Open Doors. Transform Lives.

Dégagé Ministries offers hope and opportunity to those facing homelessness and poverty in our community.

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Dégagé to operate new daytime shelter in Grand Rapids

Thanks to a collaboration between Dégagé Ministries and Mel Trotter Ministries, there will be a new facility in the Heartside area to help the unhoused gain easier access to essential services that can help them move forward in life.

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Celebrate Dégagé!

NOVEMBER 22, 2024 from 11:30a – 1:00p.

Join us as we celebrate transformations. This fundraising luncheon will be at the L.V. Eberhard Center, with networking to start at 11:30am, and a program at noon. 

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Discover Dégagé!   OCT 18 is SOLD OUT

Join us December 13, 2024

Learn more about homelessness and the life transformations happening at Dégagé. The program begins at noon, but lunch will be available at 11:30a

No one needs to face homelessness alone.

How We Help
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Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a vibrant community center.

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Shelter

A safe place to sleep for women in crisis.

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Hygiene

Hygiene services to shower and get a haircut.

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ID Assistance

ID program to get state IDs required for jobs and housing.

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Patron Advocate

Advocates to work one-on-one to assist overcoming barriers.

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Workforce Development

Opportunities to learn workforce skills and gain experience.

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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.

Learn More & Purchase Vouchers

Community Center
Open Door Women's Center

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. 
Emergency services include 3 nutritious meals/day served in the Community Center which also serves as a warming and cooling center during extreme temperatures. The Wellness Center provides showers, haircuts, and a Rest Center where those recovering from surgery or illness can rest. Dégagé‘s Open Door Women’s Center provides emergency shelter for up to 100 women per night.
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empowerment services

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.

Engagement Services Degage Ministries
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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.