Partners in Ministry: Mel Trotter & Degagé Unveil a New Vision for The Unhoused In Grand Rapids (11-23-25)

In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, and Thelma Ensink, Executive Director of Degagé Ministries, to discuss a groundbreaking new collaboration transforming support for unhoused neighbors in Grand Rapids.

On November 20, a coalition of 11 nonprofit organizations and churches, together with the City of Grand Rapids, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a brand-new Community Center and Service Center in the Heartside neighborhood.

Led by Mel Trotter and Degagé, this unified effort—known as Partners in Ministry—marks a major milestone in creating a more coordinated, compassionate, and accessible network of care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Located within Westminster Presbyterian Church at 47 Jefferson SE, the center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering a welcoming space for both unhoused community members and residents seeking connection.

The center provides a wide range of essential services, including:

• Warming and cooling space
• Restrooms
• Morning coffee, sandwiches, and snacks
• Lunch provided by Catholic Charities West Michigan
• Art and enrichment activities
• Weekly access to the Mel Trotter Mobile Shower Unit
• Two full-time Case Managers/Community Health Workers
• Three full-time Safety & Support Specialists
• Space for partner organizations to offer services throughout the week

Partners in Ministry organizations include:
Catholic Charities West Michigan, City of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone Church, Crossroads Bible Church, Degagé Ministries, First United Methodist Church, LaGrave Christian Reformed Church, Mel Trotter Ministries, Park Church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. This episode dives into how the partnership came to life, what it means for the Heartside community, and the importance of cross-organizational collaboration in addressing homelessness with dignity and care.

Matthew 25: 31-46
More about the new Community Center & Service Center