Dégagé Ministries is expanding its current facility and services with the help of funding from Michigan Community Capital (MCC). The organization that serves individuals experiencing homelessness in Grand Rapids was granted a $7.5 million NMTC from MCC, kickstarting a two-phase project renovation of Dégagé’s 100-year old building at 144 S. Division Ave., contracted by Rockford Construction. The tax credit also will fund a 9,945 sq. ft. addition that will expand the facility’s footprint to approximately 26,500 sq. ft..

Phase two construction will begin in January, with an estimated completion of July. The second phase will feature upgrades to the existing facility, including a new coffee/retail shop for Paul’s Mom’s Cookies (PMC) which donates 100% of its proceeds to Dégagé’s Open Door Women’s Center. PMC offers overnight shelter for women in crisis and provides jobs to women who have graduated from the center’s program. Additional upgrades to the existing facility will include a new wellness center for individuals recovering from illness or surgery and larger, updated classrooms for job and life-skill training for up to 1,000 individuals annually.