“I Saw Grand Rapids With New Eyes”: My Volunteering Journey with Neighbors for Neighbors

If you've been in Downtown Grand Rapids, there's a chance you've encountered someone who is less fortunate than you. Most people tend to look away or walk past them, but after years of doing that and feeling guilty, I decided to find out what I could do to help in my own small way.

For the last two years, I've been helping collect coats to donate to the homeless of Grand Rapids. While there are so very worthy organizations in the city who could have easily helped, once I met the folks behind one organization- I knew they were the kind of people that had the same mission I did.

Who exactly is Neighbors for Neighbors?

Grand Rapids Neighbors for Neighbors (N4N) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the unhoused community in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They aim to provide essential goods to those in Downtown Grand Rapids, no strings attached.

By doing this- they are fostering a sense of community and support for those who are most likely to be missed by the system. By distributing clothing, toiletries, and consumables, N4N strives to bridge the gap and meet people where they are to ensure everyone has access to basic necessities.

At the heart of N4N's mission is a belief in the power of human connection. They champion the idea of "humans helping humans," promoting generosity and recognizing the dignity of every individual. Through their monthly distributions and volunteer opportunities, N4N creates a space where people can come together to uplift and support one another. Started by a couple, Helen and Roy, who wanted to help others with their free time- it's become a collective mission to help one day a month, where they can and how they can.

Volunteering with Neighbors for Neighbors was like seeing my city with new eyes. Before, I'd driven past the less fortunate, struggling downtown in Heartside Park countless times. Sometimes I felt a pang of guilt, or handed someone a few dollars at the corner of Wealthy and Divsion. But actually working with N4N, handing out clothing and essential supplies directly to people in need, cracked my heart wide open.

The gratitude in their eyes, the stories they shared – it made me realize how much need exists right here in our own backyard, and how simple acts of kindness can make a world of difference. Sometimes you just need to spend a few minutes in someone else's shoes to realize we all have a lot more in common than you'd imagine.

On Saturday, December 14th the Organization did their very first handout in a new location inside the garage at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, it was an incredible turn out and a humbling reminder of how kind the community can be.

I met a man who after getting a brand new coat, insisted that I pass perfectly good old one along to someone else in need. Another man, insisted we take his walker he no longer needed, because he knows how few and far between resources can be within his community. Both times, I had to walk away from my post and shed a few tears because it was such a reminder that I could be more grateful- since these people have seen the worst of life and still manage to choose kindness.

I encourage you to spend the noon hour on the second Saturday of any month with this organization, getting to know your neighbors and helping out. It costs you nothing, and you'll be surprised how much bigger your heart can be once you meet someone eye to eye, and give them some desperately needed kindness. Get details here.