100 in 100 housing program seeks furniture donations

ich. (WOOD) — Donations are now being collected for 100 in 100 Kent County, a collaborative initiative to house 100 chronically unhoused individuals in 100 days.

According to an online progress tracker , as of Sept. 10, two people have been housed through the program, and more are expected in the near future.

First two people housed through 100 in 100 Kent County program

"100 people in 100 days is a big effort and I just think everyone's encouraged to start seeing it get underway," said Josh Lunger, vice president of government affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber.

Helping chronically unhoused people find homes is the main objective, but it's also about ensuring they have other resources.

"One of the things that was quickly identified was we're going to need a way to furnish a significant number of units. So, we're targeting 30 to 40 that will need to be furnished," Lunger said.

Housing crisis in West Michigan

On Friday, The Storehouse, a nonprofit warehouse redistribution center in Plainfield Township, began collecting donations from the community as part of the effort.

"We really want to place ourselves as the hub for resources that span the gamut," said Jessica Johns, executive director of The Storehouse.

As people bring in items like new pillows, blankets or other furnishings, The Storehouse will help make sure they get to where they need to.

"So we're providing logistical support, allowing community members to drop their goods off here, helping them oversee their sorting and organization of those goods, and then getting them distributed back into the community," Johns said.

Public, private groups aiming to house 100 people in 100 days

For Johns, being able to assist 100 in 100 is personal.

"For me, it means a lot because I grew up in poverty, which is why I have a huge passion for the work that we do," Johns said. "It truly shows that it takes a village to make all of this happen."

shows plenty of items that are still needed. Lunger said every contribution is important.

"This is someone's permanent housing solution, right? And we want them to have a home and not just an empty room," Lunger said.

The Storehouse, located on Plainfield Avenue NE near 5 Mile Road NE, will collect donations each Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.