Homelessness is often associated with the immediate challenges of finding shelter, food and basic necessities. But beyond those needs, being unhoused can also mean losing the connections and support that help people feel secure.

For individuals experiencing homelessness, community can take many forms. It may be found among neighbors in an encampment, through conversations at a local library, or in the relationship with a housing professional who regularly checks in.

To learn more, keep reading!

Shelter

In urban areas, unhoused individuals may stay in shelters, parks, under bridges or in larger encampments. These shared spaces can become informal communities where people develop relationships, look out for one another and share resources.

In rural communities, homelessness can look different. Individuals may seek shelter in tents, vehicles, or along remote two-tracks or deep in the woods, often far from public view.

The Manistee National Forest in Northwest Michigan provides miles of public land where some unhoused individuals find shelter and privacy.

For people accustomed to living independently, the forest can offer a sense of security and autonomy that may be difficult to find elsewhere.

Recognizing the unique challenges of reaching people in these remote locations, TrueNorth has developed a relationship with the Manistee National Forest’s forest rangers.

Lisa Reinecke, homeless solutions director at TrueNorth, said the agency provides the rangers with training on how to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.

“When they find somebody, they will approach them with respect and say, ‘Hey, we work with the Housing Assessment Resource Agency. Are you open to having one of them come out and talk with you?’” Reinecke said.

If an individual agrees, forest rangers share their location with the housing department, allowing staff to arrange a visit.

The team brings food, hygiene supplies and materials for a coordinated entry assessment, which helps evaluate an individual’s immediate needs and identify potential pathways forward.

“Sometimes, we’re the only people who can get out to them to bring them these resources,” Reinecke said.

These outreach efforts demonstrate how addressing rural homelessness often requires meeting people where they are, regardless of where that may be.

Community

The shared nature of some shelter locations in urban areas, particularly encampments, can create opportunities for relationships and mutual support.

A report from The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found that a sense of community, safety and autonomy can be important reasons some people prefer encampments over other living arrangements.

For individuals who have experienced repeated instability, these relationships may provide a sense of belonging and familiarity.

In rural communities, however, the geography of homelessness can make those connections more difficult to establish.

The lack of public transportation, fewer public gathering spaces and greater distances between services can leave individuals isolated.

“When you are in a rural community, often times people don’t want to live in apartment complexes,” Reinecke said.

“We see that with a lot of our unhoused. They’re so used to being by themselves in the middle of nowhere and that’s a comfort thing, so when you’re like, ‘OK, we’re gonna disrupt that equilibrium on your end and put you in with a bunch of people,’ that is terrifying.”

For someone who has spent months or years living alone in the woods, moving into a shared housing environment can represent more than a change in living conditions. It can mean leaving behind a familiar routine and adjusting to new expectations.

Although rural communities may lack the larger gathering places found in urban areas, local libraries, laundromats and food courts can serve as informal hubs where people find temporary means of connection.

Social Isolation

The consequences of homelessness extend beyond the absence of a permanent home.

Research published in BMC Public Health found that people who have experienced homelessness are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness.

“Experiences of homelessness are visible and extreme forms of social exclusion,” the journal article states. “Unhoused people are more socially disconnected, can feel rejected or abandoned and may not have appropriate informal (family, relatives, friends) and formal support networks.”

The physical distance between people and services can compound these barriers for those experiencing rural homelessness. Someone living in a remote location may have few opportunities to interact with others, making outreach efforts an important source of both practical assistance and human connection.

Creating Opportunities

Understanding the role of community in homelessness also means recognizing there is no single path toward stability.

In rural areas, effective support may look like respecting an individual’s desire for privacy and independence while gradually building trust. In urban areas, it may mean respecting the relationships and informal support systems that develop among communities.

Ultimately, addressing homelessness requires more than putting a roof over someone’s head. It requires the creation of opportunities for people to feel safe, supported and connected, wherever they call home.

TrueNorth is proud to create these opportunities.

To learn more about TrueNorth’s Housing Services, visit www.truenorthservices.org/housing-help 

To give to the Housing Department, visit www.truenorthservices.org/hrc-donation

On Thursday, October 22, Camp Newaygo will be celebrating the grand reopening of its Wetland Trail. This trail allows the public to get up close and personal with a natural marvel: the bog.

Keep reading to learn about why the bog matters!

What is a Bog?

Understanding bogs starts with understanding wetlands and peatlands. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or sits at or near the surface, either year-round or during certain periods of the year.

Peatlands are wetland ecosystems defined by a natural buildup of peat, decayed plant material that accumulates under constant water saturation.

A bog is a type of peatland that gets its water exclusively from snow and rainfall. The water and soil is very acidic and anaerobic, or deprived of oxygen. This allows thick layers of peat to build up over time. 

Sphagnum moss and a variety of resilient plant life, including carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and sundew, typically cover bogs. 

Why are these Ecosystems Important?

These ecosystems act as carbon sinks, storing about a third of the world’s carbon, despite occupying only around four percent of the land surface.

Dominic Uhelski, a fire and wetland ecologist, said this carbon from the atmosphere builds the soil and plant life in peatlands such as bogs.

“It’s basically seeing carbon solidified to help regulate the climate,” he said.

Along with absorbing carbon, Wetland ecosystems act as natural water filters, removing phosphorus, metals and nitrogen.

Rodney Chimner is a professor of Wetland Ecology at the Michigan Technological Institute. He said the ability to process nitrogen and release it back into the atmosphere is specific to these ecosystems.

Bogs in particular also provide habitats for specially adapted fauna like amphibians, invertebrates and various species of birds.

Why is Camp Newaygo’s Bog Special?

Walking the Wetland Trail is an immersive experience. The boardwalk suspends you directly above the bog’s surface, allowing you to interact with a notoriously inaccessible ecosystem. Trees and bushes line the path, opening up to hidden lakes and sprawling natural landscapes.

The trail is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing all visitors the opportunity to trek through the bog.

Uhelski said that this aspect of Camp Newaygo’s Wetland Trail is completely unique.

“I’m not aware of any other bog that has a boardwalk that makes it so accessible for people to actually walk through without having to get their feet wet or damaging any plants by treading on them,” he said.

This rare opportunity nearly came to an end in 2024, when a fire ripped through the bog. The fire destroyed over an acre of habitat area and several hundred feet of boardwalk.

When the fire was put out, Chimner, his former advisor, called Uhelski to Camp Newaygo. As a peatland expert, Uhelski assessed the damage and provided guidance on how to move forward with restoration. 

“Peatlands are perfectly capable of burning under the right conditions, but it can be either catastrophic or it can be renewing for the ecosystem,” he said.

Following a fire, it can take years, decades or even centuries for a bog to recover the carbon lost from burning.

After assessing the damage from the Camp Newaygo bog fire, Camp Newaygo recruited Ryan Caro as the Wetland Trail Restoration Director. 

He and teams of volunteers spent two years rebuilding the trail board by board. Through heat, rain and waist-deep muck, they persisted. 

The plant life is recovering since the fire, as sphagnum moss begins to cover the charred ground and ferns spring from the ashes.

The unique, resilient nature of bogs is truly a natural marvel.

The best way to understand this ecosystem, Chimner said, is to experience it for yourself.

“The more people get out there and recognize them and learn about them, the more they’re going to appreciate them, the more they’re going to want to protect them and keep them safe,” he said.

Moving Forward

The Wetland Trail will be opening for the first time since the 2024 fire on Thursday, October 22. 

Before cutting the ribbon, Camp Newaygo is offering a full day of environmental education and celebration. 

Along with the reopening of the trail, the camp will launch its new Hidden Lake Environmental Center, which aims to provide opportunities for people to find community in the growth of their understanding of the natural world.

“It’s a really special place,” Caro said. “What’s really important is getting people out here and teaching them about it.”

For more information about the Wetland Trail reopening and Hidden Lake Environmental Center launch, visit www.campnewaygo.org/events/wetland-trail-opening 

At TrueNorth, we see the impact food insecurity has on our community, which is why we’re committed to helping our neighbors access nutritious food and the resources they need to build greater stability. 

Continue reading to learn more about the realities of food insecurity.

Defined

When you think of food insecurity, do you think of hunger? If you do, you aren’t alone.

Food insecurity is the lack of consistent or reliable access to enough food for yourself or your family. Being food insecure does not necessarily mean someone is currently hungry, but hunger can be a result of food insecurity. 

But is this really a problem in our communities?

The Data

TrueNorth offers services and programs for regions such as Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana counties. The 2024 Feeding America Map the Meal Gap study estimates that Nearly 1 in 5 people in this five-county service area have experienced food insecurity.

Nationally, it was about 1 in 7 people.

So, food insecurity affects a larger share of people in TrueNorth’s service area than it does nationally. 

The research also shows that approximately 23% of children across the five counties were estimated to experience food insecurity. The national rate was about 19%.

This means that nearly 1 in 4 local children have experienced food insecurity, compared with about 1 in 5 children nationally.

This data shows that food insecurity isn’t just an occasional problem in the community, it affects a significant number of local families, including many children. 

What Does Food Insecurity Look Like?

Food insecurity can be difficult to see. It may look like a parent skipping a meal so their children can eat, a family stretching groceries until payday or a child arriving at school without knowing where their next meal will come from.

Mike Voyt, director of Hunger Prevention services at TrueNorth, said food insecurity can affect people at nearly every stage of life, including children, working families and older adults. Rising costs and rural challenges like limited transportation and access to grocery stores can make it difficult for households to afford enough nutritious food. Many working families may be just one unexpected expense away from having to choose between food and other necessities.

“The reality is that anyone can experience a period when there simply is not enough money to cover every basic need,” Voyt said.

Food assistance helps bridge this gap and provides stability during difficult times. Despite the need, stigma and embarrassment often prevent people from seeking help. Many wait until they are in crisis before reaching out. 

What Impacts does Food Insecurity Have?

While the stress of uncertainty can be damaging in and of itself, there are many other ways in which people are affected by food insecurity on a daily basis.

Proof Food Insecurity Policy Research reports that adults living in food-insecure households are more likely to experience infectious diseases, poor oral health and injuries. They are also more prone to chronic conditions like depression and anxiety disorders, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, back problems and chronic pain.

For children, a National Library of Medicine study revealed that “experiences of food insecurity impact child development across physical, cognitive and social–emotional domains.”

Voyt said the effects of food insecurity extend beyond individuals, impacting entire communities. 

“These effects ripple throughout the community, increasing demands on schools, healthcare providers, employers and social services,” he said. “Addressing food insecurity is not just about providing food. It helps build healthier families, stronger schools and more resilient communities.”

What Does TrueNorth Offer?

Addressing food insecurity means helping people access food before a difficult situation becomes a crisis.

That’s why TrueNorth is focused on Hunger Prevention Services.

TrueNorth offers a fully stocked Food Center, Weekend PowerPacks, Mobile Food Pantries and a variety of other services to those in need.

How Can I Help?

The amount of food insecurity in our communities demonstrates why community support matters. 

One way to show your support is by attending one of our upcoming Empty Bowls Events. These events aim to raise the funds necessary to keep our various Hunger Prevention Programs running. 

The events will be held from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday, October 8 at the TrueNorth Service Center in Fremont and Friday, October 9 at the VFW Post 4249 in Newaygo.

There, attendees will enjoy homemade soup and bread, connect with their community and choose a one-of-a-kind hand-glazed ceramic bowl to take home. Every bowl and every meal helps support neighbors facing food insecurity in Newaygo County.

Pull up a chair and help us fight hunger. Visit www.truenorthservices.org/event/emptybowls and register today.

“At the heart of our Hunger Prevention Programs is making sure children, families and older adults have consistent access to nutritious food,” Voyt said. “We want to help build a community where everyone has access to the food and resources they need to live healthy and stable lives.”

Three of TrueNorth’s main service areas are Housing and Homeless Prevention, Food Insecurity; and Heat and Energy Assistance. People struggling with any, or all of these issues, are also at elevated mental health risks. 

Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month. Continue reading to learn more about the mental health risks associated with homelessness, hunger and utility insecurity and what TrueNorth does to help alleviate them.

Mental Health Effects of Homelessness

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists several health risks associated with homelessness. Those impacting mental health include:

• An increased risk for respiratory infections like TB and COVID-19 for those staying in homeless shelters, which lead to stress and exhaustion. 
• Increased risk for mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to higher rates of stress, uncertainty and threats to safety while experiencing homelessness.
• Worsening health outcomes, such as severe illness or death, due to barriers to health care, mental health care and other social services.

Sometimes it’s hard to know if the horse is leading the cart or the cart is leading the horse. As stated by Homeless Hub, “people with poor mental health are more susceptible to the three main factors that can lead to homelessness: poverty, disaffiliation, and personal vulnerability.” It begs the question; are people homeless due, at least in part, to their declined mental health, or vise-versa?

Most experts agree; homelessness amplifies poor mental health. The stress of experiencing homelessness often exacerbates previous mental illness and increases anxiety, fear, depression, sleeplessness and substance use. Homeless Hub also reports people who have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives are two to three times more likely to report their mental health as being poor. 

Impact of Homelessness on Children

EBSCO is a leading provider of research databases, e-journal, book collection development and acquisition management and a major provider of library technology, e-books and clinical decision solutions. In an online report on the causes and effects of homelessness, they state, “Homelessness has definite psychological effects, ranging from the detrimental effects of disrupted sleep to the deep psychological trauma inflicted by chronic stress, instability, and exposure to violence.” 

This report also points out several troubling negative impacts on youth; “Homeless preschoolers are more prone to developmental delays in language, motor skills, and social skills. Children who experience chronic stress due to poverty or homelessness have poorer concentration and memory, affecting their ability to learn.”

Additionally, they display more aggression and shyness, have sleep problems, lower self-esteem and experience more disruptions to their education. Homeless children are also twice as likely to experience hunger, which as we previously discussed, has serious negative effects on children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development.

Mental Health Effects of Hunger

According to Feeding America, hunger can cause many mental health problems including depression, anxiety and even posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The USDA says there’s a strong connection between hunger and chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Poor physical health almost always equals poor mental health.
 
The National Library of Medicine published a report entitled Food Insecurity and Psychological Distress; a Review of Recent Literature. In it, referencing many different sources, they call out several compelling facts. They identified a significant and positive link between food insecurity and depression, anxiety and stress. In one poll from Gallup, results demonstrated a dose-response relationship between food insecurity and poorer mental health. This is a relationship describing how the magnitude of a biological effect (response) changes as the amount or intensity of a stimulus (dose or exposure) increases. As levels of food insecurity worsened (i.e., mild to moderate to severe) so did reported mental health status.

Impact of Hunger on Children

When school age children do not have access to enough nutritious food, they find it harder to concentrate at school. 50% of them will need to repeat a grade at some time during their education. A healthy diet is essential for brain development as well as emotional and mental health.   

The Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, reports child hunger is a predictor of serious mental health issues. These include depression and suicidal thoughts during late adolescence and young adulthood. It is hypothesized child hunger may be related to depression later in life as a result of nutritional deprivation. 

In Hunger: Its Impact on Children’s Health and Mental Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics states the following; “Compared with pre-school age children with no hunger, severe hunger was associated with higher rates of homelessness (75% vs 48%), more traumatic life events (8.5 vs 6), low birth weight (23% vs 6%), and higher levels of chronic illness and internalizing behavior problems.” 

For both preschoolers and school-aged children, severe child hunger was associated with higher levels of internalizing behavior problems. After controlling for housing status, mother’s distress and stressful life events, severe child hunger was also associated with higher reported anxiety/depression among school-aged children. Mothers with school-aged children who face severe hunger are also 56.2% more likely to have PTSD and 53.1% more likely to have severe depression. The inability to feed your loved ones can have traumatic effects on a person’s mental health.   

Mental Health Effects of Energy Insecurity

In a recent report from Psychiatrist.com we learn about the growing public health concerns of Energy Insecurity. Over 40% of Americans reported at least one form of energy insecurity in 2024. The report states those unable to afford adequate heating, cooling or electricity have twice the risks of poor mental health.  

A comprehensive new analysis published in JAMA Network Open in late October of 2025 shows energy insecurity is not just an economic issue. It is a mental health issue as well. Their findings stated; “In this cross-sectional study of 187 million US adults, individuals experiencing at least 1 form of energy insecurity in the past year had significantly higher odds of reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety compared with individuals without energy insecurity.” 

The study referenced data from nearly 1.14 million responses collected from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. Collected between December 2022 and September 2024, 22% admitted they were unable to pay a full energy bill. 22% also kept their homes at unsafe temperatures as means to save money.       

Additionally, as people struggle to keep the lights and heat on, they often forgo other expenses like medical care, including mental health treatment. Over a third (34%) cut back on food, medicine or other necessities to cover energy costs. 

Energy-insecure adults lived with 2.29 times greater odds of anxiety and 2.31 times greater odds of depression. Even after accounting for related hardships (such as food insecurity and housing instability), energy insecurity remained a reliable indicator of poor mental health. 

Impact of Energy Insecurity on Children  

Families experiencing food insecurity also often experience energy insecurity. Known as Dual Food and Energy Hardships, it creates undo mental stress on children, causing a number of adverse mental health issues.     

According to a report published by the National Library of Medicine, approximately 10% of households reported dual food and energy hardship. Children experiencing dual food and energy hardship had three times greater odds of withdrawn/depressed behaviors. They also showed four times greater odds of rule breaking behavior.  

Energy insecurity severely impacts children’s mental health, causing higher rates of anxiety, depression and chronic stress. It manifests through fear of utility shut-offs, chronic discomfort from extreme temperatures, and, in many cases, associated food insecurity, leading to behavioral problems and emotional distress.  

What TrueNorth Does to Alleviate Homelessness

TrueNorth’s Housing Resource Center strives to keep families and individuals in safe and affordable housing, while working towards the goal of self-sufficiency.

TrueNorth helps families from low-income households remain in their current housing or to acquire safer, more affordable housing by providing housing assistance with rent payments to prevent homelessness, or secure housing for those in crisis.

TrueNorth is also a designated Housing Assessment & Resource Agency (HARA) for Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana counties and a partner of the West Michigan Housing Network.

What TrueNorth Does to Alleviate Hunger

Hunger Prevention Programs decrease poverty and promote prosperity by working to ensure that all people in our community have consistent, dependable access to enough food for active, healthy living. TrueNorth offers a self-select Food Center for area residents. Food Center members have access to services such as cooking classes, nutrition consultations, food preservation resources and referrals.  
TrueNorth also hosts Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry distribution at our service center twice a month.

What TrueNorth Does to Energy Insecurity

The stress of food insecurity is often compounded by the looming threat of a utility shut-off, creating a cycle of anxiety that can severely impact mental health. To support those facing these challenges, the emPower heat and energy assistance program offers a vital safety net for qualified families across all 83 Michigan counties. By providing financial aid for heat-related utility bills, deliverable fuels and energy conservation initiatives, emPower helps ensure families can maintain a safe, well-lit, home kept at a healthy temperature alleviating one of the most significant burdens of poverty.

Beyond immediate financial relief, the program provides Self-Sufficiency Services. These services are designed to address the root causes of energy instability by helping participants develop long-term stability. This includes personalized assistance with budgeting, enrolling in affordable payment plans and optimizing energy efficiency within the home. By fostering self-sufficiency, emPower aims to break the cycle of “crisis-to-crisis” living and provide families with the mental peace of mind that comes from predictable, manageable household expenses.

Food insecurity continues to plague Americans everywhere. Large numbers of people regularly access resources at food banks and pantries, like the TrueNorth Food Center. The negative impacts of food insecurity are staggering. They include higher risks of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. They also make communities less healthy, productive and resilient. 

Accessing fresh produce is one of the most difficult things for people experiencing food insecurity. It is one of the reasons a program like TrueNorth’s Plant-a-Row for Hunger is so important. It also makes the prospect of home gardening much more appealing and even necessary for those facing food insecurity.  

Continue reading to learn more about the impacts of food insecurity, TrueNorth’s Food Center, their Plant-a-Row for Hunger Campaign and trends in home gardening.  

Hunger in America

The USDA reports nearly 14% of US Households were food insecure at least some time during the year, in 2024. In a report from that year, they define “very low food security” as the more severe range of food insecurity. This is when one or more household members experience reduced food intake and disrupted eating patterns because of limited money or other resources for food. In 2024, 5.4 percent of households experienced very low food security.  

According to Feeding America, in 2024 alone, 48 million people faced food insecurity. Additionally, 50+ million turned to food banks and pantries for help. This includes 1 in 5 children. Children are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of food insecurity because their brains and bodies are still developing. Among children, food insecurity is associated with higher incidents of several negative health issues. These include anemia, asthma, depression and anxiety, cognitive and behavioral problems and a higher risk of being hospitalized.   

There are a number of reasons for food insecurity. Lack of transit, safe places or good schools can make it harder for families to get the food they need. Low pay, job loss or having a disability can make it hard for even working families to afford enough food. When rent, health care, utility bills and child care cost more, families often have less to spend on food. All of these issues continue to make food insecurity a pressing issue for low-income Americans.

Hunger in Michigan

According to America’s Health Rankings from the United Health Foundation, Michigan ranks 41st in the nation in food insecurity.      

Feeding America reports the food insecurity rate in Michigan sits at over 15%, slightly higher than the national average. This represents over a million and half people. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formally known as food stamps, provides monthly, low-income household benefits. In Michigan, these are typically provided via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as a Bridge Card. Among food insecure people in Michigan, 37% are above the SNAP threshold. This means even though they are in fact, food insecure, they do not qualify for SNAP assistance.   

Needing assistance and yet not qualifying for it further exacerbates an already untenable situation for many Michiganders. This further stretches already strained budgets and creates even more stress for those involved.   

Hunger Locally

Feeding America reports the food insecurity rate in Newaygo County as 16.3%. They also report over 75% of households as being below the SNAP threshold, meaning they qualify for food assistance. Lastly, they report the annual food budget shortfall in Newaygo County is over $5.1 million. Those are staggering numbers. 

Hunger relief programming at TrueNorth reflects these numbers. Their self-select Food Center averages 7,311 individual assists per month representing 2,041 households. Additionally, the twice-a-month Mobile Food Pantry visits from Feeding America average 735 individuals representing 258 households, per truck.

TrueNorth counts on donations from generous local people to be able to keep the shelves stocked. In an average year, 740,545 lbs. of food is donated, including 5,756 lbs. of fresh produce. In an average year, they distribute 1,118,460 lbs. of food to local people including 157,993 lbs. of fresh produce. Why do we mention fresh produce? Simply because it is the one food item people experiencing food insecurity most need, and are least likely to be able to obtain. 

Fresh Produce 

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations for a healthy diet include consuming at least 400 g of a range of fruits and vegetables daily.  

The National Library of Medicine tells us the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend you make one-half of your plate fruits and vegetables. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are widely recommended for their health-promoting properties. Fruits and vegetables have historically held a place in dietary guidance because of their concentrations of vitamins, especially vitamins C and A; minerals, especially electrolytes; and more recently phytochemicals, especially antioxidants. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are recommended as an excellent source of dietary fiber. 

According to The Case for Fresh Produce from Brown University Health, “Fresh seasonal produce is always better for you since it is allowed to ripen naturally, rather than being picked early and sent to stores. Plants that have more exposure to the sun often contain higher levels of antioxidants.” 

It is for these reasons, TrueNorth promotes its annual Plant-a-Row for Hunger campaign. 

Plant-a-Row

The good garden’s tradition of sharing excess with those in need is the impetus for this initiative. TrueNorth asks local farmers and gardeners to consider planting an extra row with the intent to donate the extra produce. Every year, the Plant-a-Row for Hunger campaign brings in over 9,000 lbs. of fresh produce to the Food Center. As previously stated, this is a vital component of a healthy diet. With food costs at an all-time high, these donations are more important than ever.

An additional component of this campaign is donating seeds to local people for gardening purposes. This serves two functions; First, To encourage local gardeners to take part in the Plant-a-Row campaign. Second, To encourage local people experiencing food insecurity to start their own home gardens, often for the first time. Newaygo County is rural and the opportunity to grow one’s own food, in their own yard is possible. It is also a great step towards becoming self-sufficient.  

Home Gardening

According to a study entitled Home Food Gardening: US Market Trends & Opportunities by Freedonia Group, growing fresh produce at home is an increasingly more popular trend, particularly with grocery costs continuing to rise. They report people are planting food gardens for a number of reasons. They believe produce grown at home is healthier and more nutritious, it tastes better, and they want to know where their food comes from. 

This trend has seen a sharp uptick, post-pandemic. The supply shortages that followed  drew increased attention to the potential of home gardening to improve food security and nutrition. 

A report on home gardening published by the National Library of Medicine pointed out a number of interesting and relevant points. In an evaluation of a home gardening initiative in San Jose, CA, participants reported increased vegetable consumption, gardening-related physical activity, cost savings and new and strengthened connections with neighbours. Having a home garden not only provides low-cost fresh produce for your home, it’s also just good for you. Additionally, it is empowering.

A Local Story

Using seeds she received from TrueNorth, Amanda V. and her husband started a home garden… for the first time ever. 

“It gave my husband more of a sense of purpose at home helping the family. A garden was a great way for him to ‘give back’ to his family.”

Together, they grew tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage, herbs, and peppers.

“So many peppers! We used all methods to preserve food; canning, drying, freezing, you name it.”

They were even able to provide some of their excess to four other local families in need. 

To learn more about Hunger Prevention services at TrueNorth, including their Food Center and the Plant-a-Row for Hunger campaign, visit www.truenorthservices.org/hunger-prevention-programs.      

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon, via Proclamation 4288. It honors volunteers and encourage people nationwide to get involved, it has grown exponentially over the years.

Locally, TrueNorth Community Services has been celebrating National Volunteer Week for many years. An agency like TrueNorth wouldn’t be able to accomplish a fraction of what it does without volunteers. 

Continue reading to learn more about National Volunteer Week, trends in volunteering, and the many ways TrueNorth utilizes volunteers.

National Volunteer Week

Points of Light is the world’s largest nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating volunteer service and civic engagement. It enlists nearly 4 million people across 32+ countries every year. Founded by U.S. President George H.W. Bush in 1990, it empowers people to act as “points of light” to solve community problems through volunteering, corporate social impact programs and global network affiliates. It also acts as the primary organizer of National Volunteer Week in the US, encouraging civic engagement and volunteering.
This year’s National Volunteer Week is April 19 – 25. Nationwide, people will be rolling their sleeves up and getting involved in bettering their communities. Points of Light even has an online database of volunteer opportunities available nationwide during National Volunteer Week. April is also Global Volunteer Month, whereby volunteers and volunteering are celebrated all over the world. 

Local Opportunities

During National Volunteer Week, TrueNorth and Camp Newaygo are offering a variety of different ways to get involved. Camp Newaygo has received a mini-grant from the Michigan Community Service Commission to engage youth during Global Youth Service Day. As an Earth Day event, they will be partnering with local businesses and have youth volunteers distributing saplings. Click here for more information on this event. 

TrueNorth will also be conducting a Volunteer Appreciation Week April 19 – 25 to honor and thank their volunteers. As TrueNorth’s new Volunteer Coordinator, Madison Butler gets up to speed, there will be more ways to get involved. Fill out the volunteer interest form to learn more. 

TrueNorth offers many different ways to volunteer, with varying commitment levels. Everything from their Board of Directors, to their walk-in Food Center and from mentoring youth, to weeding gardens. They connect people to a purpose, finding the right place for volunteers to get involved and give back.    

Post-Pandemic Volunteering

According to a 2026 study published by Gallup, nationwide, volunteerism has recovered from pandemic lows. 63% of Americans say they volunteered their time to charitable organizations, a full seven percentage points higher than in 2021. 

The study also shows higher rates of volunteering among middle-aged adults and those with higher educational levels. 

Trends in Volunteerism

Some current trends in volunteerism include shifting toward flexible, short-term and virtual opportunities, with formal, long-term commitments declining and informal, neighborly help-type opportunities increasing. Driven by younger generations (Millennials/Gen Z), trends include skills-based volunteering and high-impact episodic events. 

According to a report on volunteer trends in 2026 from Momentive, we’re seeing shifts driven by three forces;

1. Competition for volunteers
2. Limited resources and staffing
3. Volunteer engagement and retention challenges

As a result of these, successful agencies are implementing recognition and appreciation programs. These give volunteers more tangible feedback on the impact of their time and efforts. Successful agencies are also offering more flexible volunteer schedules and even virtual volunteer opportunities. Lastly, successful agencies are offering training and professional development for their volunteers.  

What Experts Are Saying

Tobi Johnson is a nationally recognized expert, author and trainer in volunteer engagement, who specializes in modern, evidence-based strategies for non-profits. She is the President of Tobi Johnson & Associates and founder of VolunteerPro, an online training community for volunteer leaders. In the podcast titled, The Future of Volunteerism – Trends & Predictions Part 1, Johnson points to the following trends;

• Trend #1: Public Call for Accountability. People desire to volunteer for organizations they can trust, whose ethics and values mirror their own. People are much more apt today, to reward an organization they trust. Conversely, they are much more apt to punish ( i.e., protest or boycott) one they do not. 

“For today’s volunteers, the bottom line is that it’s not just about giving time, it’s about giving it where it truly counts in a place that we trust, in a place that we believe is accountable.” Tobi stated.   

• Trend #2: Resurgence of Mutual Aid Volunteerism. People and communities getting together for mutual aid, to help one another. This really focuses people’s efforts on local networking and problem solving of local needs. 

Tobi continues, “The future of volunteerism lies in our ability to create communities where people feel connected, valued and empowered to make a difference together.”

• Trend #3: Psychological Advances in Community and Belonging. Understanding why people take action (like getting involved as a volunteer or donor).
  
  “What do we know about human motivation now, and what could we know about how people best work in groups to further the greater good?” Tobi shared.

Corporate Volunteerism 

Another interesting and impactful trend is an increase in corporate volunteerism. Corporate volunteering is a company-sponsored program where employees use work hours or company resources to support non-profit organizations or community causes. What began as a slow rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into one of the fastest growing engines of corporate purpose. According to a 2026 report from Benevity, “corporate volunteer hours are up 175% and unique employee volunteers more than tripled since before the pandemic.”

Some key findings from Benevity’s “The State of Corporate Volunteering 2026; a System Ripe for Reimaging” are of particular interest. While the participation in corporate volunteering is rising, the impact isn’t following, as individuals are giving less time per engagement. While corporate volunteerism is on the rise in general, the needs of nonprofit organizations  both financially and for volunteers, is increasing faster and at a greater rate.   

There are more people taking part in corporate volunteerism, but they are doing so in increasingly smaller amounts of time.

Volunteering at TrueNorth

Last year, 687 400 people gave 21,102 hours of volunteer time to TrueNorth in any given year. Independent Sector, in collaboration with the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute, determines the annual estimated national and state-level value of volunteer service in the U.S. As of April 2025, they valued the 2024 national volunteer hour at $34.79, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Using these numbers, this equates to an approximate salary savings of $734,138 annually for TrueNorth. To say “volunteers are the lifeblood of TrueNorth” is a vast understatement. 

To learn more about volunteering at TrueNorth, please contact Madison Butler at (231) 924-0641, ext. 112 or mbutler@truenorthservices.org. You may also visit truenorthservices.org or click here to view a recent TrueNorth “Good Happens Here” podcast about volunteerism.