each mother and baby will be truly grateful for your kindness.
Sheltering Grace Ministry, Ltd. is a 501(c)3 Ltd. non-profit ministry. We resolve the initial crisis of homelessness by providing mothers with a safe place to live during pregnancy. We also equip them with the tools they need to improve decision-making, enhance employment options, and increase family income to act responsibly as the head of their household. All of our services develop their self-reliance to progress to permanent independent living. Please join us in renewing and rebuilding the lives of these brave women – #Be1of5000.
