Drop-In and Resource Center
In addition to providing refuge from inclement weather, the SHARE Center offers a number of on-site enrichment activities and uses an extensive network of community partners to provide referrals for housing, employment, education, and counseling services.
The SHARE Center is working with the Homeless Coalition of Calhoun County and Michigan Rehabilitation Services to provide on-site employment assistance. Thanks to the generous support from the Willard Library, we will soon have an updated computer lab and library.
Community Meals Program
Each year, the SHARE Center serves over 19,000 meals to individuals and families in need 365 days a year. We are working with local churches and seeking donations in order to expand our services. We currently offer the following meals:
- 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.
IDs and Vital Records
Not having a state ID and/or vital records is often an insurmountable barrier for people experiencing homelessness. Vital records and state IDs are required to receive a variety of public benefits, to obtain employment, and open a bank account.
Each year, our dedicated staff helps 2-300 individuals track down the documentation required for obtaining a state ID and vital records. With support from our County Clerk and County Commissioners, we are able to secure vital records fee waivers for homeless individuals born in Calhoun Co. We also have limited funds to help pay for vital records and documents outside of Calhoun Co. and for state IDs.
In 2018, the SHARE Center was recognized by the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness with a Public Policy Champion Award for our work implementing two pilot programs that allow homeless individuals to use alternative documentation towards getting a state ID and secure fee waivers for county held vital records.
Thanks to the passage of MI. Senate Bill 404, we will be able to secure fee waivers for state IDs beginning March 29, 2019.
For more information and appointments regarding the vital records and ID Program, please contact Margaret Krueger at margaret.krueger@sharecenterbc.org