Guest Demographics
Each year, MCREST provides shelter, meals, case management, and housing support to more than 600 individuals, including entire families, working adults, seniors, and young people aging out of care. Our guest demographics help paint a clear picture of the challenges facing people experiencing homelessness in Macomb County—and why our services remain essential.
15% of Guests Are Children
One in six guests at MCREST is under 18
Families with children continue to experience some of the most disruptive and traumatic forms of homelessness. Many children who come to MCREST are under the age of 12, entering shelter during moments of crisis or instability. Providing consistent meals, tutoring, structure, and a safe place to sleep helps protect their well-being while their parents work toward permanent housing.
20% Are Chronically Homeless
Long-term homelessness requires long-term solutions
One in five guests has experienced homelessness repeatedly or continuously for a year or more while managing a disabling condition. These individuals rely on sustained support, housing navigation, and intensive case management—services that MCREST provides every day to help break the cycle of chronic homelessness.
49% Have a Mental Health Disorder
Mental health is one of the strongest factors in homelessness
Nearly half of all adults staying at MCREST live with a diagnosed mental health condition. Without stable housing, conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder often worsen. By helping guests access medication, therapy, and ongoing care, MCREST offers a foundation for stability that is nearly impossible to achieve while unhoused.
41% Have a Chronic Health Condition • 41% Have a Physical Disability
Health barriers make escaping homelessness far more difficult
Many guests at MCREST are managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues, while others live with physical disabilities that limit mobility or employment. These overlapping challenges deepen the urgency for safe, stable shelter—along with reliable access to healthcare and ongoing support.
27% Have Experienced Domestic Violence
A leading cause of homelessness for women and families
More than one in four adults at MCREST report a history of domestic violence. For many, our shelter is the first safe place they’ve had in years. Case managers help survivors access legal protection, trauma-informed care, safety planning, and housing options that support long-term recovery.
59% Have No Income
Most guests enter shelter without any financial resources
Financial instability remains a primary driver of homelessness. A majority of adults come to MCREST with zero income, while many others earn far below what is needed to secure housing in Macomb County. Case managers help guests apply for benefits, find employment, or pursue stable income streams that make long-term housing possible.
75% Rely on Medicaid • 18% Have No Health Insurance
Healthcare access remains a major challenge
Three out of four guests rely on Medicaid for medical care, yet nearly one in five arrives with no insurance at all. MCREST helps guests enroll in coverage, refill essential prescriptions, and connect to healthcare providers—critical steps in stabilizing long-term well-being.
55% Black • 39% White • 6% Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, or Multiracial
Homelessness disproportionately affects people of color
More than half of MCREST’s guests identify as Black, reflecting enduring racial disparities in housing access, income, and economic opportunity. These inequities deepen the urgency of MCREST’s work and reinforce our commitment to equitable, compassionate support for everyone who comes through our doors.
51% Women • 49% Men
Homelessness affects both genders nearly equally
Women and men seek shelter at nearly identical rates, each facing unique but deeply impactful pathways into homelessness. Women often arrive after domestic violence or unsafe housing situations, while men frequently grapple with job loss, chronic health conditions, or untreated medical needs. This balance underscores the importance of providing gender-responsive support and individualized case management for every guest.
79% Come From Places “Not Meant for Habitation”
Most guests arrive after living in cars, outdoors, or unsafe buildings
Nearly eight in ten individuals enter MCREST directly from uninhabitable places—cars, tents, abandoned buildings, garages, or structures without heat, electricity, or plumbing. Very few have access to family, friends, or other shelters. MCREST is often their first safe option when crisis strikes.
56% of Guests Leave With Newfound Stability
Over half exit our program into housing, reunification, or supportive living
MCREST’s work extends far beyond emergency shelter. In 2025 so far:
• 28% moved into housing
• 15% moved in with family or friends
• 13% secured rental housing
Combined, 56% left with meaningful stability after completing the program.
This success is driven by intensive case management, partnerships, and a community-wide effort to ensure no one walks the path out of homelessness alone.
Impact Overview
Over 2.5 MILLION MEALS have been served since 1988.
626 INDIVIDUALS SERVED in 2024.
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Average stay: 51 DAYS
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Return rate: ONLY 5% WITHIN 12 MONTHS — a strong indicator of program success.
28% of guests MOVE INTO HOUSING when exiting MCREST.
SERVICES include case management, job readiness, ID securement, benefits access, childcare help, training, and transportation support.
The LEARNING AND RESOURCE CENTER (LRC) supports about 260 guests annually with resumes, job searches, certifications, virtual court access, and employment training.
