KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — An area homeless shelter is planning a multi-million dollar expansion to accommodate the needs of women and children using their facilities.
The Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries offers both an emergency shelter and long-term support for homeless populations in the city. The group says an increase in the number of homeless families has stressed existing support services and space in its buildings.
The new $10 million dollar building for women and children will replace a previous center on the property that was vacated after officials noticed issues with health and safety. The building has no longer been in use completely since a fire broke out in the summer of 2018.
After two years, the facility which houses an average of 325 people per given night, has been feeling the pain of tight quarters as the men’s section has had to hold additional women and children. Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries reports that they serve 80% of Kalamazoo’s homeless population.
Leaders from the ministry hope the construction of the new wing will provide a more welcoming and productive space for those entering its care. The number of women and children as a share of the homeless population has increased nationally in the past decade, with state health officials attributing the rise to a lack of affordable housing and access to rent subsidies.
The project, mostly funded by private donations and foundation awarded grants, will feature a 4,700-square-foot building that will feature apartment style rooms for women with children, as well as an emergency ward with cots for temporary residents.
Construction is scheduled to start in spring of 2020 and finish up the following year, around May of 2021.
