OBK History 

In spring 2012, a small group of concerned citizens came together with a desire to provide for the basic needs of God’s children, including a free meal and a safe place to sleep. In summer 2012, the First United Methodist Church joined with other area churches to provide a free weekly meal to those in need. The following winter, Our Brothers Keeper (OBK) opened to provide overnight shelter during the winter months. However, during the first week of operation, OBK became a 24-hour shelter due to the plummeting daytime temperatures and blizzards.

During the first year of operation, the shelter served 108 people and averaged 24 guests per night. The following year, shelter usage increased; serving 156 people and up to 34 guests per night.

The shelter is home to adults and families. OBK has served several families with young children, as well as guests that have mental and physical disabilities and illnesses.

During the second year of operation, volunteers were trained in shelter procedures, empathic listening, and crisis intervention. Part-time staff was hired to provide consistency in shelter operations. In order to improve access to services, Mid Michigan Community Action, Goodwill, District Health Department #10, and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provided services on-site. Transportation to MichiganWorks, Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), Social Security, and 1016 Recovery Network was provided. In addition, OBK’s neighbors, Hope House and Community Mental Health (CMH), were easily accessible to guests in need. To provide spiritual support, OBK added daily devotions, Bible study, and transportation to area church services and activities.

Testimonials

Board of Directors

President
 Pamela Fleming
Vice President
 Sue Roshak
Executive Director
 Michelle Richardson
Secretary
 Chris Jensen
Office Manager
 Wanda Dunn
Treasurer 
 Peggy Frank
Board Members
 Doug Bolling
 Karen Hashimi
 Cassidy Taylor
 Leslie Parrish
 Nancy Baldwin

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I was a former guest of OBK and found it to be the greatest help in a time of need. 
They assisted me in every step of the way from pooling my resources and advising me in wise choices that eventually brought me home. They treated me with dignity when my own family shunned me like an Amish degenerate. They truly helped me feel the love that still exists from God through mankind. They are a success in what they are brought to do and I hope they are seen for that. Today I think of the staff and many of the guests as friends and family. 
Thank You so much. God Bless.

Jay

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One of the 108 people to stay at the shelter was Faye. She had heard about the shelter while working in the area. When her fiance passed away in April, Faye was unable to afford her house in addition to paying his medical bills and funeral expenses. She turned to Our Brothers Keeper for shelter. Faye appreciated the “spirit of peace” she found surrounding the shelter, which she said has helped her through the grieving process. 
“There’s something special about this particular place. It’s really well-staffed with caring people, It has community support. Big Rapids in many ways has rallied around us.”

Faye