Living Needs
Please note, Set Free Ministries (SFM) is not endorsing or recommending any particular resource by providing this list. It is the responsibility of each individual to do their own due diligence prior to utilizing any resource shown on this site. We will indicate when a particular resource has been visited by a SFM representative.
It is our hope and prayer this hub will help facilitate each person’s journey towards the health and wholeness found in Jesus Christ.
Food
Access of West Michigan
1700 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Phone (616) 774-2175
Access oversees the Food Pantry Network of Kent County, a food referral system of 75 pantries designed to respond to those in need of food assistance.
Baxter Community Center
935 Baxter Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 456-8593
Baxter responds to immediate needs like food, clothing, medical care and shelter through a variety of programs and services.
Central Reformed Church
10 College Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 456-1773
On-site food pantry that serves our neighbors once a week on Tuesdays from 1:00-3:00 pm, as well as the first and third Tuesdays each month from 5:30-7:00 pm.
City View Church Food Pantry
960 Alpine NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 419-8181
Emergency food assistance is available on Wednesdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and Thursdays from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm. Call (616) 419-8181 for more information and an appointment.
Community Food Club
1100 South Division Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 288-5550
The Community Food Club is open by referral only. Any Kent County household at or below 200% federal poverty is eligible for membership.
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Department of Human Services
Food Stamp Inquiries
121 Franklin St SE #200
Grand Rapids, MI 45907
(616) 248-1000
Apply for benefits through MI Bridges. Includes healthcare, Food Assistance Program, Child Development Care, Cash Assistance, Emergency relief
Downtown Food Pantry
Westminster Food Pantry
47 Jefferson Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 456-6115
Open to all residents that live in the downtown Heartside area. The Pantry provides a 3–5 day supply of emergency food and personal care products to visitors, up to once every 30 days.
East Leonard Food Pantry
1027 Leonard St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-4444
Food pantry hours:
Thursday 1-3 pm. Contact church office for more details
Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church
514 Eastern Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-4888
Eastern Avenue operates a food pantry, providing several days of groceries for families referred by the Baxter Community Center’s marketplace. To obtain a referral from Baxter, call 616-456-8593 to set up an appointment.
God’s Kitchen
303 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-4110
A noontime hot meal is served daily at God’s Kitchen in the Heartside Neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Guests are welcomed on a walk-in basis with no questions and no qualifiers.
Grace Christian Reformed Church
100 Buckley St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 452-8920
Every Tuesday morning Grace Church volunteers distribute food to neighbors in the community that need emergency assistance or would like to supplement their food budgets.
Greater Deliverance Temple/ Apostolic Faith
2286 Ball Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 447-7810
Must be referred through 211
Guiding Light Mission – Food Bank
255 S Division Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 451-8723
Emergency food bank. Must be referred by United Way’s 2-1-1
Lean on Me Outreach Center
11555 Edgerton Ave NE
Rockford, MI 49341
(616) 520-4620
Food Box Distribution Hours:
5 pm – 8 pm, Monday
9 am – Noon, Wednesday & Friday
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan
2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500
Grandville, MI 49418
(616) 589-1625
mealsonwheelswesternmichigan.org
Eligible clients can receive up to two meals per day.
Most meals are delivered 3 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. The meal can then be heated if needed, and enjoyed by the client at their convenience. Meals come with heating instructions for both microwaves and ovens.
Mel Trotter Ministries
225 Commerce Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 356-1746
Breakfast: 6:40 am – 7:00 am
South Dining Room (entrance on Williams St)
Lunch: 12:20 pm – 1:00 pm
Cook Cafeteria (main entrance on Commerce Ave)
Dinner: 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm
South Dining Room (entrance on Williams St)
There is a minimal cost to staff and non-MTM guests for a meal. Various meal plan options are available.
North End Community Ministry
214 Spencer St NE
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 454-1097
The pantry provides our clients with a 3-4 day supply of food and personal care products once a month. First time pantry visitors see website for details.
Other Way Ministries
710 West Fulton St NW
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 454-4011 ext. 5330
Emergency food pantry and community outreach center
Food Pantry Hours:
Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30 am, 12:30 – 6 pm
Wednesday 9:30 – 11:30 am
Thursday 9:30 – 11:30 am, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Salvation Army
1215 East Fulton St W
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 459-9468
Emergency Assistance Services:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
St. Mary’s Food Pantry
423 First St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 550-6714
All are welcome at the food pantry at St. Mary Church, which is open on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Name, address, and phone number are asked of everyone who comes for help.
Streams of Hope Food Centers
280 60th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
(616) 272-3634 Main
Provides programs supporting under-resourced adults who have one of three chronic diseases: Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, or Chronic Renal disease.
The Pantry
4307 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 455-9411
The Pantry provides the neighbors of South Kent County with essential ingredients to meet their basic needs and bring stability to their lives.
Mon/Wed/Fri: 10:00 am – 1:45 pm
Thu: 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm
Housing
Allen Manor 1st Community
532 James Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 456-6350
First Community A.M.E. Housing, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to provide safe and adequate housing for the low income senior citizens of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Alpha Prison Ministries
87 Hyacinth St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
(616) 538-4090
Alpha Prison Ministries has two Alpha House facilities that provide a safe and encouraging environment for former inmates to successfully make a transition back into society when they are released from prison.
For Men Only
Baxter Community Center
935 Baxter Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 456-8593
Baxter responds to immediate needs like food, clothing, medical care and shelter through a variety of programs and services.
Bridgestone Property Management
2035 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 550-4571
Bridgestone Property Management provides a variety of real estate and property management services for apartments and homes throughout Grand Rapids and the surrounding area.
Calumet Flats
303 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 242-1345
Apartments available to those whose income does not exceed 50% gross area median income. Also available to survivors of domestic violence referred by the YWCA.
Community Rebuilders
1120 Monroe Ave NW Suite 220
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 458-5102
Community Rebuilders provides people experiencing homelessness with housing as quickly as possible – and then provides services as needed.
Covenant House
26 Antoine St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 608-1380
Covenant Housing provides shelter and hope to young people ages 18-24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Covenant House provides youth shelter, educational and vocational programs, and support services to help them find their path to meaningful and successful adulthood.
Degage’s Open Door
Women’s Drop in Center
144 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(Blue doors on side)
(616) 454-1661
Provides services for female residents of Kent County who are eighteen years of age and older and in need of shelter. Capacity 40.
For Women Only
Dwelling Place
101 Sheldon Ave SE Suite 2
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-0928
Dwelling Place has several housing communities in West Michigan, including homes, apartments, supportive housing, and housing for domestic violence survivors.
Eastbrook Apartments
2329 Timberbrook Dr SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 975-9250
Based off income but not subsidized. Please call the property to find out the current qualifications and rental assistance programs.
Exodus Transitional Housing
322 Front St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 242-9130
Works with those coming out of jail, prison, and those with CSC charges. Rooms for men only. Must have some type of income: Social Security, S.S. I., Disability, Veterans Benefits, Unemployment, or must be employed (working). Works with job assistance programs as well. It is not a shelter / mission. There are fees. Shared rooms are $475 each person. Your own room is $630. Includes utilities.
For Men Only
Family Promise of Grand Rapids – Fulton Manor
516 Cherry Street, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-475-5220
The Fulton Manor Emergency Family Shelter provides a warm, safe place to stay for up to 75 families. Families are referred to the shelter through United Way’s 2-1-1 and Salvation Army Housing Assessment Program.
Guiding Light Mission – Housing
255 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids MI 49503
(616) 451-0236
Shelter is for men only; must be in by 8:00 pm for a bed. No late admittance. (Degage passes ok). Those that attend chapel at 6 pm are first in line for dinner and beds. Dinner starts around 6:30 pm after chapel finishes. Wake up time is 6:00 am weekdays and 6:30 am on weekends.
For Men Only
Hidden Creek Apartments
1513 Hidden Creek Circle Dr NE
Grand Rapids, MI 495053
(616) 361-0040
Family-friendly apartments located in northeast Grand Rapids
Hillview Townhouses and Apartments
602 Hillview Place
Rockford, MI 49341
(616) 866-2535
This apartment accepts HUD subsidies. For HUD subsidized apartments, if you qualify for low income housing and they have available apartments, rent is based on 30% of your Adjusted Gross Income. Call for details.
ICCF Family Haven Shelter
701 Prospect Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 247-4949
Offers 30-day shelter for families with children. Must have at least one child to stay at the shelter. Must be referred by H.A.P., D.H.S., or I.C.C.F.
IFHN
Inter Faith Hospitality Network
(Also known as Family Promise)
906 S. Division
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 475-5220
Offers 30-day shelter for families.
Matthew’s House Transitional Ministry
766 7th Street NW
Grand Rapids Michigan
49504
(616) 233-3006.
We focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, social and economic functionality by not only providing transitional housing but also daily drug and alcohol counseling, daily bible studies, computer skills training, resume building and business incubation services.
Visited by Set Free Ministries
Mel Trotter Men’s Shelter
225 Commerce Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-8249
Men must be in by 7 pm & go to chapel from 7-8 pm. Beds are at 8 pm. Wake up time is at 5:45 am. Breakfast is at 6:15 am. Must leave by 6:30 am. Must stay overnight for breakfast. Mel Trotter does not take late passes. Dinner at 5:15 pm everyday.
For Men Only
Mel Trotter Women’s Shelter
225 Commerce Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-8249
Women have to be in by 7 pm. Must be in by 5 pm. if you want dinner at 5:15 pm. Wake up time is 6 am. Breakfast is at 7 am. Must leave by 8:00 am. And be back by 7 pm. Also must be looking and attempting to find a job and an apartment or other housing. Weekly reports are required (May stay for up to 60 days).
For Women Only
My House Ministry
520 Butternut Drive #8 PMB 258
Holland, MI 49424
Phone: 616-953-0772
Providing safe housing and restorative programs for women breaking free from the chains of abuse, addiction and chaos.
Old Mill of Sand Lake Apartments
86 Third Street
Sand Lake, MI 49343
(616) 696-9678
Old Mill Apartments offers affordable rent with quick access to Grand Rapids. Within walking distance to a grocery store, the library and post office. Heat is free.
Orchard Place Apartments
1901 Dawson Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 365-3213
hispanichousingdevelopment.com
1, 2, & 3 bedroom units available. Call for visit for pricing. Bus stop located at complex entrance.
Recovery Housing Coalition
Sober Living Homes support new beginnings for both men and women. Our programs provide housing for clients challenged with drug and alcohol dependencies.
Red Flannel Acres
311 Oak Court
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
(616) 696-3920
An affordable family community offering one and two bedroom apartments. Our apartments are equipped with major kitchen appliances, energy saving windows, and air conditioning.
Rouge Valley Tower
59 South Main St
Rockford, MI 49341
(616) 866-0371
Rogue Valley Towers is a four-story high-rise located at 59 South Main Street, in downtown Rockford, Michigan. There are 52 apartments in the building.
Safe Haven Ministries – Ramoth House
2627 Birchcrest Dr SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 452-6664
Counseling, education, support, referrals and case management for abuse women and their children. Limited temporary housing when available.
For Women Only
Salvation Army – Addiction Short-term Housing
1215 Fulton St E, GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan 49503
1-800-SAL-ARMY
centralusa.salvationarmy.org/turningpointgr/short-term-residential-treatment/.
Our goal is to empower people to overcome addictions and reconnect with life by providing consumer driven and integrated care focused on safety, trust, compassion and self-determination while promoting wellness and offering support that is consistent with the principles and practices of Trauma Informed Care.
Salvation Army – Recovery Homes
1215 Fulton St E, GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan 49503
1-800-SAL-ARMY
centralusa.salvationarmy.org/turningpointgr/recovery-homes/.
Our goal is to empower people to overcome addictions and reconnect with life by providing consumer driven and integrated care focused on safety, trust, compassion and self-determination while promoting wellness and offering support that is consistent with the principles and practices of Trauma Informed Care.
Salvation Army Housing Assessment Program
1215 E. Fulton St.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
616-459-9468
We connect people who are literally homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness to the best available housing resource in the community.
Sanford House GR
540 Cherry Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616)288-6970
Sanford House at John Street for Men and Sanford House at Cherry Street for Women is a place for addiction treatment. They provide: outpatient, virtual, residential, family programs, as well as a continuum of care.
The Bridge
A program of Arbor Circle
1115 Ball Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-451-3001 – Susan Shepard
The Bridge of Arbor Circle is a safe shelter program for youth, ages 10-17, who are facing homelessness or considering running away. In the middle of a crisis, The Bridge offers youth a stable and accessible place to stay. Located in Grand Rapids, our facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
United Methodist Community House – First Step House
904 Sheldon Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 452-3226
Transitional housing/program for women that are victims of prostitution and drug addiction. Requires referral. Must be willing and serious about leaving the street, drug and prostitution lifestyle. Prefer clean for 90 days.
For Women Only
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Homeless Veterans
620 Century Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 356-1746
Housing and Urban Development/Veterans Administration Supportive Housing (HUD/VASH) provides income based housing vouchers for VA eligible veterans
Well House
600 Cass St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 245-3910
Provides safe, affordable housing to the homeless.
Jobs
70×7 Life Recovery
Formerly Criminal Justice Chaplaincy
2950 Clyde Park SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
(616) 454-4925 ext. 14
70×7 provides the skills, tools and support necessary to successfully reintegrate into the community.
Visited by Set Free Ministries
Acset
1550 Leonard St. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 336-4100
One division of ACSET is through West Michigan Works. They administer a wide range of employment training programs and services for employers, employees and job seekers through a network of local Service Centers and partnerships with community organizations.
Adecco Staffing
545 Michigan St NE #101
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 247-4754
Adecco Staffing is looking for candidates for permanent and temporary staffing job opportunities.
Alpha Center of Grand Rapids
1725 South Division Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 459-9955
Provides personalized pregnancy support to women and couples. Job and career support will be offered once Men’s Center is completed.
Apply With Us Staffing
950 28th St SE #102e
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 241-5383
Temporary, Temp-to-Hire and Permanent Positions. Felony Friendly
Covenant House
26 Antoine St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 608-1380
Covenant Housing provides shelter and hope to young people ages 18-24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Covenant House provides youth shelter, educational and vocational programs, and support services to help them find their path to meaningful and successful adulthood.
EG Workforce Solutions
3682 29th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 949-2303
Offers opportunity outside the standard work hours of Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. They also provide tools and networks needed to work as a group.
Forge Industrial Staffing
5011 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 977-3700
Various employment positions in assembly, production, forklift, hanging parts on a paint line, and packing.
Goodwill Career Center
455 Grand NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 532-4200
Career development, employment, occupational skills training, and job placement services.
Grand Rapids Job Corps Service Center
Gerald R. Ford Job Corp Center
110 Hall St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 243-6877
Helps young people ages 16 – 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training.
Grand Rapids Urban League
745 Eastern Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 245-2207
Employment Services for individual job seekers including employment assessment, employment counseling and placement, partnership services for employers, and broader business community.
Guiding Light Mission – Back to Work/Job Post
255 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids MI 49503
(616) 451-0236
Once in the Back to Work program, the men are given a bed, three square meals a day and a rundown of all the tools available to find a job.
The Job Post is Guiding Light’s onsite staffing company for men and women.
Hope Network- Return to Work
1490 East Beltline SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616)940-0040
Our programs prepare people with employability assessments, individualized work readiness programs, and community integration so they are ready for employment. From there, we provide individualized job placement, return to work assistance with the person’s employer, and on-the-job coaching.
Jobs For Felons in Grand Rapids
The Jobs for Felons website is the #1 resource on the internet to help former felons get employed again.
Jubilee Jobs
935 Baxter St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 774-9944
Provides a bridge to prosperity for individuals and families through programs and services.
M.R.S.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
750 Front St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 242-6450
Partners with individuals and employers to achieve quality employment outcomes and independence for individuals with disabilities.
Manpower
2935 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 957-0461
Provides recruitment and assessment, training and development, career management, outsourcing, and workforce consulting.
MI Works (Michigan Works)
215 Straight Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 336-4460
121 Franklin St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
(616) 336-4040
A workforce developmental association serving employers and job seekers throughout Michigan
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency
3391 Plainfield Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 361-3200 / (866) 500-0017
Collects unemployment taxes from employers and provides temporary income for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
Native American Family Services
671 Davis Ave NW #2
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 451-6767
Provides resources and help with employment, counseling, case management, and substance abuse.
Next Steps of West Michigan
100 Garden St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 243-4477
Next Step is a faith-based nonprofit employing people coming out of prison or rehab and providing them with a community of support that will help them integrate into the workforce, regain hope and empower themselves to create a better future.
Ventura Manufacturing Inc.
471 E Roosevelt Ave
Zeeland, MI 49464
(616) 772-7405
Assembles components for the automotive and furniture industries.
Women’s Resource Center
678 Front Street NW Suite 180
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 458-5443
Offers programs that focus on low-income single mothers, women who are justice- involved, unemployed and underemployed women who faces challenges in the workplace.
For Women Only
Workbox Staffing
1350 Scribner Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 242-9919
Caters to jobs in manufacturing, light industrial work, warehouse operations and office support.
Transportation
Calder City Taxi
146 Pleasant St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-8080
Cherry Street Health Centers
Heart of the City Health Center
100 Cherry St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 965-8200
Income based health care. DHS caseworker can
provide bus pass for medical appointment.
Dégagé Ministries
144 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-1661
Will provide bus pass for employment interview
(Call for details)
Freedom in Motion
456 Plymouth Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 419-7795
Will provide free bicycle. Must have lock and be referred by a caseworker.
Go!Bus
300 Ellsworth Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 776-1100
Designed for individuals with a documented disability. A service of the Rapid.
Great Lake Taxi
1940 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 241-5150
Open 24 Hours
Heartside Ministry
54 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 235-7211
Provides bus passes (Call for details)
Pass
Passenger Adaptive Suburban Service
(616) 776-1100
Suburban feeder shuttle that transports passengers from their curb to The Rapid fixed-route system. If you live more than one-third of a mile off a bus line, PASS may be able to connect you to the nearest bus stop for only $3.50. This fare includes a transfer to the fixedroute bus. Call for details.
Ride Link
616-774-1288
866-425-3848
RideLink provides Kent County adults, age 60+, affordable transportation throughout Kent County. Seniors can schedule a ride to a medical appointment, the grocery store, or even to visit a friend.
Senior Neighbors
Grand Rapids Senior Center
333 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 459-3040
Distributes Grand Rapids City Bus tickets to seniors who need public transportation so they can access essential services.
The Rapid
Grand Rapids Area Transit Authority
300 Ellsworth Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4005
(616) 456-7514 Main
(616) 456-6141 Go!Bus
ridetherapid.org (main site)
system map (PDF download)
Cost: $1.75 one way, .85 for disabled/seniors
Wheels to Work
A Program of Hope Network
755 36th Street Southeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
616-243-0876
Wheels to Work is all about helping you get to work – reliably and affordably. Our shared fare plan is designed so that you pay a small cost, and your employer does the same. You’ll be picked up at one of our hubs and dropped off where you work.
Yellow Cab
1412 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 459-4646
Open 24 hours