Proposed Homeless Housing Facility Planned for Burton St
Degage Ministries plans to convert a 4.3-acre site to house 36 people as it seeks a zoning amendment in Grand Rapids.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Apartments
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Degage Ministries has entered an agreement to purchase a 4.3-acre site on Burton Street SE to develop housing for 36 chronically homeless individuals. The organization is currently seeking a Planned Redevelopment District amendment from the city of Grand Rapids for the proposed project.
Why it matters
This expansion aims to provide stable housing and supportive services for residents with complex needs. It follows the opening of the organization's first transitional housing facility earlier this year, marking a continued effort to address local homelessness through specialized property development.
The proposed site at 660 and 670 Burton St. SE spans 4.3 acres, significantly larger than the organization's existing transitional housing footprint. The facility aims to accommodate 36 residents, expanding on the 25 women currently served at the Heartside Landings facility.
The players
Degage Ministries
A social services provider that operates transitional housing facilities and provides support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Bethany Christian Services
A social services organization that previously purchased the Burton Street property in 2019.
The details
Degage Ministries plans to renovate the first three floors of the Burton Street property to ensure each living unit includes a private bathroom. The organization is currently gathering input from local neighborhood groups and navigating the city's Planned Redevelopment District amendment process. A portion of the 4.3-acre site may also be repurposed for market-rate townhomes as part of the broader site development.
Timeline
Bethany Christian Services purchased the property in 2019.
Degage opened its Heartside Landings facility in early 2024.
Renovations for the new site could begin in early 2027.
Money Landscape
This development reflects a broader local trend of repurposing existing commercial or institutional real estate to expand supportive housing capacity. It follows the model established by the organization's opening of Heartside Landings in early 2024 to address the persistent local demand for stable housing.
The potential conversion of this site involves a mix of specialized housing and market-rate development, which may shift the local housing supply for neighboring properties. Residents near Burton Street SE should monitor upcoming city planning meetings regarding the Planned Redevelopment District amendment for details on construction impacts.
The takeaway
This acquisition represents a significant expansion of the city's specialized housing infrastructure. Readers interested in local land use should track the progress of the site's zoning amendment as the organization prepares for potential interior renovations in 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the local rental and housing market, explore Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOODTV.
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Do you support converting existing neighborhood properties into permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless?
