
Our Mission
Led by the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, the City of Traverse City, and Grand Traverse County, the Housing and Homelessness Task Force is an initiative designed to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness in our communities. It brings together representatives from government, homeless and social service providers, healthcare, housing development, law enforcement, and other key sectors to align efforts, maximize resources, and drive long-term solutions for safe and stable housing.
From May through September 2025, work groups are focusing on three key areas: emergency shelter, safety net services, and housing solutions. These groups will assess current gaps, identify best practices, and develop actionable strategies. The resulting plan will guide implementation efforts starting in 2026, ensuring a coordinated, sustainable approach to addressing homelessness.


Key Goals
The Task Force is pursuing a unified strategy that aligns efforts across agencies to deliver shared goals, streamline services, and use resources efficiently in order to prevent and end homelessness in the region. By coordinating across sectors and establishing clear, common objectives, the group aims to reduce fragmentation and ensure that every initiative advances the same mission with maximum impact.
Addressing systemic barriers is central to the plan. The Task Force will tackle factors such as housing affordability, mental health services, addiction treatment, and economic stability to create long-term solutions that reduce the risk of homelessness. This holistic approach recognizes that sustainable progress requires not only shelter but also the supports and opportunities that enable people to maintain stable housing.
To maximize impact, the Task Force will strengthen coordination of federal, state, and local funding, close service gaps, and advocate for additional resources to meet rising demand for housing and supportive services. It will enhance service coordination by bringing together housing providers, healthcare systems, and social services to ensure individuals receive the right help at the right time. Progress will be tracked through measurable goals and regular evaluations, promoting transparency and continuous improvement, while community perspectives and stakeholder input— via public sessions and collaboration with community leaders—will shape awareness, education, and effective strategies.
Finally, the group will advocate for policy solutions that expand deeply affordable housing, boost funding for services, and remove regulatory barriers hindering those experiencing homelessness.
Focus Areas
Crisis management/ Safety
Prevention and Diversion
Access to the Homeless Response System
Basic Needs
Emergency Shelter and Day Shelter
Housing Navigation Services
Housing With and Without Supports
Development of Deeply Affordable Housing
Supports that Enhance Housing-Based
Case Management


Task Force Structure

The Leadership Team
The Leadership Team provides strategic direction, oversight, and accountability for the community-wide Task Force’s efforts to address and end homelessness. They are responsible for setting the overall vision, guiding the development of the community plan, and ensuring that Work Groups have the resources and support needed to succeed.
Nate Alger Grand Traverse County
Rick Bellingham Facilitator
Ashley Halladay-Schmandt NWCEH
Ryan Hannon Central United Methodist Church
Benjamin Marentette City of Traverse City
Christie Minervini NWCEH
Sakura Takano Rotary Charities
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council will include the Leadership Team, Work Group chairs, community leaders, local and state officials, and subject matter experts. They will review progress from each work group, offer input on proposed solutions, and help secure the necessary resources and policy support to implement the community plan.
Nate Alger Grand Traverse County
Chris Barsheff Garfield Township
Nikki Basch Great Lakes Housing Services
Becca Binder Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing
Dan Buron Goodwill Northern Michigan
Warren Call Traverse Connect
Randy Fewless Grand Traverse County Sheriff Dept.
Karl Fulmer Traverse City Housing Commission
Ashley Halladay-Schmandt NWCEH
Ryan Hannon Central United Methodist Church
Jennifer Holm Traverse City Police Dept. Social Work
Michele Howard Traverse Area District Library
Sarah Hughes Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency
Terri LaCroix-Kelty Munson Medical Center
Deb Lake Goodwill Northern Michigan
Bailey LaPan Goodwill Northern Michigan Street Outreach
Jen Leaf Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Pat Livingston Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse
Benjamin Marentette City of Traverse City
Alison Metiva Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Angela Mikula Lived Experience of Homelessness
Connor Miller Aspire North
Christie Minervini NWCEH
Chief Matt Richmond Traverse City Police Dept.
Kendall Rodriquez Networks Northwest Offender Success
Sakura Takano Rotary Charities
Chief Jim Tuller Traverse City Fire Dept.
Megan Wick Community Cares Coalition



Safety Net Services
Work Group
The Safety Net Services work group is developing recommendations to strengthen support systems that prevent homelessness and assist those currently experiencing it. Focus areas include access to healthcare and mental health services, crisis intervention, diversion and prevention efforts, and essential resources.
Joe Barkman Northern Lakes Community Mental Health
Ryan Hannon Central United Methodist Church
Jennifer Holm Traverse City Police Dept.
Dr. David Klee Munson Family Practice
Bailey LaPan Goodwill Northern Michigan
Paula Lapinski Addiction Treatment Services
Tara Peck Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency
Emergency Shelter and Services Work Group
The Emergency Shelter and Services work group is developing recommendations to Improve crisis response systems and ensure immediate, safe, and supportive shelter. This includes enhancing emergency shelters, day services, and housing navigation efforts.
Dan Buron Goodwill Northern Michigan
Jessica Hamilton Community Cares Coalition
Ryan Hannon Central United Methodist Church
Patrick Livingston Safe Harbor
Mike McCrary Safe Harbor
Jason Parks The Salvation Army
Hannah Wescott Grace Episcopal/ Jubilee House


Housing Solutions
Work Group
The Housing and Homelessness Task Force is an initiative designed to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness in our communities. It brings together representatives from government, homeless and social service providers, healthcare, housing development, law enforcement, and other key sectors to align efforts, maximize resources, and drive long-term solutions for safe and stable housing.
Becca Binder Northern Michigan Supportive Housing
Dan Buron Goodwill Northern Michigan
Maxwell Cameron Grand Traverse County
Shelly Charron Housing North
Nora Dunlop Goodwill Northern Michigan
Catherine Distelrath Corporation for Supportive Housing
Julie Ellalasingham St. Vincent DePaul
Karl Fulmer Traverse City Housing Commission
Sarah Hughes NW Michigan Community Action Agency
Seth Johnson Cunningham-Limp
Claire Karner East Bay Township
Paula Lapinski Addiction Treatment Services
Tony Lentych Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Craig Patterson Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Juliette Schultz Women’s Resource Center
Jon Stimson Homestretch
Shawn Winter City of Traverse City
Special Thanks to Our Task Force Supporters








