Ottawa County’s warming centers to include new Gateway Mission men's facility in Holland

HOLLAND — Ottawa County has a number of community spaces designated as warming centers, some of which offer emergency shelter for those in need of an overnight stay. 

Despite West Michigan being predominantly rural, the majority of Ottawa County’s warming centers are located within urban hubs, such as Holland.

In the coming weeks, the city will become home to a new facility, which aims to meet increasing demand and offer enhanced support to members of the community.

The nonprofit Gateway Mission is set to relocate its men’s center at the start of January to expand emergency and long-term services for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

The new center on 643 S. Waverly Road is expected to open Tuesday, Jan. 6, and was built in response to a rising trend in homelessness, according to Gateway Mission.

The former Davenport University building was bought by the organization in 2022 in order to accommodate increased capacity, expanded case management and life-skills training, as well as a professional-grade kitchen for nutritious meals, vocational training and job search assistance.

“Gateway Mission is always available to anyone in our county who needs assistance,” said Director of Ministry Operations Scott Klingberg. “Gateway focuses on both emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation, whereas warming centers focus solely on emergency relief.”

The current men’s center on South River Avenue has offered Christ-centered care for over 30 years by offering immediate shelter and working to address long-term stability. Klingberg said ultimately, the nonprofit decided to move out of its 100-year-old facility and settle into a modern building better able to accommodate community members, and is surrounded by green space.

Gateway Mission’s Women’s and Children’s Center on Fairbanks Avenue is also set to see enhanced services and capacity in the new year, with details yet to be announced.

Other spaces in Ottawa County designated as non-emergency warming centers, such as Holland’s Community Action House, are open throughout the day to provide warm meals for those sheltering from plummeting temperatures and inclement weather.

The organization’s Director of Communications, Katy Russner-Travis, said during service hours, guests can visit the space to stay safe, access a healthy meal and connect with stability-building resources.

“Designating our Community Kitchen as a warming center means neighbors know they can come to us if they’re struggling to find a warm place during the day,” Russner-Travis said. “Everyone in our community deserves a place they can go to stay warm and safe, especially during a season that’s meant to be filled with joy and connection.”

Russner-Travis said while the organization’s Outreach and Housing Access Team is working with more unhoused neighbors than ever before, she has not seen an increase in the Community Kitchen being used as a warming center.

She pointed toward Community Action House’s work with regional partners like Gateway Mission and Lakeshore Housing Alliance in connecting individuals with stable housing. Russner-Travis went on to emphasize the interconnected nature of food and housing insecurity.

“During the holidays, many families find their budgets stretched even tighter,” Russner-Travis said. “Everyone deserves good food and moments of celebration, especially during the holidays, and our community’s generosity makes that possible for thousands of neighbors through our programs.”

In addition to organizations working full-time to address housing insecurity, local spaces like libraries also offer a place for community members to warm up throughout the day. According to Sara DeVries, community relations manager of Herrick District Library, the library works in partnership with Community Action House by referring visitors in need of assistance to the organization. 

“Community Action House works inside the main library 20 hours per week and at the North Branch on Fridays,” DeVries said. “We are grateful for a partnership that allows each organization to serve library guests within our unique areas of expertise.”

DeVries said that although Herrick District Library does not function solely as a warming center, the space is open to anyone in the community looking for a warm place to spend extended periods of time.

“The library is open to everyone, which includes people who might need a place to warm up,” said DeVries. “While the library is not a warming center in the same sense that other organizations might be, we hope being listed alongside other warming centers is a good reminder of our extensive open hours to the community.”

DeVries pointed community members toward the library’s hours of operation, both for the downtown Holland and North Branch locations. She noted Herrick District Library has many programs available for those spending time utilizing the facility throughout the winter season.

“We offer programs for all ages both inside and outside the building,” DeVries said. “These offerings might enrich the experience of anyone who might be inside our space for an extended period of time.” 

Spaces such as Gateway Mission, Community Action House and Herrick District Library work in partnership to connect those experiencing homelessness and poverty with resources that are local and tailored to their individual needs.

Whether members of the West Michigan community are looking for short-term, immediate shelter from wintry weather or overnight, emergency assistance, there are a variety of spaces set up to accommodate those in need. 

Warming centers in Ottawa County:

• Gateway Mission Men’s Center at 166 S. River Ave., Holland until Jan. 6, and 643 S. Waverly Road beginning Jan. 6 (Hours of operation)
• Gateway Mission Women and Children’s Center at 356 Fairbanks Ave., Holland (Hours of operation)
• Community Action House at 739 Paw Paw Drive, Holland (Hours of operation)
• Herrick District Main Library at 300 S. River Ave., Holland (Hours of operation)
• Herrick District Library North Branch at 155 Riley St., Holland (Hours of operation)
• Grand Haven Community Center at 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven (Hours of operation)
• Loutit District Library at 407 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven (Hours of operation)
• Love in Action of the Tri-Cities Community Co-op at 326 N. Ferry St., Grand Haven (Hours of operation)
• The Salvation Army at 310 N. Despelder St., Grand Haven (Hours of operation)

— Contact ONN reporter Hailey Hentz at hhentz@ottawanewsnetwork.org.