Dégagé Ministries

Mission: To reflect the love of Christ to all who came through our doors by building relationships and offering programs that foster dignity and respect.

Dégagé Ministries was established in 1967 by Eric Britcher and Rich Bigelow in the basement of the Salvation Army at 160 Fountain Street NE. It was started as a coffee house for college students and a few people from the neighborhood who came for music, poetry, coffee, and to discussed issues such as the Vietnam War. They wanted to create a place for people to come together and feel at ease (“dégagé” is a French word meaning “to be at ease”). Today, Dégagé serves over 1000 unique individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Grand Rapids by providing over 20 emergency, empowerment, and engagement programs.

Serving 400-500 individuals daily, Dégagé Ministries offers help and hope to homeless and disadvantaged individuals in our community. Responsive programming is designed to address immediate and long-term needs such as overnight respite for women in crisis, food, referral services and hygiene facilities. While many of our services may seem “simple,” those who receive our services take nothing for granted. Often, it is the simplest of gestures that brings the most powerful results. What sets Dégagé apart from other organizations is the attention given to each individual and each success.