Michigan’s New $5.65 Million Homeless Shelter Set to Open This Summer!

Posted on February 5, 2025February 5, 2025 by Yvonne Scott

3 min read

Race Day Live Homelessness is a big issue in America, and Michigan has been struggling with it more than ever. While some people choose this way of life, many are forced into it due to tough circumstances.

In a country with so many resources, it’s crucial to make sure everyone has access to basic needs like food, water, clothing, and shelter.

To address this crisis, the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage have teamed up to open a new homeless shelter.

This shelter will focus on helping families without stable housing, offering them a safe place to stay while they get back on their feet.

Here are five important things to know about the upcoming shelter:

1. Location and Renovations

The new shelter will be located at the current Country Inn & Suites at 1912 E. Kilgore Service Road, near the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. The hotel will close by the end of February for renovations.

2. Opening Timeline

The county will officially take ownership of the property in June, and the shelter is expected to open this summer.

Before opening, officials will finalize preparations, ensure all compliance requirements are met, and select an operator experienced in running housing programs for homeless families.

3. Project Funding

The total cost of purchasing and upgrading the property is $5.65 million. Funding comes from multiple sources:

Kalamazoo County approved $3.5 million for the project.

The city of Kalamazoo contributed $1.2 million.

The city of Portage added $500,000.

The remaining $450,000 will be covered by county housing millage funds.

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4. A Long-Term Community Effort

Local leaders, residents, and organizations have been working for years to find ways to support homeless individuals in Kalamazoo County.

This shelter is part of a larger plan to provide safe and sustainable housing for those in need.

5. Change of Plans from an Earlier Location

Initially, officials planned to purchase a Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 3630 E. Cork St. for the shelter. However, they later decided on the Country Inn & Suites, as it is a larger property.

The Holiday Inn was built in 2000 and has 38,469 square feet, while the Country Inn, built in 1966, offers 46,328 square feet—making it a better choice for housing more families.

This project is a step forward in addressing Michigan’s homelessness crisis. With the combined efforts of local governments and community support, this shelter will provide much-needed help for families struggling to find a place to stay.

Reference

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Yvonne Scott http://race-day-live.com

Yvonne Scott is a highly skilled content writer and editor, renowned for her ability to craft engaging, well-researched, and meticulously polished
content. With an eye for detail and a passion for clarity, Yvonne excels at transforming complex ideas into accessible and compelling narratives. Her writing not only informs but also captivates, making her an invaluable asset to any team.
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