“The SHARE Center is the last hope for many people, and the organization faces a very real threat of de-funding by the Federal government, which will result in more needless suffering, more death."
In Kalamazoo County. Incomes have risen 19% since 2019 — but housing prices are up 46%. Finding housing that doesn’t break the bank used to be a problem for low-income folks. Now, even households with a decent salary are in a pinch. Kalamazoo County is not alone — its housing woes are a microcosm of the nationwide housing crisis.
“We’re more powerful as a county and can have more of an impact by having all these talented, smart, dedicated people collaborating on these issues,” John Carmichael says.
En el condado de Kalamazoo. Los ingresos han aumentado un 19% desde 2019, pero los precios de la vivienda han subido un 46%. Encontrar una vivienda que no cueste mucho dinero solía ser un problema para las personas de bajos ingresos. Ahora, incluso los hogares con un salario decente están en apuros. El condado de Kalamazoo no está solo: sus problemas de vivienda son un microcosmos de la crisis inmobiliaria a nivel nacional.
«Somos más poderosos como condado y podemos tener un mayor impacto al tener a todas estas personas talentosas, inteligentes y dedicadas colaborando en estos temas», dice John Carmichael.
Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff, peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health.
"What I've noticed in Kalamazoo is, the city has been taking action to make some changes that in the short term some people might find uncomfortable, but in the long term are going to set the city on course for more vitality, more health, more equity, and I would say more happiness for the people who choose to live here."
Local equity leaders remain steadfast while tackling questions of what's next for DEI and racial healing. “Fearmongering and overwhelm are deliberate tactics meant to discourage progress — but we refuse to be derailed. We are committed to moving forward."
“Some are standalone organizations and some are individuals who want to do great work in the community but don’t have the capacity to build out an organization around their work. These folks are able to do these different projects, have relationships with their donors, and get educated about philanthropy through this work. We want to give them as much autonomy as possible."
Michigan has long faced a critical shortage of mental health professionals, impacting access to vital care for communities across the state. To address this growing challenge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Behavioral Health Now Loan Repayment Program, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and retaining mental health professionals by alleviating the financial burden of student loans.
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