Two years ago we opened Dann’s House with the simple goal of getting some of the most vulnerable people off of Traverse City’s streets and giving them a place to be safe, dry, and warm. We brought guys into Dann’s House with little expectation of significant improvement. The transformations that we have seen in many of our residents since opening have been nothing short of miraculous.

Tom J. had been living on the streets of Traverse City for years. He says:

My life had no purpose. I would go to a free breakfast at a church, then hang out in the park and drink. Drinking was the only thing that dulled the pain – the pain of loneliness, and of feeling like there was no point to being alive.

After he moved into Dann’s House, he found a sense of community and started feeling hope for the future. He now consumes less than half the amount of alcohol that he did when he was “living rough,” and he is receiving care for his physical and mental health for the first time in years.

A total of 26 men, up to eight at a time, have lived at Dann’s House, in a safe environment that the street can never offer. Eight have moved on to independent living, and six more have the realistic expectation of doing so soon. Five have been reunited with their families. One died from cancer, safe and warm and free of pain. One, having lowered his alcohol intake, discovered that some health problems that had been blamed on his drinking were actually more serious, and Dann’s House was able to help him get the medical care he needs.

All of the residents have reduced their alcohol intake, are receiving or applying for the benefits that they’re entitled to, and are making and keeping appointments with doctors and counselors. Most are employed or volunteering.

Will you help Dann’s House continue to serve our most vulnerable neighbors and improve the quality of life in our community?

Click Here to make an online donation…