Traverse City’s recent efforts to clear a longstanding homeless encampment, known as “The Pines,” reveal the severe housing crisis in northern Michigan. As shelters turn away people due to limited space, displaced individuals are left to navigate a system struggling to provide adequate support, exacerbating the issue of homelessness in one of Michigan’s most desirable tourist destinations.
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Encampment Cleared, Residents Displaced
In May, Traverse City officials cleared the “The Pines” homeless encampment, promising shelter for those affected. However, many displaced individuals, including James Patton, are now struggling to find a safe place to stay, with some seeking refuge in public spaces like hospital lobbies and libraries.
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While Safe Harbor, a local shelter, has expanded its services to operate year-round, it still struggles to accommodate everyone in need. Volunteer coordinator Brad Gerlach confirmed that between two and five people are turned away every night due to insufficient space, leaving many to fend for themselves.
Homelessness Worsens Amid Housing Crisis
Northern Michigan, particularly Grand Traverse County, faces a severe shortage of affordable housing. With median home prices reaching $390,000 and incomes failing to match, many residents are trapped in a cycle of poverty and homelessness, which has worsened in the region over the last few years.
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Difficulties in Accessing Resources
Transportation remains a major issue for homeless residents, as shelters and services are often located far from each other. Jubilee House Director Hannah Wescott explained that, with the encampment cleared, many individuals are now sleeping in hidden spots or trekking further out of town, putting them farther from essential resources.
Increasing Demand for Social Services
Following the clearing of “The Pines,” the Traverse City Quick Response Team (QRT) has seen an uptick in referrals, according to Jennifer Holm, a police social worker coordinator. The team has been working to connect displaced individuals with available resources, though Holm acknowledges there is still much work to be done to address the growing homelessness crisis.
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