How Dégagé Ministries is serving the homeless and hungry in West Michigan (02-15-25)

WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Thelma Ensink, executive director of Dégagé Ministries.

Dégagé Ministries, established in 1967, offers hope and opportunity to those facing homelessness and poverty in our community.

Dégagé Ministries was started in the basement of the Salvation Army at 160 Fountain Street NE in 1967 as a coffee house for college students and a few people from the neighborhood who came for music, poetry, coffee, and to discuss issues.

They wanted to create a place for people to come together and feel at ease (“dégagé” is a French word meaning “to be at ease”).

Today, Dégagé serves over 1000 unique individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Grand Rapids by providing over 20 emergency, empowerment, and engagement programs.

The mission of Dégagé is to reflect the love of Christ to all who come through our doors by building relationships and offering programs that foster dignity and respect.

Online: Dégagé Ministries