homeless

If you drive or walk through Grand Rapids, especially downtown, you are bound to see a panhandler or two on the side of the road asking for money. What do you do in this case? Do you give money or continue by? If you don't feel comfortable giving a panhandler money or you're concerned what they would do with that money, an alternative would be giving them a redeemable voucher to be used at Dégagé

Time and time again we encounter a person on the street, usually a man, asking for help. He needs some spare change, a few bucks, whatever, and what do you say? Chances are you say "no I can't help you today," and you go on your way. Well, how about helping that man today?

There are many in our community that won't have an Easter Dinner this year. Whether through illness or hardship, Easter, a traditional time of the year for families to gather, will be missed. However, there is an organization that wants to make sure no one is alone.

Detroit native Veronika Scott has developed an amazing new coat, and is helping the homeless not only stay warm, but also giving them a way to get off the streets. She's created a coat that converts to a sleeping bag, and an over the shoulder bag, for the homeless. And she hires homeless people to help make them!

Michelle Cuppy is an artist and a photographer. She has also volunteered at Degage Ministries in Grand Rapids. Cuppy has combined her talents with her passion for helping the homeless to create "Dreamers" for ArtPrize Eight.

Today's winter storm has the Grand Rapids Police Department conducting a sweep of the city looking for homeless people in need of shelter. If you know of any homeless people who need help, the GRPD is asking you to contact them.

This is a pretty fantastic video. Recently, in Sarasota, Florida, a merchant put a piano outside on a sidewalk, hoping people would walk up and play a bit. Then, an amazing thing happened.

This is a very cool short film from filmmaker Tyler Bridges. He has created  "What’s the Difference" in which homeless guys get a shower, a shave and a haircut. Simple.

Thanksgiving was last week, I know, but I just found this video and had to share it with you. This is what this world of ours should be about, helping others in need. This guy, or should I say, Ninja, is doing it right.  It's very sweet. Watch!

When Chelsea Lassen decided to spend an afternoon with friends exploring ArtPrize in Grand Rapids Wednesday, she didn’t expect to leave in a panic. “After leaving dinner hours later, I unzipped my pocket only to find no car keys,” said Lassen, a ‘05 graduate of Lakeview High School in Battle Creek...

  Dégagé Ministries invites women in the community to join them at their event, Open Door Open Hearts, on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Celebration! Cinema Wave Room, 2121 Celebration Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. This event is for women, to benefit women. The event will provide attendees with a fun and relaxing evening, including a strolling dinner, speakers and activities, along with concrete

This coming Wednesday, December 18 from 12 – 4 pm Heartside neighbors will have the opportunity to shop and pay for reduced cost Christmas gifts and winter essentials at Degage’s Christmas Store event. Degage believes that when neighbors have the opportunity to purchase their own gifts and essentials, it will build confidence and responsibility versus receiving free gifts.