Downtown Grand Rapids Degage Ministries is the only emergency overnight shelter for women. It recently completed a campus renovation assisting unhoused men and women. But in less than one year, the demand for services continues to grow. Degage has experienced an uptick in the need for women seeking overnight accommodations. The current nightly average is 80 to 100 women. In 2021, its Open Door Women’s Center emergency shelter averaged 33 women each night
The current need met with Degage converting its 4th floor office space. Administrators will move a rent-free space at 252 State Street provided by Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Meanwhile, nine students from Bethany Christian Services’ YouthBuild program will convert the 3,500-square-foot office space into accommodations adding 50 beds for women.
When work is completed in early October, a total of 140 women will have access to overnight emergency shelter.