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Housing Simulation

An Interactive, Educational Learning Experience.

Finding housing partnerships in Grand Rapids can be complicated, hard work. This activity gives participants a small window into our city’s housing assessment system, government-based assistance, and emergency shelter network.

Participants will learn through role play, given specific situations experienced by actual people. Each participant’s goal is to find long-term housing solutions.

Total Time Required – 90 Minutes (including set up and instructions).
Group Size – Between 20 and 120 people.
Age Range – Between 13 and up.

Housing Simulation

Quotes from Past Participants

“Its very hard to find housing, there are lots of steps and even if you solve your problems, it still takes a long time.”
Hannah I.
“It changed my view on the homeless community by seeing how they feel on a day-to-day basis.”
Tillla C.
“I couldn’t wait to get the obstacles (causing homelessness) off, and it really hit me how people who have these obstacles can’t just take them off after 1/2 hour (simulation). I gained so much compassion for unsheltered and homeless people as well as for the people trying to change the system.”
Denae M.

If you’re interested in hosting a Housing Simulation at your church, school

or business, email our Community Engagement Director.

Restorative Practices

A Study on Community, Conflict, and our Creator.

This study is highly interactive with most of the time being spent sharing as a whole group or breaking into smaller groups for activities.

“The fundamental hypothesis of restorative practices is that human beings are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes in behavior when those in positions of authority do things with them, rather than to them or for them.”

Decades of data, research, observation, and implementation have gone into making this social science what it is today.

The principles taught in this study have been used to transform entire Police Departments, Prisons, and Schools. Could your church, school, or business be next?

Total Time Required – Six 90 Minute Session OR Two Five Hour Days.
Group Size – Minimum eight people. Maximum, depends on how much seating your space has!
Age Range – 16 and up.

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

Interested in learning more about Restorative Practices?

Homelessness Awareness

Training on the causes, realities, and solutions to homelessness

Through part one of this training learn about what causes homelessness. Your assumptions and preconceived ideas may be challenged in this section as you discover what really leads to individuals pleading for help on our streets.

Through part two of this training learn some basics about mental health, substance use disorder, and relational poverty. Discover the realities under the surface of actions and behaviors that may seem foreign to us.

In the final part of this training, you will learn practical tools on how to build relationships with individuals experiencing trauma, mental illness, and/or relational poverty. If you want to be a part of the solution, you first need to step into the water.

Total Time Required – Each part of the training takes 30-45 minutes. You can do all three at once, spread the three out over time, or simply choose one part of the course that best meets your needs.
Group Size – Minimum eight people. Maximum depends on how much seating your space has!
Age Range – 16 and up.

Interested in learning more about Homelessness?

Children’s Book and Activity Sheet

Pre-K through 6th Grade

Walk along side Sue, a homeless grandma, as she wanders the city streets in search of hope and happiness. Included with the short story is an activity sheet that contains a word search, maize, coloring project, and more!
Total Time Required – 15 – 30 Minutes
Children's Book and Activity Sheet Pre-K through 6th Grade
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