GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two homeless advocacy nonprofits in Grand Rapids are merging.
Mel Trotter Ministries and Heartside Ministry officially merged at the start of 2020 after working together over the last few years.
Officials say the change will reduce operating costs, prevent the potential duplication of services and create a bigger impact for the people they serve. The merger wont impact services or jobs by either organization.
“Both organizations have always shared the belief that demonstrating the compassion of Jesus toward anyone experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty is what we’re called to do, so we want to be the best stewards of the assets we have to fulfill that mission,” Mel Trotter Ministries chief executive officer Dennis Van Kampen said in a release. “The neighbors and guests of our respective agencies will benefit from this move.”
Officials estimate it will take most of the year to figure out the best approach to combine the services offered by each organization.
Heartside Ministry will keep its name and current location at 54 Division Ave. Officials anticipate an eventual move for Heartside Ministry’s staff to Mel Trotter’s headquarters.
