About Us
Offering hope in Lapeer since 2002
A Christian ministry meeting our neighbors' most basic needs — and pointing them toward what's next.
Our mission
Meeting neighbors where they are
To provide temporary shelter, food, and support services by showing and sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
The Refuge Lapeer is a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on that simple calling. We believe no one in our community should have to sleep in the cold or face hard times alone.
We serve neighbors regardless of what they believe. Guests in our program find a warm, safe place to sleep through the coldest months, a hot meal, and real help taking the next step toward stable housing and a fresh start.
Our story
How The Refuge began
It started with a conversation. In 2000, three Lapeer neighbors — Kendra Petty, MaryAnn Nutt, and Father Steve Dewey of St. Matthew's Anglican Church — met over coffee at a local Burger King, troubled by the same thing: people in their own community had nowhere to go on freezing winter nights.
That conversation became a calling. In the fall of 2002, The Refuge Lapeer opened as a seasonal shelter — not in a single building, but hosted by a rotating network of partner churches who took turns opening their doors, cooking meals, and caring for guests through the winter.
More than two decades later, that model still carries the ministry. The Refuge has grown to walk alongside neighbors well beyond a warm bed — helping them find housing and rebuild their lives — while staying powered by the same local generosity: churches, volunteers, and donors who believe Lapeer takes care of its own.
Our Programs
The 3 R's
Three pillars that carry a neighbor from a crisis night to a lasting fresh start.
- 01
Refuge
A seasonal shelter program for neighbors facing homelessness — hosted overnight by rotating partner churches through the cold-weather months.
- 02
Relief
Transitional and permanent housing solutions that help guests move from a crisis night to a stable place of their own.
- 03
Restoration
Homelessness prevention, educational and vocational training, life-skills coaching, and spiritual guidance for the road ahead.
What Guides Us
Our values
Dignity First
Every person who comes to us is treated with respect, warmth, and genuine care — welcomed regardless of belief.
A Safe Place
A secure, welcoming environment where guests can rest, recover, and plan their next step.
Church Powered
Partner churches, volunteers, and neighbors make everything we do possible — this is Lapeer taking care of Lapeer.
What We Do
Services at The Refuge
Practical help for today's needs, and support for the road ahead.
Seasonal Shelter Program
A warm, safe place to sleep through the cold-weather season for guests accepted into the program, hosted by rotating partner churches.
Meals & Food
Nourishing meals for every guest — no one should face the night hungry.
Housing Help
Guidance toward transitional and permanent housing so the next step is a lasting one.
Life Skills & Training
Educational and vocational training, life-skills coaching, and encouragement for the road ahead.
Homelessness Prevention
Support that helps neighbors stay housed before a crisis becomes a night on the street.
A Caring Community
Staff, volunteers, and church partners who welcome every guest with dignity and the love of Christ.
Our People
The team behind The Refuge
Dedicated staff, a volunteer board, and hundreds of helping hands.
Staff
- Andrea HendersonProgram Director
- Connie SoberalskiChurch & Volunteer Coordinator
- Julia GarciaOffice Administrator
Board of Directors
- Chris VanBellePresident
- Linda HamiltonVice President
- Tammy FeltzSecretary
- Karen MollettTreasurer
Additional directors serve on the board alongside these officers. Want to join the mission? We are always looking for caring volunteers.
Give hope today
Your gift keeps the lights on
Every dollar goes straight to warm beds, hot meals, and a caring welcome for neighbors who have nowhere else to turn.
Tax-deductible · 501(c)(3) nonprofit · Serving Lapeer County