GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Mel Trotter Ministries has relocated its day center and its food pantry will close Friday, Dec. 15, ahead of Western Michigan University taking possession of the building that housed both programs.
The nonprofit's main facility, located at 225 Commerce Ave. SW, that houses the emergency shelter is not moving and programs and services won't be affected, according to CEO Dennis Van Kampen.
He said only the adjacent annex building and parking lot were sold to WMU, which will take over the property Jan. 1.
Mel Trotter Ministries Thanksgiving feast
As of Monday, Dec. 11, the day center was relocated to Degage Ministries, located at 144 Division Ave. South. The two agencies have pooled their resources to create a partnership and will pilot the new "Heartside Community Center.''
The agencies will together provide meals, a safe warm space, access to supportive staff, resources for emergency shelter and other services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
"We are able to use the skills and the competencies of both of our organizations while being better stewards of our donor resources, to better serve our neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness," Van Kampen said.
"Through partnerships like these, we believe that God will bless and multiply our efforts so that together we can make an even greater impact on our community."
Mel Trotter Ministries opens youth shelter for men
Mel Trotter's day center staff have moved over to the new location, which will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. but close during the lunch hour.
As for the pantry, Van Kampen said after surveying food pantry recipients and consulting with Access of West Michigan, which oversees the Food Pantry Network of Kent County, it was decided it should close.
He said it was determined the nonprofit could better serve the community by switching to a food distribution model, providing donated food to other food pantries throughout county.
The ministry will also use some of the donated food to serve meals in its cafeteria, which provides 400 to 500 meals per day.
"Our stopping the pantry does not mean anyone will go without food,'' Van Kampen said.
Officials say the changes are an effort to reduce the duplication of services, increase partnerships with other area agencies, and make a greater impact for people in need.
"Our day center has long been a welcomed respite for our Heartside neighbors, so we are excited that this partnership may reach more people thanks to the center's expanded hours and increased staff support,'' said Marge Palmerlee, executive director of Degage Ministries.
The WMU Board of Trustees approved the purchase of the building and parking lot in April 2016 for $1.1 million.
Plans are to use the property to create more parking spaces to serve the area where WMU-Grand Rapids' downtown regional facility is located, according to Cheryl Rolands, executive director of university relations. The facility is located at 200 Ionia Ave. SW.
Van Kampen said the resources from the sell of the property will support their programs and services aimed at getting people out of homelessness.
