KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The number of homeless people in Kalamazoo County is up.
An annual one-night survey found 127 more people without somewhere to call home compared to 2024, and it is the highest overall number recorded since 2011.
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care’s annual Point-in-Time survey took place January 23 and counted 791 homeless people, including 176 children.
Of those who were counted, 709 were in shelters or transitional housing and 82 were unsheltered. Officials say that is up 19% from 2024 when 664 homeless people were counted.
Kalamazoo County CoC director Patrese Griffin says the number “is a snapshot of homelessness in our county” and adds it helps them to better understand the causes and complexity of the issue.
The annual survey counts people who are in an emergency shelter, transitional housing or safe haven and would otherwise be unsheltered; and those who aren’t in a shelter and spend the night in a public place not intended for human habitation. The PIT count does not include those who stay in a friend or relative’s home.
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