KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Plans for a transitional family shelter for the homeless are back on again. The Kalamazoo County board has now approved a purchase agreement with a southeast side motel.
Last night, after a closed session, they took a vote to buy the former Country Inn and Suites at 1912 East Kilgore Service Road.
Chair Jen Strebs says anyone who has been outdoors this week realizes the need.
She says the facility will eventually put a roof over the heads of 80 homeless families.
Kalamazoo County and the cities of Portage and Kalamazoo have so far allocated $5.2-million to this project.
County vice chair John Taylor says it will take more intergovernmental collaboration to address the county’s housing shortage.
Overall homelessness is up 30% in the county since 2023.
There are over 1,700 homeless students in Kalamazoo County, most of them going to Kalamazoo Public Schools. Portage Public schools has seen their student homelessness go up 82% this year, and the homeless enrollment has nearly doubled in Comstock schools.
The new location, just east of Sprinkle Road on Kilgore, has access to major roads and the Metro Transit System and local agencies will be providing additional services to help the residents improve their lives and find more permanent housing.
County Administrator/Controller Kevin Catlin says “Every child deserves the security of knowing where they will sleep at night, and this shelter will ensure that safety while empowering parents with resources to rebuild their lives.”
They had come close to a deal to purchase the Holiday Inn Express on Kilgore late last year, but couldn’t reach a final agreement.
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