GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two Grand Rapids shelters announced a partnership to open an additional facility for people experiencing homelessness.
Dégagé Ministries and Mel Trotter Ministries, who each run shelters, said they're leasing a building that will offer daytime services each weekday starting on Monday, Nov. 1 in the Heartside area.
Located at 121 Sheldon Avenue, The Vault is owned by LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Both shelters are leasing the building at a reduced rate for use between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays.
Organizers said this new space will allow 80 men and women to have a warm space to rest and eat during the day. Staff will also be there to give resources to get housing, employment and health needs, too.
Dégagé will provide security and support staff and handle lunch operations, while Mel Trotter will provide support staff for activities and on-site case management services for men. Volunteers for both organizations will serve at the new facility.
Access to these types of spaces and services is needed in the community.
Dégagé reported an increase of 371% for women seeking emergency shelter since 2021.
“We are eager to combine our teams at the community center, not only to provide a safe, warm space during the day for our neighbors but also to expose more men to available health and social support services,” said Thelma Ensink, Executive Director of Dégagé Ministries. “Having Mel Trotter case managers in the community space will now provide more opportunities for men to seek housing, health and social services. We didn’t have that available in our previous day center area. This will lead to more people being housed.”
Dégagé’s current community center, located in its expanded main campus building at 139 Sheldon Avenue, will be used exclusively as a daytime living, dining, and activity space for women utilizing overnight shelter services during this transition.
"We are excited to partner with Dégagé in this project, not only because it is the best use of our joint resources, but because having Mel Trotter and Dégagé staff in the same space allows for seamless integration of case management services between our ministries,” said Jeff Dashner, Vice President of Operations for Mel Trotter Ministries. “This will give guests access to the support they need in one space, giving them the best chance to reach their housing and employment goals.”
Funding for this effort is thanks to private donors and a City of Grand Rapids grant to support staff and rent expenses.
Last winter, Dégagé used The Vault as an overflow space for women in its emergency shelter program.
“This year, we’re flipping the situation,” Ensink said.“Women in our overnight shelter will now stay in the main Dégagé building, and people from the community will use The Vault for a safe, warm daytime place that also provides more exposure to support services.”
The church, which is located across the street, plans to continue to use the facility for youth programming on the weekends.
