Dégagé and Mel Trotter Ministries are collaborating to run a new facility in downtown Grand Rapids’ Heartside District.
It’s just north of Dégagé’s main campus in a building known as The Vault on Sheldon Avenue leased from LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church.
Thelma Ensink is the Executive Director of Degage Ministries.
“It will be a combined effort with Degage providing safety support staff and the meals and Mel Trotter will provide case management and some volunteers. It will allow us to serve 80 more members of our community and make sure no one has to be outside.
The facility offers a safe, warm space for the unhoused to rest and eat during the day and to connect with staff who can provide guidance on resources to employment, housing and health needs.
Dégagé’s current community center will then be used as a daytime space for women in their emergency overnight shelter services.
Dégagé has seen a 371% increase in women seeking emergency shelter since 2021.
“Especially senior women. A lot of it has to do with unsafe relationships at home but it also has to do with the increase in the rental market rates around town. Many of our older women being unable to now afford the spaces they’ve been in for 20 to 30 years.”
Ensink says the project is a great example of agencies, churches, city government, and family foundations working together to solve problems.
