Drop-In Resource Center
The SHARE Center provides a safe space that is conducive for recovery by offering numerous resources for enrichment and growth. We have on-site services that can help move people from crisis to stability. We offer blankets and clothing to those in need and have services for employment, housing, peer supports as well as resources for removing barriers such as not having an ID or transportation. We can also provide referrals to our extensive network of community partners.
Thanks to support from the Willard Library, the SHARE Center now has a computer lab and library. Consumers can use the computer lab to write resumes and get connected to online services for employment, education, and benefits. The library is growing and has books consumers can read for personal growth or leisure. If you'd like to donate some books to our library, please let us know.
The SHARE Center hosts weekly peer support meetings for Narcotics Anonymous, a Women's Group, and a Bi-Polar Group. The current meeting schedule is:
- Narcotics Anonymous: Saturdays, 12pm
- Bi-Polar Group: Saturdays, 1pm
- Women's Group: Mondays and Thursdays, 1pm
Community Meals Program
There are over 19,000 food insecure individuals in Calhoun County. Each year, the SHARE Center serves roughly 20,000 healthy and delicious meals to individuals and families. We serve meals every day of the year and are working towards expanding our services to cover times during the week when someone would not have anywhere to go for a hot meal.
Meal Schedule September - May
- Hot Breakfast: Monday through Friday from 9:30–10:30a.m.
- Lunch: Saturdays from 11am –2p.m.
- Dinner: Mondays and Wednesdays from 5–6pm, and Fridays from 6–7p.m.
Meal Schedule June - August
- Hot Breakfast: Sundays 9:30am (M-F Provided by St. Thomas's at 16 E. Van Buren)
- Lunch: Saturdays from 11am –2p.m.
- Dinner: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5–6pm, and Fridays from 6–7p.m.
ID and Vital Records
State IDs and County Vital Records are required for employment, banking, schooling, and enrollment in social service programs. In fact, studies indicate nearly half of the homeless population in the U.S. have been denied access to basic needs services because they did not have an ID. For many homeless people, the documentation and financial requirements make obtaining a state ID and a birth certificate impossible.
Our dedicated staff assists between 2-300 homeless individuals every year track down needed documents and cover the costs associated with getting IDs and vital records. In 2018, our efforts earned recognition from the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness at their annual Breakfast of Champions event.
SHARE Center Garden
Our garden is part of our overall approach of offering a variety of healthy and enriching activities. There is a lot of research demonstrating the mental and physical health benefits of gardening. It provides a relaxing opportunity to engage in a meaningful and productive activity.
Thanks to support from the Leila Arboretum, Senior Services of Southwest MI., and the Rotary Club of Battle Creek, the SHARE Center now has its own garden. Kathy from the Leila Arboretum works with our Women's Group and other interested consumers on planting, growing, watering, and weeding.
