• Amber Ogden, Staff Writer
• January 22, 2025
• Originally Published: Michigan Chronicle 
• Client: Grace Centers of Hope

In the heart of Southeastern Michigan, Grace Centers of Hope (GCH) is making a lasting difference, offering a lifeline to those battling homelessness, addiction, and abuse. As one of the region’s most impactful faith-based organizations, GCH serves over 125,000 meals annually and provides vital transitional shelter to hundreds of men, women, and children each year, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future.

Darin Weiss, COO of GCH, highlighted the programs offered are vital to the community.

“Grace Centers of Hope provides a residential program. We have a year-long life skills program for men, women, and kids who can come in and spend a full year with us who are suffering from homelessness, addiction, possibly human trafficking,” Weiss said.

“And after that year-long program, they have an opportunity to stay for another two years in our aftercare program in a community of houses that we’ve renovated in Pontiac, which has the make-up of a campus setting.”

Established in 1942, GCH has been a cornerstone of support and healing for individuals affected by homelessness, chemical dependency, and abuse across southeast Michigan. As one of the largest faith-based, long-term life skills programs in the region, GCH provides help and hope to those in need without relying on government funding, remaining steadfast in its mission and vision.

For over eight decades, Grace Centers of Hope has been dedicated to offering programs for men, women, and children seeking shelter, healing, and transformation. The organization’s approach is rooted in Christian principles, focusing on the importance of emotional healing alongside practical life skills education. GCH believes that true change begins with addressing the hurts of the heart and works to restore dignity and hope in the lives of its residents.

“There are individuals that I would consider some of the most vulnerable in our community, especially as it gets cold and there’s nowhere to go,” Weiss said.

“For example, mothers with kids are more apt to stay in really broken situations, and so having a place like Grace Center of Hope where they can bring their kids is vital.”

At the heart of the organization’s work is its Christian-based philosophy, which emphasizes a supportive community and accountability and provides individuals with the tools necessary for long-term success. GCH’s commitment to its residents is not just to provide temporary relief but to foster lasting transformation through comprehensive life skills education, employment readiness, and personal accountability.

Weiss emphasized this line of work is not work to him but God’s call on my life.

“I always wanted to spend my life doing something I felt mattered. And I think chasing after things that are shiny, that ultimately, rust doesn’t really matter in the end,” Weiss said.

One of the many success stories emerging from GCH in the past year is that of Detroit resident Kim Hamilton. After years of battling addiction, homelessness, and severe health issues caused by poor nutrition, Hamilton found a sanctuary at GCH. The organization’s nutritious meals and compassionate care helped stabilize her health, including successfully managing her Type 2 diabetes.

“The first time I came here, I was introduced by Common Ground mental health facility, and they helped me get connected with Grace Centers of Hope,” Hamilton said.

Now on a path to rebuild her future, Hamilton is focused on furthering her education. She is working toward earning her GED and has plans to attend college to pursue a career as a radiologist.

“I’m getting my GED so I can eventually get a job. I want to work with animals and go into radiology one day,” Hamilton said.

“Thanks to Grace Centers of Hope and the grace of God, I’m feeling better than ever.”