Bert Herrera has recruited supporters in hopes of opening The Well of Saginaw Men’s Shelter early this year in a 2,400-square-foot residential property at 2709 Julius in the city’s southwest section.
His backers include the directors of a pair of women’s shelters, Amy Bartels Roe of the Mustard Seed Shelter and Donna Clarke of Emmaus House.
In a fund-raising fact sheet for The Well, Clarke wrote:
“When I first learned about The Well and saw the team involved, I worked with our board to donate a house (on Julius Street about a mile from Saginaw High). Struggling men need help in this community, too. Because of the success we’ve seen with our women in a small, structured and loving home environment, I believe The Well can achieve the same thing — knocking out homelessness but also substance abuse.”
Herrera says he is overcoming his past personal challenges, which included prison time, and has gained experience in outreach to the homeless.
“While Saginaw does have other excellent programs that serve men, none offer a homelike environment,” Herrera says. “Both Mustard Seed and Emmaus House provide their guests with private or semi-private rooms, rather than the more traditional dormitory setting of a shelter, and function as a home where guests, staff and volunteers form a family.”
The plan calls for 10 beds, three shared bathrooms, a large kitchen and a “common area” living room for socializing and meetings. The first-year budget is $225,000.
During a Jan. 26 meeting, he told a Mexican American Council audience, “I know what worked for me can work for others.”
Amy Bartel Roe states:
“We know what has worked for us for 27 years, and our hope is that guests of The Well also will do well in a homelike environment. We are honored to walk alongside Emmaus House in support of this work and to pass along some of what we have learned.
Supporters of The Well’s venture also include:
- Oscar Mendoza, county jail chaplain
- Christopher Brown, a Tri-CAP peer recovery coach.
- Jason Kenney, a CPA who volunteers his financial expertise.
- Joe Hernandez, a Delta College math professor involved in jail ministry.
- Toby Long, medical director of the South Side’s Roosevelt Ruffin Clinic.
Call (989) 270-7126 for more information, to volunteer time or to offer a donation. The Well has attained nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-deductible status.
