“We just really want to spread awareness and increase education around how someone becomes unhoused, so this is a new venture for us.”
That’s Thelma Ensink, the executive director of Dégagé Ministries.
In an effort to debunk stereotypes about the growing homelessness epidemic, the organization will be hosting a series of events called Unhoused.
Held at Wealthy Street Theatre, the free community nights on June 22nd and July 20th include two film showings, followed by Q&A panels with representatives from organizations such as Mel Trotter Ministries, Family Promise, and Network180.
The series will culminate in a Community Celebration on August 10th, located outside of Dégagé’s new entrance at the corner of Cherry and Sheldon–featuring food and live poetry from Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Kyd Kane.
The ministry aims to promote collaboration and conversation surrounding the complexities of homelessness within Grand Rapids.
“This isn’t just a homeless shelter problem, this is a community problem, and we really want to engage especially people in their 20s and 30s to talk a little bit more about this issue to learn more about what are the causes, what are the realities, and what are the solutions to homelessness.”
For more information, Thelma says to visit degageministries.org.
