Discover Dégagé!
Learn more about homelessness and the life transformations happening at Dégagé Ministries. The program begins at noon, but lunch will be available at 11:30a
No one needs to face homelessness alone.
How We Help
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a vibrant community center.
Shelter
A safe place to sleep for women in crisis.
Hygiene
Hygiene services to shower and get a haircut.
ID Assistance
ID program to get state IDs required for jobs and housing.
Patron Advocate
Advocates to work one-on-one to assist overcoming barriers.
Workforce Development
Opportunities to learn workforce skills and gain experience.
Voucher Program
Dégagé charges a small fee for some of its services to instill dignity and respect. A $2 voucher can purchase a full meal, buy items at our Thrift store, secure vital documents and more.
Our Impact In 2023
meals served
overnight stays
showers
patron advocacy visits
vital records obtained
unique individuals provided shelter
total women whose housing resolved by year end
women directly assisted to obtain housing
people served by the workforce development program
Serving Grand Rapids
Dégagé Ministries provides Emergency, Empowerment, and Engagement services to people experiencing homelessness or poverty in Grand Rapids.
Emergency Services
MEETING BASIC NEEDS.
Empowerment Services
BUILDING A NEW LIFE.
Empowerment services include ID and Patron Advocacy (access to resources such as health care and housing) provided in the Advancement Center. The Workforce Development program provides employment opportunities both internally and externally including at the Open Door Bakery and Thrift on Div store, Dégagé‘s social enterprise businesses, which employ people experiencing homelessness while raising funds for Dégagé. Dégagé provides transitional housing through its Close to Home and Bridge to Home programs.
Engagement Services
UTILITIZING YOUR GIFTS AND PASSIONS.
Engagement services include opportunities for community members to partner in addressing homelessness and poverty by volunteering, participating in education or advocacy, or to become an ambassador.
Transforming Lives
Geraldine works as the day cook at Dégagé Ministries, preparing delicious and nutritions meals for over 300 people a day. Not too long ago, Geraldine had come to Dégagé after finding herself without a home and without a job. We were blessed to find a position for her in Dégagé‘s kitchen, and after four months working hard to save money for an apartment, she was able to find a new place to call home. To learn more, see our Annual Report.