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.

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

See What We’re Up To

  • Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse

    From Volunteer to Shelter Staff It’s tough to lose a good volunteer – ask any organization that relies heavily on them. But what about volunteers who become staff? Safe Harbor is lucky to have four of those: 🌟 Jenny Wallman, staff and guest supervisor 🌟 Brett Flowers, assistant shelter supervisor 🌟 Reid Nelson, guest relations staff member 🌟 Sherry Miller, guest relations staff member We're so grateful for our volunteers-turned-staff-members. Read the full story here --> https://us6.campaign-archive.com/?u=9f8e0689ef9e428f7cdfcd830&id=fba4a7c222

  • Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse

    This past week the Catholic Churches graciously served our guests. It was heartwarming to see their smiling faces, have them join our guests for dinner, and participate in delightful conversations. Thank you for your tireless efforts this past week ✝️

    Our Newsletter