On February 1st, 1983, Shelter of Flint, formerly known as the Emergency Night Shelter for Women, opened it's doors to provide emergency food and housing for homeless women.  In July, 1983, the organization expanded it's mission and began to serve women and children.  Re-named Emergency Shelter for Women and Children, the agency continued to add services and programs with a new focus and emphasis on children.  Due in part to the expanded scope, and other changes to the program, the name Shelter of Flint Inc. was adopted.

       In 1983, the Shelter operated on a "shoestring" budged of $200,000 a year.  In 1995, with the expansion of services, the annual budget reached $900,000.  With the Shelter now offering a full range of services to the homeless population, the yearly revenues needed to operate have reached over $1.3 million.