It is with regret that Light at the Inn of Dickinson County has decided to suspend its mission outreach. This has been a most difficult decision and will be effective as of June 1.

In the spring of 2016, representatives from a number of churches within Dickinson County recognized the need for some type of temporary shelter for the homeless community in our area. Within months this group established an administrative board, obtained their 501(c )(3) documentation, secured financial and community support and planned for a winter rotating shelter to open in the fall. This project began as combined effort of eight local churches as well as hundreds of volunteers. Community, business and personal donations as well as a large grant from the Dickinson Community Foundation were able to underwrite this endeavor. For four years the shelter rotated between area churches during the winter months, serving more than 120 persons annually.

The arrival of COVID with all its extenuating circumstances changed the operations of Light at the Inn but not its mission. We were unable to open our churches to house the homeless but, working with Community Action, we were still able to secure temporary hotel rooms, supply food and other necessary items. Community Action Alger-Marquette continues to take calls during business hours to assist those without housing. In addition, Michigan 211 is operating throughout the state now on a 24-hour basis and hopefully a simple phone call can secure information or even a hotel voucher for a person in need.

Light at the Inn remains thankful to the Community Foundation, the many local churches, businesses and individuals who supported this outreach both financially and with their time and efforts. Since all funding for Light at the Inn was donated, any remaining balance will be donated to other 501(c)(3) organizations in our area who are committed to assisting those in homeless situations.

It is our hope that eventually a permanent shelter be will established in this community to assist those who struggle with homelessness.

We are grateful that we were able to serve.