“Exodus Place, a local men’s housing charity, took its fundraiser to the next level with a rooftop sit-in.
As the weather gets colder and public amenities limit capacity or shut down due to COVID-19, it is a trying time for those experiencing homelessness in Grand Rapids. In solidarity, Exodus Place is holding a roof sit-in to raise awareness and funds in support of those in need.
Exodus Place’s front desk manager, Chip Kroblen, has camped out on the roof of the building, at 322 Front Ave. SW, since Monday, only leaving the roof to use the restroom and shower daily.
Staff bring Kroblen food and he has limited resources on the roof with him, including a sleeping bag, tent, flashlight, radio, space heater, snacks and phone charger. That is still more than what many people facing homelessness have, he said.
‘I get to really see (what) the homeless really go through,’ Kroblen said. ‘If you don’t personally know someone who’s homeless, you don’t really grasp it, and that’s the sad part.’
While the sit-in was set to end on Friday, Dec. 4, Kroblen could still be on the roof for weeks, potentially. He said he is willing to camp out ‘as long as it takes’ to meet the organization’s fundraising goal.
After twice reaching the original goal of $3,000 on the first day of the event, organizers set a new goal of $18,000, which will provide shelter and food for 30 men for one month. As of Thursday, $8,910 had been raised towards that goal.
Kroblen feels it is his duty to brave the cold for a good cause and truly walk in the shoes of a person who is homeless, especially as generous donors are getting in the holiday spirit.”
View the whole story here: https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2020/12/grand-rapids-mens-housing-charity-gets-creative-with-rooftop-fundraiser.html