News Summary
The Grand Rapids Planning Commission has approved Matthew’s House Ministry’s relocation to a larger facility on Leonard St. NW. This expansion will enhance services for homeless and low-income residents, including clothing, hot meals, and counseling. While some community members support the move, concerns over potential impacts on safety and local businesses have been raised. A public hearing is scheduled to further discuss the implications of this decision.
Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids Planning Commission unanimously approved a special land use permit on August 14, allowing Matthew’s House Ministry to relocate from its current location at 766 7th St. NW to 1050 Leonard St. NW. This new facility, encompassing 7,400 square feet, aims to expand the ministry’s capacity to serve homeless and low-income residents by offering a range of day services, including clothing, hot meals, showers, and counseling.
Founded in 2007 by Pastor George Werkema, Matthew’s House currently serves between 80 and 100 individuals on a daily basis. The relocation to Leonard Street is intended to provide enhanced facilities and support for those in need, as well as to increase operational efficiency.
Prior to the approval, the planning commission held a public hearing in May. In response to community concerns regarding possible impacts on local businesses and safety, Pastor Werkema requested a 90-day pause to address these issues. Despite the ministry not offering any overnight shelter services, some residents expressed fears that the relocation might lead to increased loitering, crime, and drug-related activities in the area.
As the discussion unfolded, reactions from residents varied widely. Some community members supported the move, recognizing the essential services provided by Matthew’s House, while others voiced strong objections. A local resident and property owner, Ed Ladwig, highlighted his concerns about the presence of the homeless population, recounting his experience of contacting law enforcement multiple times regarding related issues. Contrasting this perspective, volunteers and supporters of Matthew’s House pointed out that individuals experiencing homelessness already reside in the surrounding area and require access to necessary services.
Houston Moyer, a notable opponent and owner of a property management firm, has taken an active stance against the relocation, promoting the notion that Matthew’s House would transform the area into a “crime hub.” In response to this sentiment, Werkema has defended the organization, asserting it has successfully maintained safety and cooperated with police to resolve previous issues.
The new facility on Leonard Street, which was formerly occupied by a thrift store, was considered strategically advantageous due to its proximity to public transportation, which will facilitate access to services for clients. The expansion will necessitate construction to include additional bathrooms, showers, and a kitchen. However, as of now, a building permit has not been submitted for this work.
Matthew’s House plans to bolster its services at the new location, including the hiring of additional counselors. To mitigate concerns regarding loitering and community safety, the ministry is also set to implement heightened security measures. The community remains divided, with some residents arguing that the benefits of the proposed services greatly outweigh any potential drawbacks, while others believe it could hinder ongoing improvements in the local area.
A public hearing will be scheduled on May 8 to engage the community in further discussions surrounding the relocation of Matthew’s House. The planning commission has emphasized the importance of considering all perspectives as they move forward with the approval process. The outcome remains to be seen as the community grapples with the implications of a larger facility set to serve some of its most vulnerable populations.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Some oppose expansion of Grand Rapids mission Matthews House
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- MLive: Grand Rapids approves rescue mission’s expansion plan after neighborhood pushback
- Google Search: Matthew’s House Ministry Grand Rapids
- WOODTV: Residents discuss potential move of Matthew’s House
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Fox17: Grand Rapids rescue mission’s proposed relocation sparks neighborhood debate
- Google News: Grand Rapids Matthew’s House ministry
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids board delays vote on homeless service center’s move to Leonard Street
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
