Grand Rapids Community Assistance
From GRPLpedia
Where to Start
2-1-1 -- This directory of Kent County community services and beyond is also available as a 24-hour telephone hotline. Land line phones call 2-1-1. Cell phones and networked phones call 616-459-2255. Toll-free call 1-800-887-1107. Se habla español.
Family Resource Guide -- A directory with an emphasis on services for children and families in the Kent County area. Also available in a Spanish version. You can find print copies of this directory at R 362.9774 F21 at the Grand Rapids Public Library and in many area libraries.
Grand Rapids Community College Community Resources List -- An exhaustive list.
Grand Rapids Housing Commission -- A listing of Grand Rapids emergency service contacts, followed by links to a few of the many other organizations that the Housing Commission coordinates with.
Helping Hand -- This site helps Michigan citizens facing economic hardship find the services they need.
Homeless Referral for Grand Rapids -- A directory compiled by insiders John and Becky Wirt-Verzi of assistance services in downtown Grand Rapids. By Ambassadors of the Light Local Resource Agency.
Michigan Assistance and Referral Service -- Provides information about Michigan assistance programs: medical, food, day care, etc. Their questionnaire determines your eligibility.
Contents |
- All addresses are for Grand Rapids, MI and all phone numbers are (616), unless otherwise specified.
- printable version
Places To Stay
Drop-In Centers
144 S. Division 49503 | 454-1661
Low cost meals.
- Monday - Friday 7:00a-3:00p and 6:00p-9:30p
- Saturday 7:00a-11:30a and 6:00p-9:30p
- Sunday 7:00a-11:30a and 6:00p-9:30p
Life Enrichment Center open:
- Monday - Friday 8:00a-12:00p and 1:00p-3:30p
- Saturday 9:30-11:30
Includes laundry ($1 a wash, $1 to dry), showers, $2 haircuts, socks & underwear.
Mailing address, voicemail service, & lockers (cost - $2 per week).
Personal records: volunteers work with patrons to obtain state IDs, school records, birth certificates.
First Park Congregational Church
10 E. Park Place NE 49503 | 459-3203
Winter Day Shelter: Serving lunch and two movies each Friday
Fridays 10:00am - 3:00pm
54 S. Division 49503 | 235-7211
Monday-Friday 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm
Sunday 9:30am fellowship, 11:30am worship
Computers, open lab: Mon-Fri 9:00a-12:00p and 1:00p-4:00p
Art classes, GED prep, resume building, job search, counseling, legal assistance.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
47 Jefferson S.E. 49503 | 456-1456
The Open Door: a warm room with free coffee, telephone, and restrooms
Monday-Thursday 9:00a-4:00p
Shelters/Missions
Salvation Army's Homeless Assistance Program (HAP)
1215 E. Fulton | 454-5840
Coordinates homeless programs.
25 Sheldon Blvd. SE | 459-4681
24/7 Crisis Hotline 451-2744, Counseling Center 459-4652
Emergency and long-term support to domestic violence survivors and their dependent children.
Men's Shelters
223 S. Division | 451-0236
In by 8:20p
Wake up: 6:00a on weekdays, 6:30a on weekends
Note: Those that attend chapel at 6pm are first in line for dinner & beds.
225 Commerce SW | 454-8249
In by 7p
Must attend chapel from 7-8p
Beds are at 8p
Wake up at 5:45a
Women's Shelters/Missions
144 S. Division | 454-1661
Open from 7pm-8am
Note: Limited to women in crisis
225 Commerce SW | 454-8249
In by 6 pm
Wake up at 6 am
Out by 8:00 am
Note: Also must be looking & attempting to find a job/apartment/other housing. Weekly reports are required.
Family Shelters/Missions
920 Cherry St SE | 247-4949
In by 9:00 pm
30 day shelter
Single Parents welcome
Must be referred by HAP, DHA, or ICCF
I.F.H.N./Family Promise (Inter Faith Hospitality Network)
906 S. Division Ave | 475-5220
In by 6:00 pm
30 day shelter
Parents must have children to qualify
Must be referred by H.A. P.- Salvation Army
Warming
Degage’s Dining Room
144 S. Division | 454-1661
- Monday-Friday 7a-8p
- Saturday and Sunday 7:00-11:30a, 6:30-8:30p
God's Kitchen
303 S. Division Ave | 454-4110
- Monday-Satuday 12:30-2 pm Sunday 2:30-4 pm
Heartside Ministry
54 S. Division Ave | 235-7211
- Monday-Friday 9am-12pm; 1pm-4pm
Immanuel Lutheran
2 Michigan St NE | 454-3655
- last Saturday of each month 8:00-9:30am
Park Church
10 E Park Place NE | 459-3203
- Friday 10am-2pm
- Saturday 8-9:30am; Noon-5pm
- Note: 8-9:30am is only available the 3rd Saturday of the month. Also warming for Saturday noon-5pm will begin on December 17th and will run through the end of February.
St. Mark’s
134 Division Avenue North | 456-1684
- Sunday 7:30-9:30 am
- Thursday 9 am-2 pm (women & children only)
Westminster Presbyterian
47 Jefferson | 456-6115
- Monday-Thursday 9a-4p (15 minute warming limit)
Housing
Dwelling Place / Liz’s House
343 S. Division Ave | 235-0223
- Intake: 454-9390
- Rent is approximately 30% of income.
- Restricted to homeless women with kids under the age of 4.
Dwelling Place / My Sister's House
761 Bridge St NW | 454-9390
- Intake: 454-9390
- Restricted to homeless women with domestic violence issues.
Hope Community Transitional Housing Program
1024 Ionia SW #1420 | 235-2893 & 235-2600
- Rent is approximately 30% of income.
- Restricted to women with kids and must be referred by Salvation Army (616) 454-5840
United Methodist Community House
904 Sheldon Ave SE | 452-3226
- Restricted to victims of prostitution and drug addiction.
- Must be willing and serious about leaving the street, drug, and prostitution lifestyle.
Y.W.C.A.
25 Sheldon Blvd SE | 459-4681
- Programs and classes for domestic violence, abuse, and sexual assault.
Dwelling Place Main Office
101 Sheldon Ave SE, Suite #2 | 454-0928
Ferguson Apartments
72 Sheldon Ave SE | 988-2101
Herkimer Apartments
323 S. Division Ave | 458-1471
Weston Apartments
50 Weston Ave SW | 454-2675
Community Rebuilders
1120 Monroe NW, Ste. 220 | 458-5102
Home Repair Services
1100 S. Division Ave | 241-2601
- Offers classes open to the public.
- Programs limited to low-income homeowners: Repair, Home Access Ramps, Home Maintenance, and Finance Counseling
Verne Barry Place
60 S. Division Ave | 459-5076
Westown Jubilee Housing
724 W. Fulton St | 458-4841
- Provides affordable permanent housing to low-income families on the West side.
Clothing
1823 S. Division Ave | 456-6150
- Free clothing available.
- Make appointment by phone first, by calling on Monday-Friday, (9:00a-3:00p).
St. Andrews Outreach
267 Sheldon S.E. 49503 | 456-1454
- Free clothing and hygiene supplies; you can get socks, underwear, soap, shampoo, and a razor once a month.
- Tuesday & Thursday 9:30am - 11:30am
Food
Food Stamp Hotline for Michigan: 1-800-481-4989 Find out if you qualify.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
47 Jefferson SE 49503 | 456-1456
Hard Times Cafe
47 Jefferson Ave SE | 235-7211
- In by 5:15, Dinner served at 5:30p
- Must have points to buy meal. You earn points by helping out there, in community, or going to meetings. 1st time is free.
- Food Pantry: Tuesdays and Thursday, 10:30 am-2:30 pm | Once per month, free | must bring ID
144 S Division Ave | 454-1661
- Breakfast: Monday-Friday 8:30-10:30a
- Lunch: Friday 11:30 am-12:15p (The 1st Friday of every month is free.)
- Dinner: Monday-Sunday 6:30-8pm
Food Pantry: Tuesdays 9-10 am. Individuals can shop every week & must qualify/signed up a Westminster.
303 S. Division Ave 49503 | 454-4110
- Monday-Saturday: 12:30-2 pm (The 1st Friday of every month is served at Degage's at 11:30a)
- Sundays: 2:30-4 pm
Meals-on-Wheels: Mon, Wed, and Fri for those with restrictive disability
255 S. Division Ave 49503 | 451-0236
- Breakfast: Served at 7:15 am
- Lunch: Served at 11:30 am
- Dinner: 6:30 pm, must attend chapel at 6:00 pm
- Must be a resident of Guiding Light to be eligible.
Mel Trotters Mission
225 Commerce SW 49503 | 454-8249
- Breakfast: 6:15-6:30 (must have stayed at Mission night before)
- Dinner: Women 5:00, Men 5:30
- Food Pantry: Monday - Friday 8-11:30 am (1:00-3:30p for couples/families with housing in downtown area)
Hot Dogs in the Park
Veteran's Park, every Tuesday from noon - 12:30p.
Street Light Burger Night
515 S Division Ave | 235-1209
- Second and Fourth Saturday of every month, 6-7 pm
Health Services
Clinics & Hospitals
Spectrum Health – Blodgett
1840 Wealthy St. SE | 774-7444 or (866)989-7999
St. Mary’s Hospital
200 Jefferson Ave SE | 685-5000 or 685-6000
550 Cherry St. SE | 235-7272 (medical) or 235-7289 (dental)
- Medical and dental for those with limited ability to pay.
Heartside Clinic
359 S. Division Ave | 685-3800
- Monday-Friday 6:50a-3:30p
- Medical services are not free.
Ferguson Dental Center
101 Sheldon Ave SE, Suite 1 | 776-2340
- Patient visits start at $15 for low income.
700 Fuller Ave NE | 632-7100
- Monday - Friday 8:00a-5:00p
- FREE child immunization, TB testing, pregnancy testing and nutritional counseling.
- Sexually transmitted disease testing (ages 13 and up)
McAuley Health Center
245 Cherry St. SE | 685-8200
- Provides counseling and case management for individuals with HIV or AIDS
St. Mary's Mercy Medical Center (multiple locations and services)
200 Jefferson Ave SE | 685-5000
- Emergency Room: 685-6789
- Clinica Santa Maria: 730 Grandville Ave S.W. | 685-8400
- Browning Claytor Health Center: 1246 Madison Ave SE | 685-8300
Free Hygiene Supplies
Hygiene Supplies for organizations depend on availability: Days, times, restrictions, availability subject to change.
Degage's Life Enrichment Center
144 S. Division Ave | 454-1661
- Tuesday and Friday 11:00-11:30a
St. Andrews Outreach
267 Sheldon Ave SE | 456-1454
- Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-11:30a
Mental Health
Network 180 - Kent County's public mental health system. We contract with more than 25 local human service agencies that specialize in providing care to children and families, teens, adults, and seniors who are experiencing mental health or substance abuse problems, or living with a developmental disability.
790 Fuller Ave. NE | 336-3909 or (800)749-7720
- 24 hour Help Line: 336-3535
- 24/7 Crisis and/or suicide prevention lifeline (800)273-TALK, (800)273-8255
54 S. Division Ave | 235-7211
- Counseling available - open to all, but with a Heartside Neighborhood focus.
456-8512 | email: servantscenter@sbcglobal.net
- Helping the mentally ill homeless get off and stay off the streets.
Catholic Charities / Social Services
40 Jefferson Ave SE | 456-1443
- For families and individuals
Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids
360 S. Division Ave | 243-3927
Degage Ministries
144 S. Division Ave | 454-1661
- Men’s Group – Monday 10:00a
- Dual Recovery Support Group – Tuesday 1:30p
Family Outreach
1939 S. Division Ave | 247-3815
United Methodist Community House
904 Sheldon Ave SE | 452-3226
- Works to build positive relationships between fathers and their children. Free Classes.
West Michigan University / Counseling
200 Ionia Ave SW | 771-4171
- Monday-Thursday 8am-9pm
- Friday 8am-4pm
- For individuals, couples, and families
Y.W.C.A.
25 Sheldon Blvd SE | 459-4681 or 459-4652
All Night Recovery
4830 S. Division Ave | 742-3770
- Opens at 7pm
Street Light Ministries
515 S. Division Ave | 235-1209
- Tuesday 6-7 pm
Optical & Dental
Cherry Street Health and Dental Clinic
550 Cherry St. SE | 235-7289 or 235-7272
- Dental services are not free.
Ferguson Dental Clinic
101 Sheldon Ave SE, Suite 1 | 776-2340
- Dental services are not free.
Goodwill Optical Clinic
5487 S. Division Ave | 773-6000
- Eye exams: $32 | Lenses: $68-$148
Pharmacies
- Meijer’s has some antibiotics for free (for those without health insurance).
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy
214 E. Fulton St | 356-1800
Fulton Pharmacy
738 W. Fulton St | 458-8590
Senior Services
Gerontology Network
516 Cherry St. SE | 456-6135
- Monday-Friday 8a-5p
Visiting Angels
1514 Wealthy St SE | 243-7080
- Personal Care Services for Elderly / Disabled
- Fees are approx. $17 to $20 depending on care.
Substance Abuse
Degage Ministries
144 S. Division Ave | 454-1661
- Men’s Group – Monday 10:00a
- Dual Recovery Support Group – Tuesday 1:30p
- A.A. Meeting – Wednesday 1:30p
Grand Rapids Narcotics Anonymous Hotline
1-800-230-4085
- Has information on meetings around Grand Rapids
Network 180 -- Kent County's public mental health system
790 Fuller Ave NE 49503 | 336-3909 or 1-800-749-7720
- 24 hour Help Line: provides a listening ear 336-3535 National Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
330 Eastern Ave SE | 776-0891 or (800)649-3777 | email: info@projectrehab.org
Salvation Army - Turning Point
72 Sheldon Blvd SE | 742-0351
- Medical detox. Call ahead - need ID.
Grand Rapids AA -- Kent County Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous
1404 Plainfield Ave NE | 913-9216 (office) & 913-9149 (24-hr hotline)
- Website lists all group meetings in GR area.
Veteran's Services
Veteran's Affair Medical Center
349 S. Division Ave | 234-0220
- Homeless Veterans / Healthcare for Homeless Vets
Jobs & Financial Counseling
Have a look at GRPLpedia's Job Searching Resources and Foreclosure & Financial Assistance
First United Methodist Church:
227 E. Fulton St 49503 | 451-2879 ext.125
- Sign up on Tuesdays only at 7:30am. Bring photo ID. Work 2 hours on Tuesday or Wednesday for $15.
- (Work sign-ups are across street from church at 207 1st Place Building)
455 Grand Ave NE | 451-8800
- Open from 8:00a to 4:30p (Career Center staffed from 8:00 to 4:00p)
- One-on-one assistance, resume development, access to community resources and various employment service programs.
- Computer lab, phone, printer, copy machine and faxing available.
- Free computer classes: Introduction to Computers, Internet, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Michigan Works! (State of Michigan)
1560 Leonard St NE 49505 | 336-4460 or (888)779-7774
- Monday - Friday 8:00a-6:00p & Sat 9:00a-1:00p
- Employment and training services. Unemployment compensation.
M-TECH Service Center
622 Godfrey SW 49503 | 234-3398 (phone) or 234-3829 (fax)
- Monday - Friday 8:00a-5:00p
Women's Resource Center (WRC)
678 Front Ave. NW Suite 180, 49504 | 458-5443
- Assessment, testing, counseling, training programs, and resume assistance for women.
Exodus
781 36th St SE | 726-1877
- Monday-Friday 8:30a-5:00p
- Orientation is on Mondays at 1:00 pm
- Must have a criminal history and must attend Orientation First
Legal
Legal Assistance Center -- Located on the 5th Floor of the Kent Count Courthouse
180 Ottawa NW, Suite 5100, 49503 | 632-6000
- Walk-ins Tuesday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm.
- Patrons may phone our office Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. At (616) 632-6000.
- Free legal aid, information, and referrals. Assistance on do-it-yourself legal issues.
89 Ionia NW, Suite 400, 49503 | 774-0672 or (800)442-2777
- CIVIL LAW ONLY; no criminal cases, no divorce.
- Free services for low income (at or slightly over poverty guidelines) and seniors.
Resources for Ex-Offenders
Legal Aid of Western Michigan's Finding Your Way in Kent County
322 Front Ave SW, 49504 | 242-9130
- Exodus operates a 38,000 square foot transitional housing campus. It houses and feeds 160 residents, who may be coming from a background in homelessness, crime, or drugs.
Project Rehab Residential Reentry Services -- Project Rehab Community Alternatives Program
801 College Ave SE, 49507 | 776-0891 x265
Hard 2 Hire This site is specifically for ex-offenders.
Transportation
144 S Division Ave | 454-1661
Fish For My People
207 E. Fulton St | 774-2045
- Call one day in advance, 9am - 3pm. Does not run all days.
- For doctor's and other necessary appointments for the handicapped and elderly.
1050 Fuller Ave NE, 49503 | 456-8661
- American Red Cross drivers take senior citizens, low-income and disabled individuals to medical, mental health and social service appointments.
- Call Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 3pm.
- Some emergency funds for transportation may be available.
