GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Dégagé Ministries and Mel Trotter Ministries are teaming up to open a new community center for people experiencing homelessness.

As colder days approach, those experiencing homelessness know just how difficult facing the weather can be.

“It’s extremely tough, because you can freeze to death being out here,” said Nicole Smith, who stays at Dégagé Ministries’ shelter.

A new resource will soon open its doors in Grand Rapids.

“Both Mel Trotter and Dégagé have been seeing an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness and need a warm, safe space to be during the day,” said Thelma Ensink, executive director of Dégagé Ministries.

Starting Monday, Mel Trotter and Dégagé will begin operating a community center at The Vault at 121 Sheldon Ave. SE, near the intersection with Cherry Street SE.

“Historically, all of our agencies have done really good work in this community, but especially since the pandemic, we’ve thought about how can we work together,” Ensink said.

The facility will be open each weekday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving as a daytime center for the unhoused.

“Dégagé will supply the safety and support staff and supply the meals,” Ensink said.

Meanwhile, Mel Trotter will be responsible for additional volunteers and on-site case management services.

“A space to meet with a case manager and say, ‘How do I get housed? How do I get access to employment?’ Especially as we’re working in this 100 days to house 100 people,” Ensink said.

The space can accommodate 80 men and women. The two organizations are leasing the facility from LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church at a discounted rate.

“And then we’re getting the funding support from the city and other family foundations as well,” Ensink said.

Ensink said the new center will provide hope to people who need it.

“That they feel like somebody knows their name, somebody cares about how I’m doing today, and they have a sense of community here,” Ensink said.

“It just takes a lot off you that you don’t have to worry. It’s a good program, I believe,” Smith said.

The center will remain open through March 31, and then leaders will reassess.

Dégagé says opening the new center allows its facility next door to be used exclusively for women seeking emergency shelter.