GRACE's Programs:

GRACE is a religious, non-profit organization whose volunteers and staff provide educational, advocacy and social justice programs. Through a collaborative and inclusive style, we focus on issues of hunger, homelessness, racial justice, poverty, restorative justice and transportation. GRACE invites and recruits the participation and financial support of people from throughout the community, according to their own interest, conscience or tradition.

Alleviating Hunger

Hunger Walk
Tens of thousands of walkers have raised more then $5.3 million dollars in thirty-two years of Hunger Walks in response to local and worldwide need. Funds are distributed for pantry assistance, emergency meals, after school tutoring snacks, community gardening tools, assistance for seniors and international development programs. Throughout the year we provide education, distribution of funds and planning for the annual walk the first Saturday in May.

Housing the Homeless

The Congregational Partnership Program with the Coalition to End Homelessness (CPP)
GRACE is partnering with the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness to encourage area congregations to participate in the “housing first” approach by providing financial support for rent assistance and establishing relationships with households who are homeless. The goal is to prevent homelessness and support permanent housing. Congregations may provide a volunteer contribution (team of individuals who will work with a household), household materials and /or volunteer support to assist a household with moving into a permanent residence, or they may make a financial contribution to the Congregational Partnership Fund held by GRACE.

Healing Racism

Racial Justice Institute (RJI)
The GRACE Racial Justice Institute provides a focus for mobilizing persons within the religious community and greater Grand Rapids area to respond to issues of racial justice by building congregational partnerships, providing Institutes for Healing Racism (2 day Community or 8 week Faith Based), and by inviting the larger community to join in the effort to eliminate racism through organizational standards and assessments provided by the Partners for a Racism-Free Community initiative.