Exciting progress is underway at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in Bay City, Michigan, where a brand-new drop-in shelter is just days away from opening its doors to community members in need. According to Dan Streeter, Chief Executive Officer of Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan, the facility is in its final stages and awaiting only last inspections before welcoming its first guests.

"We are getting very close," Streeter shared enthusiastically, noting that inspections are expected before Monday, January 12, after which an official opening date will be announced.

The new drop-in center represents a significant expansion of care for Bay City's homeless population. Located in a previously unused area of the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission at 713 9th Street, the facility will offer immediate, short-term overnight shelter on a drop-in basis—filling a critical gap in local services. The center will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and can accommodate up to 35 guests each night in a simple, dignified layout.

What makes this development particularly heartening is the thoughtful preparation behind it. Staff members have already been hired and are currently undergoing comprehensive training to ensure they can provide compassionate, effective support from day one. The center will meet essential needs including access to showers, clothing, and nutritious meals, while also connecting guests with vital resources.

Streeter has expressed enthusiasm about partnering with local organizations to offer mental health care, physical health services, and other supportive programs. The facility will also help individuals navigate government assistance programs, obtain identification, and access legal support—all crucial steps toward stability and self-sufficiency.

The welcoming approach extends to the center's minimal rules, which only prohibit weapons and drugs. Importantly, individuals with prior convictions will be welcome, recognizing that everyone deserves access to safe shelter and basic human dignity.

This project was made possible through $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding, drawn strategically from previous program years to ensure uninterrupted construction despite federal budget uncertainties. The Bay City Commission showed strong support by approving the initiative, recognizing the urgent community need.

The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission has been a pillar of hope in Bay City since opening in 2005, originally serving homeless women and children. Its growth tells a story of expanding compassion: adding a men's shelter in 2009, the Samaritan Youth Shelter in 2021, the Labadie Lofts in 2023, and the Doud House in 2024. Yet mission leaders and city officials recognized that a drop-in center was still needed to provide immediate help without barriers.

Additionally, the mission is expanding its kitchen cooler capacity to better serve meals to an increasing number of guests—ensuring no one goes hungry.

As Bay City prepares for this meaningful addition to its network of care, the community can take pride in its commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members. The new drop-in center isn't just a building—it's a beacon of hope, offering warmth, safety, and a pathway forward for those who need it most.