Dégagé. Capital Campaign

PRESS RELEASE: DÉGAGÉ ANNOUNCES MILLION DOLLAR PLAN TO HELP THE HOMELESS

In Grand Rapids it is not uncommon to hear about millions of dollars being spent on a new medical center, a renovated building, or a new condominium complex; but it is unusual to hear about a million dollars being spent to renovate a building for the homeless and low-income in the City.

Dégagé Ministries is announcing a one million dollar capital campaign to renovate their 5 story building on Division Ave. Located in the middle of several major and upscale construction projects, Dégagé’s has committed to staying in the heart of the city and serving those most in need. Dégagé Ministries offers a variety of services including low cost meals, overnight respite for women in crisis, referral services, hygiene facilities, support and therapy groups, legal services, a food pantry and basic needs such as a mailing address, message center and lockers. The organization celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year.

All of Dégagé’s services are seeing an increase in utilization with a record number of people coming for help. The current facility is running out of room to meet the pressing demands. In addition to space needs, the building is over 100 years old and is no longer safe. The electrical and plumbing are in serious need of repairs and the original steam heat lines are not only deteriorating but the system is grossly inefficient.

The renovation will allow for program growth and development as well as an improved atmosphere. It will offer the opportunity to reach more individuals and give them hope and support as they try to reach a greater level of self-sufficiency. The renovation will also serve Dégagé well into the future. For example, after the renovation the yearly cost of natural gas for heating the facility and domestic water heating for the showers will be $15,000. This is a drastic decline compared to the 2006 steam heat bill of $31,694.

Over $685,000 has been committed to this project. Board members of Dégagé Ministries kicked off the project by committing $175,000. The Wege Foundation has also pledged a lead matching gift of $100,000 along with $100,000 from the Steelcase Foundation. Meijer has also made a substantial gift and several other businesses have donated services and goods. Architectural services have been donated by Paradigm Design and Rhoades Engineering. Dégagé Ministries hopes to have the majority of the money in hand before beginning the renovation this Fall. Many agencies and government leaders have shown support of the project including Congressman Vern Ehlers who is serving as Honorary Co-Chair of the project.

In a letter to Dégagé, Secretary of State Terry Lynn Land also voices her support, “In the years since Dégagé’s founding, our community has grown tremendously, and so have its needs. The upcoming capital campaign, with the goal of raising $1,000,000 toward the expansion of your ministry, will play a critical role in countless lives for years to come. The renovation of your facilities as a result of this fundraising effort will enable you to serve in an even greater capacity, expanding available space and allowing for more services to more people than ever.”

Dégagé volunteers share the sentiment. Beth Kooiman, a volunteer of Dégagé for nearly 5 years states, “During my 4+ years of working and volunteering in the Heartside area, I’m often reminded of the necessity of Degage’s services and am thankful for their valuable presence in the neighborhood. I’ve seen staff and volunteers creatively address and meet the changing and growing needs of the Heartside residents. It seems, though, that their creativeness can only go so far with limited resources and space, and when those limits are reached, needs go unmet. As Heartside’s population is growing and individual needs are expanding, to maintain it’s effectiveness, (and I believe, continue to do the work God has called them to do) Degage’s building and resources naturally need to grow and expand as well.”

To partner with Dégagé in their Capital Campaign, please contact Marge Palmerlee at (616) 454-1661.

MEETING NEEDS TODAY

Since 1967, Dégagé Ministries has served as the primary community center in the Heartside Neighborhood of Grand Rapids. The organization has provided responsive and dignified programming to the homeless, poverty-stricken, mentally ill and disabled individuals of its community. Looking towards the future, Dégagé Ministries recognizes that its role is even more vital and necessary than ever. It will continue its 40 year tradition of responding to community needs by expanding its services and enhancing its current programs.

In January, 2005, the Board, staff and community representatives undertook a strategic planning process which identified the strengths of the Ministry as being their responsive programming and dedicated staff. The main weakness was the aging building which was not being utilized to its fullest and hindered Dégagé’s ability to meet the pressing needs of the community. Over the past two years, the Board and staff have worked diligently to determine program needs and the facility renovations necessary to meet those needs.

Dégagé Ministries is currently housed in a building that is over 100 years old and is no longer safe. The electrical and plumbing are in serious need of repairs and the original steam heat lines are not only deteriorating but the system is grossly inefficient.

All of the programs are seeing record numbers of people utilizing the services. In the past two years laundry usage has increased 84%; referral desk workers have seen a 130% increase in the number of people seeking assistance with securing housing, jobs, transportations, etc.; last year women were turned away from the Open Door drop-in center due to lack of space; on many mornings the dining room has standing room only.

The facility is no longer adequate to meet the pressing needs. This capital campaign will allow for the total renovation of the building at 144 S. Division and expand the ministry to meet the growing needs of the poorest segment of our community.

Dégagé Ministries is meeting needs today and building for tomorrow.

Commonly Asked Questions about the Capital Campaign

1. What is the budget for the project?

   Construction Costs	$275,000
   Mechanical	$265,000
   Plumbing	$61,000
   Electrical	$144,000
   Kitchen	$77,000
   Windows on 3rd floor	$35,000
   Phones/Computer lines	$4,500
   Elevator Upgrades	$ 8,500
   Office Furniture	$ 70,000
   Paradigm - architectural fees	$34,000
   Rhoades Engineering	$15,000
   Project Manager	$10,000
   Printing/promo./computers, misc	$5,000
   Fire/Security/Door	$26,800
   Total	$1,030,800

2. How will the building change after the renovation is completed?

   Attribute	Before Renovation	Anticipated After Renovation
   # of Showers	2 showers	8 showers
   # of Washing Machines and Dryers	6 machines	16 machines
   Space for Open Door Mats	25 mats	40 mats
   Dining Room Seats	110 seats	170 seats
   Referral and ID Desks	2 desks	4 desks
   Offices for Staff and Volunteers	11 offices	16 offices
   Restrooms	5 restroom	8 restroom
   Useable Basement Space	0%	100%

3. What makes the current building unsafe or ineffective?

   Electrical: The electricians have told us that our current voltage is inadequate for our present needs and that there is no room for expansion. The panels are very old and over loaded. There are also panels that are abandoned but still have live feeds.

   Plumbing: The plumbing lines are seriously deteriorating and have caused sewage backups in our basement. They have been patched but we have been advised that they are in need of major repairs.

   Steam Heat: The steam heat lines are seriously deteriorating and we have experienced several steam heat leaks. In October 2005 there was a steam heat leak that seriously damaged the dining room floor. Insurance paid a major portion of the repair costs but our portion was over $3,000. So far in 2007 we have paid $3,796 for repairs due to steam heat leaks and we are told the problems will continue to escalate. With the current condition of the steam heat lines, we are told that there is a major concern that there could be a steam heat burst.

4. How much will Dégagé Ministries save in utilities costs once the renovation is completed?

   Per Rhoades Engineering, the yearly cost of natural gas for heating our facility and domestic water heating for the showers will be $15,000. In 2006 our steam heat bills totaled $31,694. Even with going from 2 showers to 8 showers we will save over $16,500 per year.

5. How can I be a part of this project?

   Please contact Marge at (616) 454-1661 or Marge@DegageMinistries.org to discuss financial or in-kind donations for our capital campaign.