KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County officials still plan to open a 60-plus unit homeless shelter somewhere near Kalamazoo, but it might not be at the originally announced site.
Even though the county said October 1 that they planned to buy the Holiday Inn Express and Suites at 3630 East Cork Street for $4.5 million, that deal hasn’t been finalized yet. In fact, Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman John Taylor told MLive this week the county is looking at all options for the new shelter. He wouldn’t say whether the Holiday Inn is a still an option.
Last week, county commissioners passed a motion after a closed session to direct Kalamazoo County Housing Director Mary Balkema to continue negotiations to find a site
Kalamazoo County is providing $3.5 million for the project, while the city of Kalamazoo agreed to $1.2 million and the city of Portage is putting in $500,000. The $5.2 million total is intended purchase of a property and fund operations.
Officials have said the project is intended to help meet the shortage of emergency and residential shelter space for families with children. Supportive services will include case management, employment support, and assistance with finding permanent affordable housing.
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