Matthew’s House Ministry provides meals, clothes, workshops and other services for people experiencing housing instability or limited resources. It wants to move from its current location at 766 7th Street on Grand Rapids’ northwest side to a larger facility at 1050 Leonard Street. It’s about a mile away.
During a recent Grand Rapids Planning Commission meeting, residents spoke both for and against the move.
“I just want to boldly say that I support Matthew’s House. I love the things Matthew’s House is doing.”
“Their application paints an overly optimistic picture ignoring the real problems current neighbors have faced.”
Problems that include loitering, litter, and harassment, according to some residents.
Matthew’s House Executive Director Pastor George Werkema explained what makes the Leonard Street location ideal.
“It’s on the transportation line, routes, it’s a mixed-use zone, it’s buffered by commercial use, it has lower violent crime rates than our current area and is walkable, making services more accessible to our neighbors.”
Special land use approval is needed for a social service facility to operate on the Leonard Street property. The city’s planning commission voted to wait 90 days while it continues to gather feedback from residents.
