KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – There are concerns about what will happen to the homeless residents who will soon be forced out of an improvised encampment off Ampersee Avenue in Kalamazoo.
Several citizens urged the City Commission to intervene during a virtual meeting Monday night, asking about where they will go and how their needs will be met once those evictions take place.
The city announced last week that they plan to evict those residents by September 30 because conditions at the camp have deteriorated, making it unhealthy and even dangerous to be there.
“[There are] risks to health and safety of the residents,” Deputy City Manager Laura Lam said. “We’re seeing quite a bit of spikes in aggravated assaults, we’re seeing an increase in drug issues, we’re seeing tents being set on fire.”
Lam says the Gospel Mission will be opening 200 new beds next month, and several agencies are working one-on-one with the homeless.
“For those that are not able to seek services at a shelter, what I understand, Housing Resources Incorporated is looking to see if we are able to utilize any other resources for alternative placements,” Lam said.
She says ultimately, the city can only make the options available, and it’s up to the homeless residents to decide what they are going to do.
— John McNeil and Brandon James contributed to this reporting —
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