Degage’s $7.5 Million Expansion Opens
Dégagé Ministries in the Heartside neighborhood that is for homeless people, recently opened its first completed section of its renovated campus. The $7.5 million "Building Dignity Through Christ" capital campaign is at the Northwest corner of Sheldon Boulevard and Cherry Street in downtown Grand Rapids.The first phase includes:
• Relocating the organization's main entrance away from the congested Cherry/Division corridor to the more pedestrian-friendly Cherry/Sheldon intersection.
• An expanded dining room to serve 90,000 meals a year (50% increase in capacity, from 120 to 180 seats).
As a result of the renovations, Degage will increase its capabilities to serve more meals, provide more wellness activities, expand its workforce development program, and add more beds to its women's overnight shelter program.
"Our patrons, who come to us seeking rest, nourishment, support, and guidance, deserve a space that offers all of those things in a dignified and beautiful setting," said Thelma Ensink, Degage's executive director. "Our new community center and dining room, as well as the future new offerings in this expanded space, will truly help us support people on their journey toward wholeness, and provide a place to build lasting relationships."
