Heartside monitors provide aid info

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Several organizations in the Heartside Neighborhood have cooperated to install video monitors that will provide impoverished residents with important information.

The not-for-profit, 24-hour Heartside-Downtown Electronic Communications System (H-DECS) is sponsored by Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project (HNCP) and will kick off Tuesday.

Among the information provided on the video monitors will be details about Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous meetings; legal advice; where to obtain food and clothing; state identification processing and shelter details, according to HNCP.

"The purpose of the H-DECS program is to increase communication in the Heartside Neighborhood among clients, neighbors, patrons and nonprofit organizations," said Bethlehem Church pastor Jay Schrimpf, who led the H-DECS program. "We are hopeful this program addresses two primary needs in the area: Too many people who are in need do not know all the resources currently available in Heartside, and too many people visiting the neighborhood do not know where to refer people in need."

An HNCP program coordinator will update the information displayed on the H-DECS each day.

Nine locations are currently signed up to display an H-DECS monitor in exterior windows and interior gathering spaces:

• Bethlehem Church
• Cathedral of Saint Andrew
• Degage Ministries
• First United Methodist Church
• God's Kitchen
• Grand Rapids Public Library
• Guiding Light Mission
• Heart of West Michigan United Way
• Heartside Ministry

Operating costs will be free for host locations during the first year. After that, the host locations will cover the $200 to $300 per year costs.

The Grand Rapids Development Authority grand HNCP $8,000 to purchase equipment and software. The Catholic Charities West Michigan's Catholic Campaign for Human Development donated $3,800 for first-year costs. $4,000 in private donations from individuals and congregations was also raised to cover first-year costs.

--

Online:

Heartside Neighborhood Collaboration Project

Provide an announcement to be distributed via H-DECS (pdf)

Volunteer to host an H-DECS