Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse

Caring, Compassionate, Community-Focused

become a volunteer

Update: Year-round shelter.

Task force update - January 2026

Safe Harbor staff

Safe Harbor will remain open year-round

About Safe Harbor

Food, Shelter, Hope

Safe Harbor supports the physical and spiritual welfare of people experiencing homelessness by providing emergency shelter, food, and hope.

 

We operate a non-profit, volunteer-run Seasonal Emergency Shelter and a year-round Housing & Human Services Resource Center. As part of the Continuum of Care, we also focus on community partnerships in order to better collaborate on long-term solutions to ending homelessness in our region.

Why Volunteer

Since 2004, thousands of volunteers have given their time and love to help others in their community through Safe Harbor, which operates year-round. The more you learn about our people, our guests and our mission, the more you’ll want to join us.

Donate

Safe Harbor is largely volunteer-operated. This means your donation goes directly to the shelter functions.  Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Safe Harbor’s effort. Select from a one-time Sponsoring of a Day, a Bed, or Subscribing Monthly. Learn more about our donation process and which items we accept at what time. View some of our most common donation types below.

  • Help Sponsor a Day
    $50
    The overhead to run our shelter program include not only the utilities and facility upkeep, but the often unseen things like insurance and other operational expenses.
  • Sponsor a Bed
    $250
    By sponsoring at this level, you help Safe Harbor cover the costs for one of our 82 nightly shelter spots for an entire season.

Community Partners

Safe Harbor is grateful to our wonderful community of partners, without which our mission would not be possible. Our thanks to the following groups that have provided caring, compassionate hospitality to our guests at Safe Harbor.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
St. Patrick Catholic Church
Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness
Traverse Health Clinic
Traverse City Police Department
Presbyterian Church of Traverse City Michigan
St. Philip Neri
West Side Community Church
Christ the King Catholic Church
Northwest Michigan Healthcare Services (NMHSI)
Munson Healthcare
Sojourn Church
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints
Munson Family Practice
Goodwill Inn
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Northern Lakes Community Church
Grace Episcopal Church
Bayview Church
GTC Health Department
Northern Lakes Community Mental Health
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing (NMSH)
Food Rescue of Northern Michigan
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids
Goodwill Housing Support
Faith Reformed Church
Central United Methodist Church
New Hope Community Church
Goodwill Street Outreach
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
St. Patrick Catholic Church
Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness
Traverse Health Clinic
Traverse City Police Department
Presbyterian Church of Traverse City Michigan
St. Philip Neri
West Side Community Church
Christ the King Catholic Church
Northwest Michigan Healthcare Services (NMHSI)
Munson Healthcare
Sojourn Church
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints
Munson Family Practice
Goodwill Inn
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Northern Lakes Community Church
Grace Episcopal Church
Bayview Church
GTC Health Department
Northern Lakes Community Mental Health
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing (NMSH)
Food Rescue of Northern Michigan
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids
Goodwill Housing Support
Faith Reformed Church
Central United Methodist Church
New Hope Community Church
Goodwill Street Outreach
View More

See What We’re Up To

  • Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse

    We extend our gratitude to Sojourn Church for their generous volunteer efforts last week. Their contributions included meal preparation, socializing with our guests, and hosting a Taco Bar, a crowd-pleaser. Thank you for your commitment to Safe Harbor❤️

  • Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse

    📣 Safe Harbor Job Alert! Are you looking to play an important role in your community? Do you have an interest in helping provide a safe and respectful environment for shelter guests? If this kind of work resonates with you, and you’re ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you! Safe Harbor is seeking part-time Guest Relations Staff Members to assist with night operations at the emergency shelter. Their primary role is to be actively engaged with shelter guests as well as with volunteers, providing a safe and respectful environment and supporting Safe Harbor’s mission and vision. Training is provided. Applicants with one to two years experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness are preferred. Applications remain open until this Friday, March 6. Learn more about position responsibilities at the job listing here: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=1984ae8976c6a8a6&from=shareddesktop_email

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