Munson Healthcare has announced a two-year, $100,000 commitment to the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) for the Grand Traverse Area. The funding will go towards expanding the organization’s transitional housing program, providing safe, affordable housing and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
This investment aligns with the region’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) priorities focused on economic security and mental health. Munson and the WRC have partnered for decades to support survivors across Northern Michigan. One of the longest-standing collaborations began in 1993 with a focus on Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exams—critical services that ensure survivors of sexual assault receive compassionate, trauma-informed medical care. Over time, this partnership has grown to address a wide continuum of needs, including coordinated care and connections to health, mental health, and support services throughout the region.
“Munson is proud to support the Women’s Resource Center and their vision to expand access to affordable housing for survivors of domestic violence in our region,” said Ed Ness, President & CEO, Munson Healthcare. “Safe, stable housing is foundational to health, and this investment reflects our commitment to strengthening economic security and the continuum of care in our communities.”
The Mission of the WRC is to protect, shelter, and empower all people impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Domestic violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness among women. Since 1999, the WRC’s transitional home has provided a bridge from emergency shelter to permanent housing. The program offers safe, affordable housing for up to two years, with survivors paying what they can afford, removing financial barriers while they rebuild stability.
The impact of this program is both immediate and long-term. Since its inception, more than 260 survivors and their children have been provided with safe, affordable housing.
Because the WRC home is deeded to remain transitional housing for women and children in perpetuity, Munson’s investment will have a lasting impact, supporting survivors today and for generations to come.
“This multi-year commitment represents an investment in a legacy program that is transformational, providing safe and affordable housing to survivors of domestic and sexual violence while they regain financial stability,” said Juliette Schultz, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center. “Munson has been a trusted partner for decades, and their continued support reflects what true collaboration looks like in action—organizations working together to improve safety, stability, and well-being for all, across the community.”
As a nonprofit health system, Munson reinvests in the communities it serves through initiatives that address the social and economic factors influencing health. Munson has invested in nonprofit organizations advancing housing stability across Northern Michigan, including organizations like Goodwill Northern Michigan, Safe Harbor in both Manistee and Traverse City, Traverse Health Clinic’s Street Medicine program and Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing. Together, these investments reflect a comprehensive approach to improving health by expanding access to safe, stable housing—an essential foundation for personal safety, economic security, and overall well-being.