KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo city officials and police officers were back in an area near a recently closed homeless encampment Wednesday as a group of people had returned and were staying across from the site.
Mayor David Anderson and Chief Vernon Coakley were there, in person, telling homeless residents to leave by 5:00 p.m. originally. They eventually moved the deadline to Thursday, to give more time for the city to help people secure resources.
Anderson says that despite available options, there are still a few homeless residents refusing to pursue them. The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission says between 150 to 200 beds are usually available every night, but some homeless residents cite various reasons for not wanting to go there, such as strict rules, how they’re treated, and not being allowed to have pets.
The deadline for folks to be out of the area Thursday has not been reported, but Chief Coakley says once it’s in effect, violators could be arrested for trespassing.
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