The vision for Harbor House began in early 2000 when several parents of adult children with severe multiple impairments met to discuss long-term care options. In seeking information about housing, it became obvious to these parents that options were extremely limited.

By the summer of 2000, parents and community members formed a Board of Directors who shared the common goal of providing housing for adults with severe multiple impairments. The Board received IRS approval for 501(c)3 status as a non-profit organization for tax years beginning January 1, 2000. All contributions to Harbor House Ministries are tax deductible.

Our Board met with various providers of services to the disabled thoughout West Michigan. While the organizations we consulted recognize that there is a significant shortage of housing for adults with severe multiple impairments, they do not plan to offer more of this type of housing because of limited funding and the intensive care needs for these individuals.

The Ottawa County Community Mental Health Department encouraged Harbor House Ministries to proceed with our construction plan since they have few options to offer families that come to them seeking assistance for placement.

HARBOR HOUSE MINISTRIES searched for property to build homes for adults with severe multiple impairments so that we could meet the need in the most cost efficient way. In the summer of 2002, we purchased a parcel on 44th Street just west of 8th Avenue in Ottawa County.

After extensive discussions with the State of Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, we chose to develop three buildings, each consisting of two six-bed homes.  Our first home, Pier Place, opened in 2004, followed by Beacon Place in 2005, and finally, Anchor Place in 2007.

Every Harbor House Ministries' home was built debt-free, with funds raised in the community, so other ongoing sources of support can be used solely for the care of residents.

QTVR Tour
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	Outside the first of three buildings		Morning prayer before school		One of the custom decorated rooms
	Morning view of the outside of our first building. The school busses are almost here.		The staff & family pray with the residents before sending them off to school for the day.		Parents are encouraged to decorate the rooms with painted murals, their own furniture, curtains and anything else to reflect the tastes and interests of the individual.