Homeless

If you drive or walk through Grand Rapids, especially downtown, you are bound to see a panhandler or two on the side of the road asking for money. What do you do in this case? Do you give money or continue by? If you don't feel comfortable giving a panhandler money or you're concerned what they would do with that money, an alternative would be giving them a redeemable voucher to be used at Dégagé

Detroit native Veronika Scott has developed an amazing new coat, and is helping the homeless not only stay warm, but also giving them a way to get off the streets. She's created a coat that converts to a sleeping bag, and an over the shoulder bag, for the homeless. And she hires homeless people to help make them!

Michelle Cuppy is an artist and a photographer. She has also volunteered at Degage Ministries in Grand Rapids. Cuppy has combined her talents with her passion for helping the homeless to create "Dreamers" for ArtPrize Eight.

Louise Elliott, a 32-year-old mother, raised £640 to put a homeless couple up in a hotel for Christmas.  Little did she know that her generosity was going to backfire badly.  Upon the couples departure from the hotel, the staff found the room absolutely destroyed!

Ever wonder what to do when you spot a homeless man or woman on the streets? This is a really good idea!

It wasn't the most charitable features a church ever created.

Youtube prankster Josh Paler Lin approached a homeless man on the side of the street, Josh offered the man $100, then followed him to see what he would do with it  The results are a lesson to us all.

When Chelsea Lassen decided to spend an afternoon with friends exploring ArtPrize in Grand Rapids Wednesday, she didn’t expect to leave in a panic. “After leaving dinner hours later, I unzipped my pocket only to find no car keys,” said Lassen, a ‘05 graduate of Lakeview High School in Battle Creek...

Mel Trotter Ministries provides shelter, food, clothing, education and much more for the "hungry, homeless and hurting of Grand Rapids". Now, thanks to the opening of a new Day Center and renovated Food Pantry this week, Mel Trotter will be able to provide even more services in downtown Grand Rapids.

The Grand Rapids Police Department has been helping out those in need during these past few freezing cold days.  Extra patrols have been added to find homeless people who are out braving the elements and bring them to Mel Trotter Ministries so that they at least have a warm place to sleep for the night.