The Kzoo POD Community continues to search for a place the unhoused can call home
Progress is being made in finding a home for the POD community for the unhoused. Here's the latest.
Al Jones's Latest Articles
Kalamazoo’s Jamauri Bogan, former WMU running back, now running a business and scoring with Zone 32
Real estate developer Jamauri Bogan, 26, is creating an affordable housing and commercial project on the Northside that is "outward-focused and centered around serving people." Zone 32 takes its name from the number Bogan wore in football. He says the sport taught him the power of “we” rather than “me.”
Kalamazoo chocolate shop expands its sweet spot to help those rebuilding their lives
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Al Jones visits Confections with Convictions to catch up with owner Dale Anderson. The local sweet shop launched in 2010 with a mission to employ youth with criminal convictions. Thirteen years later, Anderson, 70, is preparing to hand over the reins to an employee, Jennifer Fakkety, who wants to expand the shop’s employment to include those of any age who are experiencing substance use disorder and are in recovery or 12-step programs.
Kalamazoo organization recognizes Judge Tiffany Ankley and others as Trailblazers of HOPE
“You have to listen to them. You have to see them. You have to hear them. It’s not a one size-fits-all system,” says Judge Tiffany Ankley, who, along with other individuals and one organization, was recently honored as a Trailblazer of HOPE, a tribute bestowed on those whose work is instrumental in preserving Drug Treatment Court and recovery-oriented services.
Kalamazoo Public Safety’s Community Service Team looks to build relationships with the unhoused
KDPS Sgt. Amil Alwan says Public Safety doesn’t have all the answers to homelessness or how to address those suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and other issues. But officers say, “If we build the connections with the community services providers that we have in this area, we can have a unit that can have a hand-off with those other services to help do long-term solutions to these issues.”
Downpayment Assistance in Kalamazoo expands to help more people buy homes
As the affordable housing crisis continues, some Kalamazoo organizations are finding new ways to provide downpayment assistance to help first-time home buyers purchase a new home.
Kalamazoo County Housing Millage portal opens for creative new solutions
In a move to consolidate housing funding requests for housing, the Kalamazoo County Housing's AmpliFund Portal is seeking to become a one-stop funding source for ARPA and county resources.
Kalamazoo’s neighborhood activator plans to be very active this year
Kalamazoo's Neighborhood Activator Jacqueline Slaby is taking her title seriously by activating city current neighborhood plans and seeking to include new neighborhood plans, like Stuart and Westwood.
2023 outlook: Local leaders hope to tackle three of Kalamazoo’s toughest problems
As 2023 gets underway, Kalamazoo leaders have some hopes and plans for the community and a common vision for housing, safety, and equity.
Milestone Senior Services helps elders stay in homes — one furnace, handrail, and ramp at a time
Milestone Senior Services administers several programs and services to help seniors and the disabled live independently, including home repairs and the installation of safety features. “They really care,” one senior says. “A lot of people might come in and do something. But these people really care.”
