News Summary
Matthew’s House, a rescue mission for the homeless in Grand Rapids, faces opposition over its proposed move to 1050 Leonard St. NW. Local resident Houston Moyer expresses concerns that the new location could harm his business and falsely labels the mission. Despite criticism, Pastor George Werkema emphasizes the positive services offered by Matthew’s House. A public hearing on the matter is set for May 8, indicating that community opinions are divided on the relocation’s potential impact.
Matthew’s House Faces Pushback Over New Location in Grand Rapids
In the heart of Grand Rapids, Matthew’s House, a well-known rescue mission focused on aiding the homeless community, is in the midst of a heated dispute over its plans to relocate to 1050 Leonard St. NW. Currently stationed at 766 7th St. NW, Matthew’s House is seeking a change of scenery to expand its services and offer more support to those in need.
Local Concerns Brew
However, not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat for this ambitious move. Enter Houston Moyer, a neighboring property owner who is in the middle of renovating a commercial building right next to the proposed new site. Moyer is notably against this relocation, fearing that the presence of Matthew’s House will deter potential customers from his business and negatively impact the local economy.
In an effort to express his disapproval, Moyer has taken some rather eye-catching actions, including parking a semitruck adorned with a “Say no to Matthew’s House” banner right by the location. He’s also been busy distributing postcards that label the rescue mission as a “crime hub,” claiming that it attracts individuals with criminal backgrounds and sex offenders.
What Matthew’s House Offers
On the flip side of this controversy is Pastor George Werkema, the founder of Matthew’s House, who strongly defends the mission and its positive community contributions. The services offered at Matthew’s House are extensive, including hot meals, clothing, life skills training, educational opportunities, and a food pantry to help those struggling in the community. It’s crucial to note that the proposed Leonard Street location will not serve as an overnight shelter, which has been a point of concern for Moyer.
The Community Weighs In
A public hearing regarding Matthew’s House’s request for a special land use permit is set to take place at 1 p.m. on May 8 at Grand Rapids City Hall. Expect a sizeable turnout as the community discusses the potential implications of such a move. Prior to that meeting, the West Grand Neighborhood Organization is hosting a community discussion on April 28 at the proposed site to gather input from residents.
So far, the response to Matthew’s House’s proposal has been mixed. Seven letters submitted to the planning commission show a divide among the public: four supporting the effort and three opposing it. Moyer didn’t stop there, as he submitted an impressive total of 86 additional letters voicing his opposition to the permit request.
Some folks in the community, like Lisa Mueller, believe that the new location could disrupt the growth of the burgeoning commercial corridor. These residents are pushing for businesses that cater more to local consumers, such as salons or restaurants, instead of a rescue mission.
Supporters of Matthew’s House
However, not everyone sees the move in a negative light. Community member Seth Moore has expressed support for Matthew’s House, advocating the idea that such missions are an integral part of a thriving and inclusive community. The challenge lies in balancing the needs of the homeless population with the interests of local businesses.
Concerns About Safety and Management
Moyer is clear about his intentions; he’s not against helping homeless individuals but is worried about the management practices of Matthew’s House and the incidents that have been reported at their current location. He even made a Freedom of Information Act request to reveal police call logs associated with Matthew’s House, revealing over 300 calls related to various issues, ranging from assault and disorderly conduct to substance abuse.
While Werkema acknowledges that there have been police calls, he emphasizes that many originated from disputes among the mission’s patrons rather than indicating rampant criminal activity.
A Good Neighbor Plan?
In an effort to ease concerns, Matthew’s House has drawn up a “Good Neighbor Plan”, which includes proposals for enhanced security measures like cameras and dedicated clean-up crews around the area. Moyer has suggested that perhaps Matthew’s House should reconsider its choice of location, proposing a more industrial area rather than a prime business district.
As the community gears up for this public hearing, it’s clear that the discussion surrounding Matthew’s House’s relocation will continue to ignite debate and involvement from all corners of Grand Rapids.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Businessman Sends 1000 Postcards Attacking Expansion of Grand Rapids Homeless Shelter
- Google Search: Matthew’s House Grand Rapids
- WOOD TV: Grand Rapids Nonprofit Looks to Move, Drawing Mixed Reactions
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Matthews House Ministry Breaks Ground on Rent-to-Own Home for Program Graduates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Mix 95.7: Chase Matthew Invites Young Fan
- Google News: Grand Rapids Homeless Shelter
