Partners in Housing Transition’s mission is to assist formerly homeless families and those living below the poverty line by providing the beds, bedding and essential household furnishings needed to transform empty housing into stable homes.

Founded in 1991 as an outreach ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Partners initially served fewer than 20 families annually through a single agency partnership. Today, the organization collaborates with 21 Kalamazoo County social service agencies. Governance is provided by an independent board of directors representing both parish and community members. The program serves all referred families without proselytizing.

Eligibility requires stable housing, county residency, children under 18 in the home and referral from a partner agency caseworker. To reduce common barriers such as transportation, childcare and work schedules, families complete either in-person or virtual selection appointments.

With a small part-time staff supported by 990 volunteer hours, Partners provided significant community impact in 2025, furnishing homes for 203 families, including 513 children. The organization distributed 481 mattresses, 451 bed frames, 558 blankets, 693 pillows, 605 sheet sets and 549 mattress covers.

Additional furnishings included 89 couches, 51 loveseats, 241 living room tables, 225 lamps, 401 dining chairs, 52 dining tables, 111 dressers and 140 easy chairs, helping families create safe, functional and welcoming homes.

For more information, visit partnersinhousingtransition.com.