After two and half years of planning and reconstruction, Grand Rapids youth shelter The Bridge of Arbor Circle will unveil its new remodeled facility Thursday.
Bridge President and CEO Jack Greenfield says the much needed renovation will provide a more welcoming environment to runaway or homeless youths in West Michigan. Approximately 200 young people don’t know where they are going to sleep on any given night.
“Many of them come from situations where families are struggling. They may be dealing with poverty, they may be dealing with family conflict, and they may be dealing with issues of violence," Greenfield said. "So there is a need to have a safe an immediate place where a youth can go. To resolve some of these issues they need time and they need professional help to be able to get back on track.”
Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Greenfield says the facility is constantly in use and was in desperate need of upgrades.
“Just to have the ability to pick which bedroom they might find most comfortable is bringing smiles to these kids faces,” he said.
More than 100 corporate and individual donors contributed to the two year and a half year renovation. Bridge officials will cut the ribbon Thursday afternoon.
