Updated January 22, 2026
Dear Community,
When Safe Harbor was invited to participate in the community Task Force to take a broad look at homelessness in our area, our board members were glad to engage in the work and help shape the recommendations, guided by our commitment to pursuing the best possible services for our guests.
The Task Force has put forward recommendations—including continuing a year-round shelter with increased bed capacity, identifying dedicated long-term funding, and exploring the co-location of additional services to better support guests—which represent a starting point rather than a final plan.
Much work remains ahead, including feasibility review by an outside consultant, and any long-term path forward is still a long way off. Safe Harbor remains open, engaged, and optimistic as these conversations continue, and we will only support a final plan that is sustainably funded, aligned with our mission, developed alongside our staff, churches, and volunteers, and clearly in the best interests of the guests we serve.
Link to Housing & Homelessness Task Force draft recommendations
Link to Task Force website
In order to facilitate ongoing dialogue with the community and key stakeholders, we are holding quarterly Community meetings, open to all interested members of the public. These meetings provide an opportunity to ask questions and share about ongoing shelter operations. Each will take place in the McGuire Room of the Traverse Area District Library from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm.
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Tuesday, April 7th, 2026
Tuesday, July 14th, 2026
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
Thank you for your support,
Safe Harbor Board