Dégagé Ministries

According to the Grand Rapids Coalition to End Homelessness, there are approximately 800 people who are considered homeless in the community. Dégagé Ministries, located in the Heartside neighborhood, has been serving the needs of the disadvantaged for over 50 years, with a goal to assure them that they are not alone.

Dégagé provides a variety of responsive programming to the 500 unique individuals they serve on a daily basis, and are designed to address both immediate and long-term needs. The Dining Room offers breakfast and dinner seven days a week, serving approximately 55,000 free and low-cost meals each year. The Resource Office provides individuals with one-on-one assistance to find housing, jobs, transportation, and referrals for health care needs. Dégagé also provides hygiene facilities, overnight shelter, and support groups.

A recent addition to their programming, is a social enterprise operation, Pauls’ Moms’ Cookies, which benefits Dégagé in two ways. Proceeds from this retail cookie business benefit the Open Door Women’s Center – a shelter providing services and overnight protection to adult women in Kent County. They also provide job training and income opportunities for former patrons of the Open Door, who work alongside staff, volunteers, and the founders of Pauls’ Moms’ Cookies.

The CDV5 Foundation believes in helping others reach their full potential and sustain long-term health and vitality. We are grateful for the work of Dégagé Ministries in the Grand Rapids community, and their commitment to providing opportunities and resources to help lift people out of homelessness and find a path forward.

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