High construction costs, low rates of construction, increased demand from a growing population, and housing costs that are increasing faster than wages, all contribute to the shortage and to affordability issues in Kalamazoo, according to the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
The $26 million housing project involves the construction of two, three-story buildings -- a 36,000-square-foot northern structure with 36 apartment units, and a 33,000-square-foot southern structure with 34 units.
The City of Kalamazoo is working with and through various organizations to help provide more housing opportunities. With the additional funding approved this week for housing programs the city is helping to maintain and improve existing housing.
People who are transitioning from a domestic crisis have a tough time finding a place for themselves let alone their dogs, cats, and other pets. Now the Kalamazoo Humane Society is exploring the possibility of providing a place for such animals.
Through city and federal grants, and cost-saving measures, a local landlord keeps rent low, provides housing security, and hopes to make a small dent in Kalamazoo's housing crisis. Jake Tardani's been called a landlord with a mission.
When it comes to home buying a lot of people have no idea how to get started. To help change that, Kalamazoo Realtor Twala Lockett-Jones has authored a book that provides the steps necessary to buy a house in very simple terms. "I wanted to find a way to educate people at a younger age, especially people of color, about home ownership and the importance of home ownership," she says.
At one point, in a one-bedroom apartment on Vine Street Kathy White had seven kids living in that one-bedroom apartment. Her family members had nowhere else to live and so she took the in. Many local residents double-up because the housing market makes it hard to find affordable housing.
Kalamazoo Collective Housing will open two new houses in the fall and is currently accepting applications.
Advocacy for fair housing policies and personal experience with homelessness will serve Patrese Griffin well in new role as head of Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care.
Like most communities, Kalamazoo has struggled for decades with homelessness. There are an array of government and nonprofit agencies and services focused on the problem. But they are not alone. Some members of the area’s faith community are also deeply involved. They include the First United Methodist Church in downtown Kalamazoo.
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