Holy Cross Services (HCS) and Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI) have reached an agreement to transfer the VOAMI Lansing operations to Holy Cross Services effective October 1, 2018.
HCS will assume responsibility and operations of the existing, excellent and comprehensive homeless service system that includes 12 VOAMI Lansing programs and serves over 7,000 individuals annually. Former VOA staff who have done an exceptional job will continue to manage the services located at 430 N. Larch Street, Lansing, Michigan, and HCS will be looking to build upon those services with the programs and services HCS already provides statewide.
In 2017, the VOA served 7,349 individuals and provided services including: an emergency shelter for men, women and children; transitional housing for homeless veterans; hot, nutritious meals for anyone who is hungry; medical and dental care; a day center for the homeless to find respite and recovery; homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services; disability advocacy; permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless disabled individuals; and behavioral health services for the community’s most vulnerable homeless individuals.
“Holy Cross is an ideal agency to carry this forward,” said Alex Brodrick, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Michigan. “Their passion for rebuilding lives is inspiring, and the homeless of Lansing are in good hands. Many details remain, but the intent is to continue programs as they are, with current staff. This is an experienced team, and nobody is better at serving the homeless.”
The program will now be known as “New Hope Community Center.”
“We look forward to this new HCS program and welcome the ‘New Hope Community Center’ to the Holy Cross family,” says Sharon Berkobien, Holy Cross Services CEO. “It is part of our mission to take care of the vulnerable and this fits very naturally in our mission and we are proud and excited for this new addition.”
