– About Us –

Lifeline is a grassroots organization serving West Michigan.

Together, we connect unhoused neighbors to whole-journey support and challenge the stigmas and systems that keep them stuck

Our Vision

A just and compassionate community where everyone is housed and empowered with dignity.

Our Mission

To Connect

unhoused and at-risk individuals and families to dignified, whole-picture care and resources.

To Challenge

the culture and systems in our community that allow homelessness to persist.

To Reflect

the love of Jesus
in all that we do.

What Sets Lifeline Apart

We Help Everyone—No Exceptions

Every person who comes through our doors welcomed and supported. No eligibility conditions. No exclusions. We welcome and serve anyone in need.

We Work Face to Face

Many organizations begin with an intake process. We begin with a face to face conversation. By taking time to hear each person's story, we can connect them with the right resources, personalized next steps, and lifelong community.

Help is Person-Specific

Lifeline operates with just two paid staff and a large volunteer-powered team. We keep our operation lean so more of what comes in can go directly toward meeting needs in our community.

What Comes In, Goes Back Out

Lifeline operates with just two paid staff and a large volunteer-powered team. We keep our operation lean so more of what comes in can go directly toward meeting needs in our community.

We are Agile and Can Act Quickly

When a need arises, we can put our community into action. A single social media post can mobilize donors, volunteers, churches, businesses, and neighbors—often generating the resources to respond to an immediate need quickly.

We’re Building Lasting Solutions

Meeting immediate needs is only the beginning. We're working to close critical gaps, challenge harmful misconceptions, and create pathways toward lasting stability.

The Team That Makes It Happen

Pastor Willie

Rev. Willie J Watt Jr. - President & Founder

For over 20 years, Pastor Willie has been a noteworthy leader in the West Michigan community. Founded Lifeline in 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic.

    • Ordained as a Commissioned Pastor when he was a member at Christ Memorial Church.

    • YEAR - founded the Open Arms ministry which has fed over 3,000 families in Ottawa County and met their basic needs.

    • 2008-2020 - Founder and Executive Director of Escape Ministries. During his tenure with Escape Ministries, he orchestrated and launched a program to give 500 youth a second chance to restore themselves and their education.

    • In 2013, he started a youth summer jobs program with the City of Holland, now known as Career Connections. The program to this day continues to provide 40+ youth every year with jobs, skill development, career exposure, and mentoring relationships.

Marife Vander Schuur

Director

Marife joined Lifeline Ministries in October 2020, just a few months after the ministry began.

Originally from Manila, Philippines, she came to the United States in 1988 as an international student and now calls West Michigan home, where she lives with her husband, three children, Peanut the cat, and five chickens.

  • Serving has always been in my DNA. I believe God puts a servant’s heart in each of us and gives us opportunities to use it. At Lifeline, I’ve had the privilege of seeing that heart in so many people—our guests, volunteers, donors, and friends.

    What we do isn’t about a program or a formula. It’s about following the Holy Spirit, loving people

    where they are, and believing that everyone deserves dignity, hope, and another chance.

    As Pastor Willie always says, “We don’t care about your past; we care about where you’re heading.” That’s what Lifeline means to me.

Board of Directors

Rev. Willie J Watt Jr. - President & Founder
Marife Vander Schuur - Treasurer
Paula Welsh - Secretary
Brian Hoogland
Jan Kenniston
Jeanne Martinez
Hope Watt
Willy Moore
John Miner

Stay Connected

Our grassroots approach responds to needs as they happen. Get on our mailing list and follow Lifeline on Facebook for immediate opportunities to jump in and serve.

Follow our Facebook Page