BLESS THE CITY

September 8-13, 2025

Our community thrives when we come together. Grand Rapids flourishes through compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving one another.

Bless the City is a week-long celebration of service happening September 8-13, 2025. The week kicks off with a community-wide celebration on September 8th highlighting what makes Grand Rapids great, showcasing the work already underway, and launching our volunteer mobilization efforts. Throughout the week, we'll focus on three critical areas, Housing, Education, and Transportation, to create visible, lasting change in the Madison Neighborhood and beyond.

Where We’re Making an Impact

Housing

Creating a safe, dignified neighborhood where families can thrive and communities can grow stronger.

Block beautification projects

Landscaping and neighborhood improvements

Education

Empowering our youth through learning opportunities that build skills, confidence, and hope for the future.

Summer reading and tutoring programs

After-school programming support

Mentoring opportunities

Transportation

Breaking down barriers to mobility so everyone can access jobs, education, healthcare, and community resources.

Auto repair assistance

Bicycle refurbishment and distribution

Alternative transportation support

Transforming Grand Rapids Together

Bless the City is more than a week of service, it's a movement rooted in love for our neighbors and a belief that thriving communities are built through unity, action, and faith. Together, we're focusing on three critical areas, Housing, Education, and Transportation, to create visible, lasting change in the Madison Neighborhood and beyond.

We believe that by mobilizing our collective resources, talents, and time, we can create lasting positive change for Grand Rapids. When we serve together, we not only transform the lives of those we help, but we also strengthen the bonds that make our community special.

How You Can Get Involved

We’re calling on churches, organizations, and individuals to step up and serve in ways big and small.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Organize a service group from your church or organization

  • Choose to serve once, on multiple days, or the entire week

  • Serve before Bless the City Week by joining ongoing projects this summer

  • Provide a church or org contact person to help coordinate

We have three types of service groups:

  1. One-Time Projects: Groups of 5–100 people serving once

  2. Recurring Groups: Serving several times across summer

  3. Education Volunteers: Small teams or individuals helping regularly with reading and tutoring

    Timeline:

    July 2025: Pre-event service projects launch

    September 8-13, 2025: Bless the City week with daily volunteer opportunities

Join the Movement

Ready to help transform Grand Rapids? Use the form below to let us know how your church or organization wants to get involved.

Our Partners

Bless the City is a united effort of churches, nonprofits, and community groups working together for lasting change in Grand Rapids. Your church or organization can join this city-wide movement—whether through volunteers, resources, or expertise. Every contribution matters.