Goodwill Inn

Thrift Stores, Community Services/Non-Profits
Hours: The Goodwill Inn in Traverse City, Michigan, serves as a year-round temporary emergency shelter for families and adults experiencing homelessness. Its primary goal is to provide a safe place where individuals can stay free of charge while working to save money, find work, or secure permanent housing. The shelter is designed to support those at their lowest point, offering a place to rest and basic needs, but it is not a comfortable or pleasant environment. Residents are treated as children and must follow strict rules, including being in protective pods by 9 pm and leaving the property by 9 am to seek work or housing. Family apartments are available, ensuring families are not separated during their stay. Many who have experienced the shelter describe it as a place that feels like a portal between hell and Traverse City, with some memories haunting both adults and children. One person shared that their son had nightmares about the place, seeing terrifying images that left him helpless and scared. The atmosphere is often described as harsh and challenging, with some feeling it is more of a grim necessity than a refuge. Beyond the shelter, Goodwill Inn also operates a thrift store where customers can find good name-brand items at affordable prices. However, some note that prices have increased and items may smell due to donation conditions, requiring personal sanitation. The organization is recognized for helping those in need and offers discounts for veterans and seniors, although some believe these discounts should be offered more frequently. Overall, Goodwill Inn is a vital resource for those facing homelessness in the area, providing immediate shelter and connecting individuals with broader resources to improve their situation.

• 0.02 miles

  

  Pete's Place Homeless Shelters

1. Traverse City, Michigan