All the Ways A Lawyer Helps

Christina McDonald Helps Homeless Center


Attorney Christy McDonald knows that when it comes to helping the homeless, every dollar counts. That is why her ability to skillfully negotiate a contract for building renovations was so important for the nonprofit group Family Promise of Grand Rapids.

Family Promise helps children and families who are experiencing a homeless crisis by providing temporary shelter in community churches, and assisting them in finding them permanent solutions. The Family Promise Day Center is the hub of the organization’s daily activities. It is where the volunteers work and where families spend time looking for housing, receiving counseling and services, eating meals, and playing with their children.

Unfortunately, due to the rise in child and family homelessness in Kent County, the Day Center outgrew its original building, which was also in an unsafe neighborhood and was not handicap accessible. To address these concerns, Family Promise purchased a new facility, but it was in need of substantial repairs. As such, Christy volunteered her time and expertise to negotiate the best possible deal on renovations. In the end, her assistance helped Family Promise achieve cost savings that will ultimately go toward assistance for those in need.

Family Promise has moved to its new building and a grand opening will be held on November 5, 2015.

—Jacklyn Thomas, Robert Mathis, and Lynn Ingram contributed to this story.