Degage Ministries
Degage Ministries mission statement is "to reflect the love of Christ to all who come through our doors by building relationships and ofering programs that foster dignity and respect."
Description:
The Coffeehouse: Dégagé is best known for its coffeehouse, which offers a safe alternative to the streets by providing a place for relationship building and relaxation. Seven days a week, meals are offered at a low-cost with the intent of promoting dignity and responsibility. Allowing patrons the opportunity to choose what meal they would like to purchase and how they would like it prepared grants them the opportunity to exhibit self-sufficiency rather than making them feel like a perpetual charity case.
The Open Door Women’s Drop-In Center: The newest program to Dégagé is the Open Door Women’s Drop-In Center, which was opened in October 2003. Operating from 8:00pm to 8:00am, the Open Door is a safe haven for women in crisis. Women are provided with a place to sleep, access to showers and lockers and the opportunity to be part of support groups. The center averages 25-30 women per evening. Women may come to the center as an alternative to sleeping outdoors, to escape a domestic violence situation or to find temporary shelter during transition. Since opening, over 1,030 women have utilized the Open Door.
Life Enrichment Center Referral Services: In 2000, Dégagé opened the Life Enrichment Center on its second floor. Serving approximately 100-150 individuals daily, the Life Enrichment Center offers a variety of services to the Heartside residents. One of the main components of the Life Enrichment Center is its referral desk. Here, patrons receive assistance in many areas such as finding housing, obtaining employment, securing funding for medical care, information about rehabilitation, and other immediate and long-term needs.
Additionally, over 400 individuals use Dégagé as their mailing address. They can also participate in its voice mailbox system, allowing a central location to receive messages. Bible studies, AA meetings, substance support groups and men’s support groups are offered throughout the week. Twice weekly, pro-bono legal services are available.
Hygiene Facilities and Basic Needs: The Life Enrichment Center is a primary center for hygiene care in the Heartside Neighborhood. Shower facilities are offered to residents at no cost. A laundromat and hair salon allows clients the opportunity to wash their clothing and get a haircut for a minimal fee. At least 45 bags of personal care products are also distributed weekly. During operating hours, patrons can purchase underwear, socks, coats, etc. Over 70 lockers are also available to rent. These provide a safe place for clients to store their personal belongings while living in the mission or on the street.
State Identification Program: Obtaining legal identification is a necessary milestone in an individual’s pursuit to become self-supporting. To obtain a state ID, a person must present numerous forms of documentation such as a marriage license, birth record or school record. These documents are often difficult to obtain or require a fee to procure. Many of the homeless, previously incarcerated and unemployed population do not have the resources or funding to acquire an ID. Furthermore, an individual is unable to cash a check, receive a Social Security card or open a bank account without proper identification. As a result, many individuals are being turned away from possible employment opportunities and housing; ultimately inhibiting the individual’s ability to achieve a level of self-reliance. In October 2002, Dégagé Ministries launched a State ID Program to respond to this need and has since helped over 3,000 individual obtain an ID.
Food Pantry: The fourth floor of Dégagé houses the food pantry. Approximately 50 households are served through Dégagé’s food pantry on a bi-weekly basis. Under the umbrella of the ACCESS food network, the food pantry is a co-op program, allowing residents to assist in its operation. It was also the forerunner of consumer choice pantries in Grand Rapids.
Dégagé Dollars: The “Dégagé Dollars” program allows patrons to earn bus tickets or vouchers towards Dégagé’s meal services and Life Enrichment Center programs. Over 30 jobs are filled each day as patrons perform routine custodial jobs throughout the facility. “Dégagé Dollars” encourages individuals to become self-sufficient and responsible members of the community.
Recreation: Dégagé finds great significance in providing opportunities for neighbors to escape the monotony of everyday life on the street. Monthly, the organization offers special events such as trips to the beach, a musical performance or a sporting event. Holiday parties and celebrations are a tradition.
History:
Degage Ministries was founded in 1967 as a coffeehouse for college students. The organization now serves 400-500 individuals each day and offers a variety of programs to address the immediate and long-term needs of homeless and low-income individuals.
Contact person: Bradi Fitzpatrick, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (616) 459-7200
Address:
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144 S. DivisionGrand Rapids, MI 49503(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.degageministries.org
Directions:
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From I-96:
Take the 131 South exit.
Take the Wealthy exit.
At the light at the end of the ramp turn left. Proceed to Division. At Division turn left. The next major intersection is Cherry and Division. Degage is located on the Northeast. . . (more) |
| Last updated on November 25, 2009 |
