GRAND RAPIDS – An innovative collaboration between nonprofit organizations, churches across several denominations, and the City of Grand Rapids has launched a Community Center and Service Center in the Heartside neighborhood dedicated to serving the homeless population in Grand Rapids. This initiative aims to provide essential resources, support, and a welcoming space for those in need.
Although the centers officially opened earlier this month, a formal dedication ceremony took place today at the Center, which is located within Westminster Presbyterian Church at 47 Jefferson SE in downtown Grand Rapids, to commemorate the partnership.
The center operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, welcoming both unhoused individuals and area residents seeking community connections. Catholic Charities, which operates God’s Kitchen, will provide the meals.
“Each day these organizations and churches are working to support our unhoused neighbors and help them achieve their goals of housing, employment, and wellness,” said Thelma Ensink, Executive Director of Degage Ministries and co-facilitator of the Partners in Ministry group. “But together, it’s incredible what we can accomplish during this historically challenging time.”
The collaborative group, known as Partners in Ministry, includes the following organizations (listed in alphabetical order):
- Catholic Charities West Michigan
- City of Grand Rapids
- Cornerstone Church
- Crossroads Bible Church
- Dégagé Ministries
- First United Methodist Church
- LaGrave Christian Reformed Church
- Mel Trotter Ministries
- Park Church
- St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
- Westminster Presbyterian Church
“The City of Grand Rapids is pleased to support this work to provide a welcoming space that offers care, services, and necessary supports to meet the needs of vulnerable and unhoused individuals in our community,” said Tammy Vincent, Homeless Coordinator at the City of Grand Rapids. “This work offers opportunities to prevent and resolve episodes of homelessness that are critical to having a safe community for all.”
The Community Center and Service Center features:
- A warming and cooling space
- Restrooms
- Coffee, PB&J sandwiches, and snacks in the morning
- Lunch provided by Catholic Charities
- Art and other activities
- The Mel Trotter Mobile Shower Unit on Thursdays
- Two full-time Case Managers/Community Health Workers to assist with housing and resources
- Three full-time safety and support specialists
- A space for service provider partners to offer services throughout the week
The Partners in Ministry group is currently exploring long-term options for the Community Center and Service Center in Heartside, anticipating renovations in any selected location. Through this initiative, the group aims to create a lasting impact on our neighbors in need and foster a supportive community.
The success exemplified by Crossroads Bible Church, which opens its doors to the community every Tuesday, has inspired partners to secure a space available at least Monday through Friday that not only provides a safe space and a meal but also access to resources such as physical and mental health care, vital records, legal services, employment, and housing. In 2023, Dégagé first collaborated with LaGrave Christian Reformed Church to utilize their youth building, The Vault, to further accommodate the growing number of guests.
LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Mel Trotter Ministries, and Degage Ministries continued working together to identify the most effective methods to address the community’s pressing needs for a Community Center and Service Center for unhoused people. They reached out to other area churches to join them in the effort and formed a group they now call Partners in Ministry. The City of Grand Rapids stepped in to provide $40,000 to support this initiative.
Dégagé has been serving as a vital Community Center in the Heartside neighborhood since 1967, welcoming over 3,700 unique individuals each year who seek meals, vital records, and other necessary resources. With the recent rise in homelessness, particularly among women, and the closure of other local community centers, there is an urgent need for additional facilities.
As the largest provider of services to the homeless in West Michigan, Mel Trotter Ministries assisted more than 4,800 individuals in 2024 with shelter, meals, and health services. They are always looking to partner with other community organizations to deliver comfort and support to people living on the street. “Meeting community needs is better done together,” said Westminster Presbyterian Church Senior Paster Rev. Lynette Sparks. “Westminster believes strongly in collaborating with our non-profit and church partners for the Community Service Center, and we are excited to help fill a vital need in bringing services to those who need them the most. Our hope is to welcome and love all who come through our doors.”
